Camping Guide for New Families

Tents

• Bring Your Own Tent: Each family brings their own tent. When choosing a size, halve the manufacturer’s suggested capacity (e.g., a 4-person tent fits 2 people and their gear comfortably).

• Buying a Tent: If you're purchasing used, check for damage and make sure all poles are included. For new tents, affordable options include Ozark Trail (Walmart), Coleman, and Core Equipment (Amazon or Costco). Prime Day and Black Friday often have good deals on tents.

4 Person Coleman Tent 

6 Person Coleman Tent

8 Person Ozark Trail Tent 

10 Person Core Tent 

• Waterproof Ground Cover or Plastic Tarp: You need a ground cover that is just smaller than the footprint of your tent. This acts as a waterproof barrier between the bottom of your tent and the ground. Many brands sell ground covers that correspond with their tents.

Camping Pad or Cot

• Choose Based on Comfort: Whether you choose a sleeping pad, cot, or air mattress, make sure it fits inside your tent. DO NOT skip this item! It will make or break your sleeping comfort. Most of our campsites do not have access to power so keep this in mind if your pad or air mattress requires inflating.

Kids Adults

Budget Option Klymit Camping Pad 

Non-Budget Option Gear Doctors Sleeping Pad

Aboron Cot & Pad Combo 

**Splurge, but worth it!** Nemo Sleeping Pad 

Sleeping Bags

• Temperature Rating: Choose a bag rated for 15-20° colder than the expected overnight temperature. If a bag is rated for 40°F, it’s likely comfortable around 55-60°F. For the majority of our Pack campouts, a sleeping bag rated for 20-30°F should be sufficient.

Coleman 20/30°F Sleeping Bag 

Siesta Hooded Sleeping Bag  

• Stay Warm: Combine your sleeping bag with a good pad or cot for warmth. Bring extra blankets and wear warm clothes even to sleep, including a hat, for cooler nights. Don’t forget your pillow!

Clothing

• Pack for the Weather: Check the forecast and pack accordingly. Scouts love to get dirty and wet, so pack extra clothes and shoes. For most campouts, scouts wear their Class B t-shirts during the day and their Class A uniform for ceremonies. Parents can purchase adult Pack shirts if they wish.

• Closed-toed shoes are always required in camp.

• Layers, layers, layers: Bring lots of layers. Be able to dress warmly at night (even when sleeping). Extra socks, thermals, beanies, hooded sweatshirts, etc. Nights can get COLD, even if the days are hot.

Camping Chair

• Bring a Chair: Chairs for each family member are recommended. Families often bring them or move them around for campfires, ceremonies, or just plain socializing. Campsites typically have picnic tables for meals.

Amazon Basics Option 

Coleman Basic Option 

Available in Every Color of the Rainbow 

Rocking Camp Chair with optional Sun Shade 

Cookware

• Pack Provides Food: The Pack will provide food, cookware, plates, cups, and utensils. You may want to bring your own mug for hot drinks and definitely a refillable water bottle.  All our campsites have access to water. Families bring their own (non-alcoholic) drinks of choice for the weekend.

• Cooler or Ice Chest: For your own personal drinks or snacks. The Pack provides meals only. 

Igloo Cooler on Wheels

` *Splurge* The Cadillac of Coolers 

• Bottled Water or Beverages: Bring any non-alcoholic beverages and/or bottled water. Water is available from camp spigots.

Flashlights

• One Per Person: Each camper should have a flashlight. Headlamps are often preferred by kids, but remind them to avoid shining lights in people’s faces. You can get cheap multi-packs at Lowes, Home Depot, or Amazon.

5 Pack of Headlamps (2-Pack options also available) 

First Aid Kit

• Pack the Essentials: Bring a small first aid kit with items like bite/sting ointment, pain relievers, and any family-specific medications.

Shower Items

• One-Night Camping: Most campers do not shower during one-night campouts, but pack toiletries and a laundry bag for dirty clothes. Some campsites have access to shower, some do not.

Bug Spray, Sunscreen, and Hat

• Essentials: Each person should have their own bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat.

Day Pack

• For Activities: Bring a daypack or backpack for your scout(s) to carry snacks, a water bottle, and the Cub Scout Six Essentials while hiking or during activities. We want the SCOUTS to carry their own Cub Scout 6 Essentials, not the parents.

Basic option with lots of pockets 

Good for Smaller Kids (<4') 

Bigger Kids with Hydration Bladder Option 

Pocketknives

• For Eligible Scouts Only: Only Bear Scouts, Webelos, or Arrow of Light Scouts who have completed their current rank's Knife Safety adventure can carry pocketknives.

Campfires

• Provided by the Pack: The Pack provides firewood and supplies. You can help by collecting dryer lint in a Ziploc bag for fire starters. Note: Cub Scouts are not allowed to start or tend fires.

Alcohol and Tobacco

• Alcohol: Alcohol is prohibited at all Scouting events, including camping.

• Tobacco: Tobacco and vaping products are prohibited at all Pack 818 events, including camping.