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As a troop there are two primary types of camping we do: Car Camping, and Backpacking. The following is a list of items to consider for a Car camping trip (For our Backpacking Guide, click here).
What is Car Camping?
That doesn't mean we're sleeping in our vehicles, and this is not a "RV" type camping experience. What this means is we are camping in a state park or private park that has official camping sites, with parking next to our site. Most campgrounds will have running water, and toilet facilities (but see the specific camping trip details to confirm), as well as picnic tables and fire rings for having campfires. Car camping experiences are a great introduction to camping, and they only require Trailman (and dad) bring a tent and related sleeping supplies— as most all will have communal cooking and food included in the cost of attending.
What the Troop is bringing (to a Typical Car Camping Trip):
- Food for all meals including (Typically including first night dinner, and Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for all Full days)
- Dutch Ovens (where applicable & permissible)
- Paper plates, bowls
- Plastic flatware
- Stoves, fuel and pots (for boiling water, etc) (though we often like to have additional stoves available if you've got one)
- Cooking and serving utensils
- Combustion Device (Lighters, etc)
- Bear-resistant cooler (all food must go in here at night)
- Cleaning supplies
What you should bring camping
Clothing
(While it is always good to be better prepared, use your judgement on what exactly is needed. Most of our camping facilities do not have shower facilities— so while its better to be prepared, many of these clothing items will be for warmth or "just in case")
- Pajamas
- Underwear
- Socks (One per day +1)
- Shorts
- Pants (at least one)
- Short-sleeve shirt(s)
- Long-sleeve shirt (at least one)
- Sweatshirt, Hoodie or Jacket (Weather dependent)
- Beanie or Knit hat for night time
- Hat for hiking
- Gloves
- Hiking boots, Sneakers or Camp shoes
Sleeping
- Cover — Tent (w/ Rain fly)
- Tarp (for under tent)
- Sleeping Pad / Mattress
- Sleeping bag
- Pillow
- Flashlight (the 6th C— Candle)
Personal & Toiletry
- Medical release form
- Tooth brush & paste
- Sunscreen
- Lotion
- Bug repellant
- Hand sanitizer
- Wipes
- Fingernail clippers
- Tweezers
- Sunglasses
- Cotton Towel
Equipment for Activities
- Bible
- Backpack
- Compass
- Cutting Tool/ Knife (only w/ knife safety training)
- Whittling chip /Badge
- Cordage /Short rope (for knots training & practice)
- Containers / Water bottle(s)
- Camera
- Sketch pad (optional)
- Nature journal (optional)
- Frisbee, Football, Soccer Ball (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Playing cards (optional)
- Lanterns (optional)
- Extra Firewood (optional—and where allowed)
- Biking (optional for Free time, and if bringing a bike, please bring a helmet)
- Ham radio or Walkie Talkie (optional)
- Walkie talkies (optional)
- Cash ($10 per night for extra car parked at campsite)
Food & Or Snacks
- Personal camp flatware / plate / cup (Optional—but will reduce waste at mealtimes)
- Snacks for between meals*
- Additional / Emergency Supply of Water — For Campsites without water supply—we recommend 1/gallon per day/person.
* BEAR WARNING: If bringing snacks to a campground with potential bears—you are required to store all food, toothpaste or other potential “food” items in a bear safe container away from our sleeping location. The troop has several “scent blocking” plastic bags that can be used to store these items. DO NOT leave them in your car or in your tent, as they can attract bears and other scavengers.
What Not to Bring Camping
When we're outdoors, we want to enjoy the beauty of God's creation....and so there are some items that should be left at home. Including:
- Video games
- iPads & Smartphones (The dads can bring them, but we’d prefer the boys didn't)
- Pretty much any electronics not mentioned above
- Destructive and/or dangerous items
- RV’s (We love RV's...but we will be Tent Camping at Trail Life)
As a reference, when thinking about WHAT you will need, consider the 10 C's of Survival: (From From Dave Canterbury)
- Cutting Tool (Like a knife)
- Combustion (Something to make fire)
- Cover (to make shelter)
- Container (for storing and boiling water)
- Cordage (some sort of rope)
- Candle (flashlight or other quick light source)
- Cotton (bandage, signal, tinder)
- Compass (for navigation)
- Cargo Tape ( like duct / gorilla tape)
- Canvas Needle (splinters, repair work)