Campout Guide
Campouts are an opportunity for cub scouts to make lasting memories with their families and to deepen their friendships with the other scouts in their dens and the pack. Kindergarten through 3rd grade scouts can take part in pack campouts while 4th and 5th grade scouts can take part in both pack and den campouts.
Pack 98 wants these campouts to be a fun, easy way to experience camping for the scouts. Below are some frequently asked questions as well as a sample packing list and typical schedule.
FAQs
Does my scout have to attend a campout?
Generally no. While camping is a great experience for scouts, it is not required for Kindergarten through 4th Grade. Scouts in 5th Grade are required to do one campout as part of their transition to a Scouts BSA troop.
What do we drink?
Water, juice and coffee are provided by the pack. You are welcome to bring any other drinks you would like.
Will there be a bathroom?
Do I have to attend the full campout?
Yes. Cub scouts are only allowed to camp at locations that have a functioning toilet or portapotty.
No. While most families stay overnight, we DO have many SOME scouts who will just attend for a day and then leave after our evening campfire. If you need to leave please make sure that pack leadership knows when you leave.
We are still trying to figure out if we like scouting, can we camp with you without registering?
No. Scouting America requires that all overnight cub scout campers must be paid and registered with Scouting America and have a health form on file with the pack leadership. Parents/guardians and siblings that come to the campout also need to have a health form on file with the pack.
What if I don't have any camping equipment?
There is no requirement to buy a ton of fancy equipment. We work with parents to try and remove barriers to camping and if you need equipment the pack has some things to lend out and families often share their excess equipment with other families.
Where do we sleep?
How much does a campout cost?
Families will bring their own tents. While we often have a cabin available for new campers, it is not a guarantee. We follow Scouting America’s tenting rules which means youth never share a tent with an adult they are not related to and male campers never share a tent with a female camper they are not related or married to. Youth of the same gender who are not related may share a tent as long as there is no more than a 2 year age difference.
We charge a nominal fee of around $10 per camper to cover food costs.
What do we eat?
One leader cooks three meals a day for the entire group. You only need to bring a mess kit, snacks, and a canteen cup/water bottle. We maintain a nut free menu by default. If you have other dietary needs, please talk to your den leader.
Do we camp if the weather is bad?
We camp rain or shine. If there is severe weather, we will move into a shelter, but rain does not stop a campout.
Does my scout have to wear their uniform to camp?
No. Scouts are not required to wear a uniform at pack campouts. Rules may be different for campouts sponsored by the district or council but campouts planned by Pack 98 do not require a uniform.
Extra notes for adults
- No alcohol or smoking of any kind is allowed at cub scout campouts
- All cub scouts must have a parent/guardian stay with them throughout the entire campout
- Pack leaders are all parent volunteers and will ask for your help throughout the weekend for simple tasks to help make it a memorable experience for us all
Sample Packing List
A successful campout starts with having the right gear. Beyond the basics of shelter and sleep, remember that scouts are active learners.
Essential Gear:
• Tent & Tarp: Your home away from home.
• Sleeping System: Sleeping bag (a 40-degree bag is typically sufficient), foam pad or air mattress, and a small pillow & blankets.
• Personal Basics: Change of clothes for each day (plus one extra), sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate layers (always pack an extra pair of socks!). Daily medication and a raincoat, poncho, sweatshirt, or fleece.
• Cold weather gear: Forecast dependent
• The Six Essentials In a Day Pack: First aid kit, water bottle, flashlight, snacks, sun protection, and a whistle.
• Snacks & Bug Repellant
The Pack provides group cooking gear and meals, so you only need your personal mess kit (plate, bowl, cup, spoon, fork) and a reusable water bottle.
Sample Itinerary
Our campouts are designed to balance structured activities with free time for family bonding. We follow a 'leave no trace' philosophy while ensuring scouts have a blast.
Friday Evening:
· Arrive in the evening
· Set up camp
· Pizza and movie night
· Bed on your own time
Saturday:
· 7am wakeup
· Flag Ceremony
· Welcome briefing
· Breakfast
· Morning Pack activities (e.g. fishing, hiking, field games)
· Lunch
· Afternoon Den activities (e.g. skit practice, age specific adventures)
· Dinner
· Flag ceremony
· Games/Skit practice
· Camp fire program and “Cracker barrel” (a snack)
· Bed
Sunday:
· 7am wakeup
· Breakfast
· Morning interfaith service
· Break down camp
· Leave by 10am
