Weekend Campout Checklist

Here’s a quick rundown of key factors to consider when preparing for our weekend campouts and other similar events. Supplemental information will be emailed to the troop with specifics such as dates, locations, and special considerations.

Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist of things to bring and do. Please also read through this whole page to ensure that you are ready!

Sign up ahead of time if you plan to go
Pack your clothes and gear (See the packing list suggestion)
Bring a copy of your health form that includes a copy of your insurance card
Arrive in your Class A – Plan to wear it while traveling
Bring your camping fee (Scouts only)
Bring “Cracker Barrel” snacks to share
Bring money for travel stops (when applicable)
Eat dinner before you arrive on Friday
Try to arrive 10 before our departure time

Campout Summary Email

The troop will email details about the specific campout to all Scouts, parents, and leaders. This will include a description of the location (possibly including an address and/or map) and a summary of the events planned by the troop’s PLC.

Each event is different and will include varying activities. Scouts should therefore use this information to tailor their packing lists as needed.

Attendees

Shortly after the campout is announced, the troop will post an online sign-up or provide a sign-up sheet at troop meetings. This is an important planning tool that is used to determine activity plans, meals, and ensure that an adequate number of adult leaders are available to attend the event. Please RSVP as early and as accurately as possible. Also, note that it is equally helpful to let the troop know who is NOT able to attend.

The troop will set a “Go/No-Go” date at least 2 weeks before the event. A decision on the event will be made at that time, based on the current RSVP list. This practice reduces the likelihood of a last-minute cancellation.

We want all of our Scouts to attend our weekend campout event, so we will never turn away last-minute sign ups. That said, we appreciate your cooperation in signing up before the deadline, as it helps to avoid extra planning efforts to account for last-minute changes.

We also understand that sometimes the unexpected will happen, and last-minute cancellations may be necessary. We simply ask that you do what you can to avoid these whenever possible, as it can have a significant impact on the event…which could include a last-minute cancellation of the entire event.

The summary email described above will also include a list of the Scouts and Adult Leaders who have signed up for the event. It is very important to notify the troop about any inaccuracies ASAP.

Communications

We use the troop’s GroupMe chat group as the primary means of communication to the parents and those not attending the event. We’ll use it to communicate unexpected plan changes, return ETA, and any other information that may need to be communicated to everyone.

We encourage all parents and Scouts to join the GroupMe chat group. You can find the link in our weekly newsletter.

Departure / Transportation

The summary email will include departure time and location information.

Transportation is typically provided by the adult leaders attending the event. If there is not enough room in the vehicles for all of the attendees, we may ask for extra transportation assistance from the parents. This is rarely needed, but if it is, we will communicate the need to everyone as early as possible.

Attendees can transport personal gear to the campsite in any of the vehicles or in the troop’s trailer. Some locations limit the number of vehicles we can park at the campsite. In those situations, we encourage everyone to load their items into the trailer and/or tow vehicle, with the help of the Quartermaster. This can also help to make more room for passengers in the other vehicles.

Please attempt to arrive at least 10 minutes before the stated departure time. This gives us time to pack all equipment and discuss any last-minute plans. Leaving on time increases our chances of arriving at camp before dark.

Class A Scout Shirt

Our troop always travels in our Class A Scout Shirts, but everyone can change into something more comfortable once we arrive…especially if it is hot outside.

Scouts are reminded that, while wearing their uniform, they not only represent our troop, but all Scouts in the BSA. Ensuring that your behavior exemplifies the Scout Oath and Law at all times is important, but it is especially important while wearing the uniform.

Camping Fee

There is a $15 fee for each Scout attending the campout. This helps to offset the cost of site fees and food expenses. It also allows us to continue our trend of waiving all annual registration fees.

Paying the fee at the departure location is appreciated, but you can also pay at a troop meeting, or electronically via the troop’s Zelle account.

The troop waives the fee for the adult leaders attending the event. We appreciate the donation of your weekend to the troop.

Health Forms

Everyone attending must have a completed BSA Health Form to attend any troop event. Since weekend events only span 2 nights, only parts “A” and “B” are required. This means that you do not need to obtain a doctor’s signature. We will collect these forms at the meeting location before departure.

Depending on the event, we may not be able to return the health form once we return. Therefore, you should bring a copy of your completed form, not the original. This allows you to make additional copies for future events. Note that the forms are good for one year after they are signed.

What To Bring

Please carefully read the information on the Events and Activities page of our website, especially the page that provides a General Campout Packing List. This is especially true for first-time campers, or those new to our troop.

Be sure to keep an eye on the weather, and pack accordingly. It’s common for us to experience large temperature swings between day and night, depending on the time of the year. An extra change of clothes can come in handy if there is rain in the forecast. A plastic “tote” that can slide under your cot is a great way to keep your items dry.

Planned Travel Stops

Most weekend trips do not require lengthy travel times. That said, it’s not uncommon to stop for a bio-break, and longer trips occasionally include a stop for a meal. Please note that the troop does not cover the expenses for food or snacks at these stops. Scouts should include spending cash (if desired) if we communicate the possibility of any travel breaks.

Meals

Aside from any stops during travel (as described above), the troop covers all meals during the campout.

We usually do not plan a Friday evening camp meal. Therefore, attendees should eat dinner before meeting at our departure location. Scouts are, however, encouraged to bring “cracker barrel” snacks (a.k.a. “junk food”) to share with the group Friday night and for snacks over the weekend.

The patrols will prepare all of the meals at camp. Be sure to bring a mess kit, cup, and other similar items as noted on the packing list page.

We typically follow our troop’s tradition of having a pop-tart breakfast on Sunday morning. This allows everyone to focus more time on packing up and getting ready for our return home.

Return

Speaking of our return… We typically begin our journey home Sunday morning after everyone has had breakfast, everything is packed, and we’ve ensured that we “Leave No Trace” at the campsite. The speed at which the Scouts are able to complete the above items determines the actual departure times. (In otherwords…it can vary greatly.) We will use the GroupMe chat group to communicate an ETA for our return home once we’ve left the camp.

Phones / Electronics

We encourage the scouts to enjoy the sights and each other’s company while traveling to and from our campsite. That said, Scouts are welcome to use smartphones and similar devices during travel to help make the time pass a bit faster.

Generally speaking, we have a general “No Electronics” rule at camp. Once we arrive at camp, Scouts are strongly encouraged to “unplug”, as this makes a huge impact in maximizing the overall camping experience. Simply put, this means Scouts should put away smartphones when they arrive at camp, until they return home.

On very rare occasions, our activities may benefit from the use of a smartphone. These situations are uncommon, and the adult leaders will let the Scouts know if a situation warrants the usage of a smartphone. Please note that we will not have any situations that REQUIRE the usage of a smartphone.

A Scout is TRUSTWORTHY, and therefore we trust that Scouts will adhere to these guidelines on their own. If electronic usage becomes an issue, we will safely store all devices in the trailer while at camp. Scouts that will struggle with the urge to use their phones at camp are encouraged to simplify the situation for themselves by leaving their phone at home.

The adult leaders will have their phones with them at all times in case an emergency situation occurs and outside contact is necessary. The adult leaders should set a good example for the Scouts and reserve phone usage at camp to emergency situations only.

Likewise, parents are strongly encouraged to let their Scouts maximize their camping experience, avoiding the temptation to call/text the Scout while they are at camp. Homesickness is extremely rare, and contact from parents can often make the situation worse, not better. That said, parents should always feel free to contact any of the adult leaders at camp if you have questions, concerns, or just want to make sure everything is OK.

Please note that most of the campsite locations we visit have very little or (typically) zero cell service coverage. Also, most do not have any power.

Questions

If there are ANY questions or concerns…before or during camp…do not hesitate to contact any of the troop’s adult leaders. We are more than happy to help out!