Okay. So picture this: it’s the middle of the woods, your kid’s flashlight is dead, and he’s trying to heat a marshmallow over a tealight candle because someone (definitely not you) forgot to pack extra batteries. Classic.
Let’s avoid that situation.
Whether this is your first Boy Scout camping trip or your 37th—and honestly, who’s counting anymore—this camping checklist will help you pack like a pro. Or at least like a functioning adult who didn’t Google “what is a tent” at midnight the night before.
Sleep Setup (aka Not Sleeping on Rocks)
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Tent (check with troop if one’s provided)
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Sleeping bag (rated for the weather)
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Sleeping pad or inflatable mattress (yes, your back will thank you)
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Pillow (tiny travel one or just stuff clothes in a hoodie)
Pro Tip:
Label EVERYTHING. Kids are like sock gremlins—they lose things just by breathing.
Clothes & Layers (a.k.a. Prepare for All Seasons in One Day)
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Scout uniform (obviously)
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T-shirts (moisture-wicking if possible)
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Long-sleeve shirt (sun + bugs = not fun)
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Hoodie or fleece jacket
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Rain jacket or poncho (because it will rain, probably out of spite)
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Pants + shorts
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Pajamas
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Extra socks + underwear (like, more than you think)
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Hat for sun
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Warm hat for night
Oh, that reminds me:
If you send them with white socks, you’re just asking for emotional damage when laundry day comes.
Personal Gear (Don’t Skip This Part)
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Headlamp or flashlight (and extra batteries—learn from my trauma)
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Reusable water bottle or hydration pack
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Mess kit (plate, bowl, cup, fork/spoon combo)
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Camp chair or pad to sit on
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Sunscreen
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Bug spray (the good stuff)
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Toiletries (toothbrush, paste, soap, deodorant, towel, etc.)
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Small first aid kit (Band-Aids are currency out there)
Scout Stuff They’ll Definitely Need
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Scout Handbook
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Pocketknife (if permitted)
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Compass
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Notebook + pen/pencil
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Whistle (for emergency or dramatic flair)
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Firestarter (matches/lighter in waterproof container)
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Rope or paracord
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Merit badge supplies (ask troop leader in advance)
Wait, where was I going with this?
Oh yeah—don’t forget to label their knife if they have one. Otherwise, three kids will claim it’s theirs and the Scoutmaster becomes Judge Judy.
Food & Snacks (If Not Provided)
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Pre-packed meals (check troop plan)
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Trail mix, granola bars, jerky
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Something sweet (for bribery... I mean morale)
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A snack to share (makes friends fast)
Optional But Kinda Genius
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Small tarp or groundsheet
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Book or card game
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Ziplock bags (for trash or wet stuff)
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Extra shoes or flip flops
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Quick-dry towel
One Last Thought Before You Panic Pack...
Packing for a Boy Scout trip is a delicate dance between prepared and overthinking everything. Don’t stress. Stick to this list, talk to the troop leader, and remember—the goal is growth, resilience, and maybe not forgetting the toothbrush this time.
Also, if you’re secretly excited to pack this like it’s a mini survival game? Same. Just make sure your kid knows how to use half this stuff, or they’ll come home with a backpack full of clean gear and a headlamp stuck in their shoe.
Happy packing!