Camping

Camping with Troop 442

Adventure. Independence. Leadership. And a LOT of Fun!

Camping is at the heart of the Scouts BSA experience. It is where Scouts put their skills into action, try new things, build confidence, and learn to lead. They set up camp, cook meals, solve problems, work together, and take responsibility for making the weekend a success.

And yes, camping is FUN!

Scouts Lead. Adults Support.

Troop 442 is a Scout-led troop, which means Scouts are given the opportunity to do the work and make decisions rather than having adults step in and do things for them.

The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), an elected Scout, is responsible for leading the troop. Scouts plan the program, set up camp, prepare meals, participate in activities, and handle the many jobs that keep camp running.

Adults are there to provide guidance, supervision, and safety, but our goal is not to tell Scouts what to do. We let them learn by doing.

That means you may occasionally hear an adult say, “Ask your SPL.” That's intentional. We want Scouts to practice communicating, solving problems, making decisions, and leading their peers.

At least two trained adults are present on every campout. Adults remain actively engaged with the Scouts, but adult and Scout sleeping areas are separate. Our adult leaders maintain current safety training, including CPR/first aid and required BSA youth-protection and weather-safety training. We also carry a well-stocked first-aid kit.

Stay Connected, But Let Them Unplug

One of the best parts of camping is getting away from screens and being present with the people around you.

For weekend campouts, Scouts do not use personal electronic devices at camp. Phones and other devices may be used during travel but are secured in the vehicles once we arrive.

Please don't expect regular communication from your Scout during the weekend. That's intentional. We want them focused on the experience, their patrol, and their friends rather than their phones.

They'll be having too much fun to miss you anyway!

For longer campouts, the troop may provide a designated opportunity for Scouts to check in with family.

When Do We Camp?

We typically camp one weekend each month.

For a typical weekend campout:

Friday: Meet at the Scout Shack around 6:00 p.m. Exact time will be announced.
Sunday: Return to the Scout Shack around noon, depending on packing and travel time.
We will post an estimated arrival time in WhatsApp as the troop heads home.

Scouts travel to and from camp in Class A/Field Uniform without the neckerchief.

How much does camping cost?

A typical weekend campout costs approximately $50, which generally covers food and the camping activity. Costs may vary depending on the destination and activity.

Summer Camp is typically ~ $400, although the final cost depends on the camp and program selected.

Scouts also have opportunities to fundraise throughout the year. Participating in fundraising can help cover camping and Summer Camp expenses while teaching an important part of the Scout Law: A Scout is Thrifty.

What do you need to do before your scouts first camp out?

Before Your Scout's First Campout

Every Scout must have a current BSA Annual Health and Medical Record on file.

Parts A & B are required before participating in your first campout, along with a copy of your insurance card and immunization record.
Part C, including a physical examination, is required for Summer Camp and high-adventure activities.
Medical forms must be updated annually.

BSA Annual Health and Medical Record

All adults attending campouts must be registered with the troop and have the required BSA training, including Youth Protection Training and weather-safety training.

What do you need to buy and pack?

Helpful Packing Lists

Normal Weekend Camping Checklist

Cold Weather Camping Checklist

Summer Camp Checklist
See the Participant Guide.

Winter Camp Checklist
See the Participant Guide.

Packing requirements may vary depending on the campsite and activity, so always check the specific information provided for your campout.

A Few Important Packing Tips

Pack a sack dinner for Friday night. Scouts can eat it during the trip to camp.
Use a duffle bag or hiking backpack rather than a suitcase. Suitcases aren't practical at a campsite.
Let your Scout pack their own bag. They need to know where their gear is and learn how to prepare for themselves. Parents can check the bag afterward, but the Scout should own the process.
Bring a reusable water bottle, mess kit or reusable plate/bowl/cup, and silverware.
Bring a sleeping bag and sleeping pad. A pillow is optional.
The troop provides tents. Please do not bring a personal tent. Scouts will tent with at least one other Scout.
A folding camp chair is helpful for campfires and relaxing around camp.
If bringing insect repellent, please use non-aerosol products.
For water activities, bring a modest swimsuit or appropriate quick-dry clothing, a towel, and real water shoes, not flip-flops.
Pocket knives are permitted only after the Scout has earned their Totin' Chip, and blades must be less than 3 inches.

Pocketknife & Multitool Buying Guide

Food & Electronics

The troop provides meals for campouts, so personal food is not permitted. Scouts eat the meals prepared by the troop. No food is permitted in tents, and sodas are not allowed.

Electronic devices, including phones and gaming devices, may be used during travel but must remain secured in the vehicles once we arrive at camp.

And don't forget your Scouts BSA Handbook. Scouts may work on advancement requirements while at camp.

Don't Buy Everything at Once

You don't need expensive gear to get started. A basic sleeping bag, sleeping pad, clothes, toiletries, water bottle, and a few personal camping essentials are enough for most weekend campouts.

Stores such as Academy and Walmart carry many of the basics. As your Scout gains experience, they'll learn what gear works best for them and what is actually worth investing in.

The goal isn't to have the most expensive gear. It's to Be Prepared.

Learn More About Camping

Want to help your Scout build their outdoor skills? Check out these resources:

The Bottom Line

We don't camp so Scouts can learn how to camp. We camp so they can learn how to lead, solve problems, work as a team, become more independent, and discover what they're capable of.

And along the way, they get to sleep under the stars, sit around a campfire, make great friends, and have a pretty amazing time.

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