Our Ockanickon Cub Scout Weekend is almost upon us. For some of you this will be your first camping trip. Fear not, while it may seem daunting it is really nothing to worry about. This particular even takes care of many of the things you would take care of yourself any other time (Be ready in June to have your own tents and stuff).
Now, while Ockanickon is providing tents and shelters for your use, please consider bringing a tarp with you. This way if you are in an Adirondack you can drape the tarp across the front for some privacy.
You may bring some snacks/drinks if you like but please *DO NOT* keep them in your shelter. Food, even when in a container, will attract animals. No matter how you wrap it or contain it, animals can smell it and will find it if they are interested.
When planning what to take camping or hiking we should always start with the basics of taking care of yourself outdoors.
- Always Be Prepared
- Talk to Akela about what you need to bring
- Never go anywhere alone. Always have a buddy.
- Always carry the seven items below.
Outdoor Essentials for Cub Scouts
- Personal First Aid Kit
- Filled Water Bottle
- Flashlight w/spare batteries & bulb
- Whistle
- Rain Gear
- Sunscreen
- Trail Food
- Map & Compass
- Pocketknife (if instructed in use and whittling chip is earned. You must carry your whittling chip with you)
- Matches or Firestarters – (ONLY IF INSTRUCTED IN USE)
**If you or your child need any medications be sure to bring them and store them in a zip lock bag.**
What you have above, is the basics necessary for taking care of yourself outdoors. It is vital to always have the above with your regardless of the activity type you are participating in. Now for our camping trip the following items, in addition to the items above, are necessary for this weekend to be a successful and safe weekend.
- Backpack for your gear
- Class A Uniform
- Class B Uniform
- Scout Uniform hat or billed hat (ball cap)
- A stocking cap is great to sleep in if you get cold easily
- Clothes to sleep in (pajamas or sweats)
- Sweatshirt and/or Jacket
- Hiking boots (it is recommended that you scotchguard them)
- Rain Gear (jacket and pants preferred over poncho)
- Extra shoes, socks & underwear.
- Extra set of clothes
- Tent, poles, and stakes
- Waterproof ground cloth (tarp or plastic sheet)
- Sleeping bag +20 degree recommended (if it has cartoons or super-heroes on it it is NOT a sleeping bag)
- Sleeping Pad
- Pillow
- Extra blanket (optional but could be necessary).
- Insect Repellent
- Sunscreen
- Cup or Mug
- Toilet paper (remove tube, crush and put in zip lock bag)
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Soap, washcloth, towel
- Cub Scout Handbook (in plastic bag)
- Good Attitude!
Optional Family Items
- Camp/Lawn chairs
- Lantern
- cooler/ice chest
At the bottom of this post, I have attached a general but comprehensive list of general camping items to bring on camping trips for future reference. Some items in the attached list can and often are brought by others when camping as a group so it is good to coordinate such efforts.
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