Resident Camp suggested packing list
The following is a list of items to pack for your scout for his week at resident camp. Some of the more unusual items are suggestions from the “elders” who have lots of camping experience and knowledge. It’s very important to label every item with your scouts name or initials. You’d be surprised what gets lost! A very good suggestion is to pack everything in a Rubbermaid type container (camp can get rainy and mucky). Pack a days’ worth of socks, underwear and shorts in individual zipper top bags and all extras (like tee shirts) in a separate bag. Label all items and individual bag with scout’s initials.
Please do not purchase expensive or “fancy” clothes/items/gear for camp. They will come home filthy and banged up. Think sturdy and utilitarian- the boys need the experience, not the designer labels! You will find most everything you need already at home or at discount stores like Ollie’s, Kmart, Wal-Mart, Target, Sears Hardware, etc.
Your scout will need the following at check in the first day
- Health Form
- Medications if to be taken while at camp- labeled with name and dosage information
- Class A uniform shirt- leave all “dangly” items at home, including beads, neckerchief, slides etc.
- swim trunks
- sturdy sneakers or boots
- water bottle
- Backpack
- hat
As odd as it seems, your scout should wear his swim trunks under a pair of shorts when arriving at camp. After check in and orientation, he is off to take his swim test. There may not be an opportunity to go back to camp and change.
In addition to items listed above, pack:
Clothing
- daily change of socks plus one pair
- daily change of underwear plus one
- light jacket
- rain gear- poncho or waterproof jacket
- shorts
- swim trunks- see above
- 2 pair long pants- jeans, joggers or track pants
- pajamas
- Extra tee shirts - Class B scout shirts if possible. Only pack a few; most likely your scout will wear his fancy cool new camp shirt the entire week. Have a big box of Biz on hand for laundry when he gets home!
- Sturdy shoes or boots with extra shoe laces- no flip flops! Have your scout wear one pair and pack an extra. No one likes to have wet feet all week!
- Sweatshirt, pullover or vest- although not essential, it can get cold and an extra layer is nice to have- especially on cool, rainy nights.
- Hat- see above
Toiletries
Except for towels, pack everything together in a handy grab-and-go bag
- towels- one large towel (thinner the better for packing) and 2 small hand, golf, or gym type towels
- bandana- 1 or 2
- small travel size toiletries (soap, shampoo, tooth brush, toothpaste)
- sun screen
- bug repellent
- laundry bag
- baby wipes or Handi wipes
- small pack of tissues
- small first aid kit- you can find them for $1.00 in Target and Wal-mart in the travel size area. Also, Staples often has them- just ask
Gear
- Backpack- essential! School backpack or smaller is best. See above
- sleeping bag or 3 blankets
- pillow
- flashlight with extra batteries- head lamp style are a good choice
- mess kit with cup- clearly labeled and distinguishable from someone else’s. Personalized duct tape works well
- camp chair
- water bottle- a hydrated scout is a happy scout! See above
- clothes line and a few clothes pins- the Dollar Stores have these- don’t go fancy!
- fishing pole and tackle box essentials (hooks, bobbers, bait) - Pack 72 is heavy on the fishing. You may see this as optional on some lists, but it’s not for Pack 72. No need to go super expensive/fancy.
- Some money for the trading post. $10-$20 is more than enough. $1 bills are helpful. An adult leader will keep each scout’s money on hand for dispersal at the trading post. No fun having scouts lose money!
Extras
These items are not essential, but nice/fun for the Scouts to have
- Small roll of duct tape- again, check the dollar stores. Don’t bring Dad’s jumbo roll- it’s not only heavy, but too expensive to get lost.
- Carabiners- the dollar store has them in fun shapes. Also, Dicks Sporting Goods and Sears Hardware on Hamilton. They are $1 each at Sear’s Hardware. Don’t get the ones for key-fobs. Although they are the same thing, why pay triple the price?!
- A few glow sticks- good for night lights and sometimes games. Ollie’s, Dollar Store, Wal-mart and Target are all close sources.
Some scouts also bring
- Notebook and pencils/pens
- Stationary with stamps to write home/friends
- Disposable camera
- Bible or prayer book – if used on a daily basis at home