All overnight camping shall follow the Scouting America Youth Protection policies and camping guidelines in the Guide to Safe Scouting (GTSS).
Pack 648 Leadership
Only for Pack-organized campouts:
Make campsite reservations & payments
Plan a program of activities
Purchase & pack food for meals based on expected attendance
Pack & transport trailer with communal kitchen equipment & sanitation supplies
Cooking fuel (propane)
Firewood
Presence of at least one BALOO-trained adult leader
Each Den
Determine likely attendance, facilitate collecting participant contributions
Plan, prepare, and serve one meal for everyone at camp
Stay together as a Den during program activity rotations
Plan appropriate activities to help complete adventures and/or rank requirements
Webelos & Arrow of Light,
only on Den-organized campouts:
Items listed under Pack 648 Leadership
All meals & cleanup
Webelos & Arrow of Light,
for approved Scouts BSA campouts:
Cub Scouts & Families
Communicate to leadership any dietary restrictions well in advance
Contribute (per-person) to cover reservation and food purchased by the Pack
Pay required entrance fees, if required by the campsite (common at state parks)
Review the sections below on this page:
- Before leaving home
- At the campsite
- Cleanup and departure
Have lots of fun!
Download, fill out, and print any required forms (Common forms include Medical A&B, but the required forms may vary by event.)
Check the weather forecast near the campsite.
Review any last-minute communications from the Pack/Den.
Arrange to eat a meal prior to arriving at camp the first day. Most reservations begin Friday evening, so eat dinner before you arrive. For events with morning or midday starts, check the schedule for the first planned meal time.
Each family
Tent & accessories
Chairs or other seating
Soap & hand sanitizer
Toilet paper
Bag(s) for trash
Insect repellent
Extra batteries
Optional:
Air mattresses & pump (not all sites have electricity!)
Electric lanterns for the tent or around camp
Fishing poles & tackle
Creature comforts
Every Scout
Scout handbook
Full scout uniform for program events and ceremonies
Every person
The Six Essentials
Personal first-aid kit
Water bottle
Trail snacks
Sun protection (sunblock, hats, clothing)
Flashlight or headlamp
Whistle
Medical forms, insurance, required medication
Mess kit (plate/bowl, cup, silverware)
Sleeping bag & pillow
Toiletries, towel for showers (if available at site)
Appropriate clothes & shoes
Safety first!
Stay in a group, or with a buddy.
At least one parent or legal guardian should be present for each youth.
This is strongly recommended for all youths, but it is REQUIRED for Lions, Tigers, and all siblings.
Avoid pitching tents in areas prone to flooding or under/near dead or damaged trees and limbs.
Practice fire safety in compliance with local burn bans, and always have water nearby to extinguish a fire.
Never let flames or smouldering embers or sticks leave the fire pit.
No heat sources inside tents!
Review and follow all campsite rules; comply with posted signs.
Stay hydrated; refill water bottles regularly.
Keep food out of and at a distance from tents and sleeping areas.
Properly dispose of trash and food waste. Do not leave food to decompose on the ground.
Do not disrupt the natural habitat or feed the wildlife.
Beware of snakes and biting insects; stay on trails and avoid walking through tall grassy areas.
Do not enter or disturb other campsites without permission; be respectful of quiet hours.
If you packed it in, you pack it out.
Place all trash in the designated bins or areas; if not available, dispose of the trash at home.
Leave No Trace! Always leave the area better than you found it. Our continued use of these campsites depends on it!
Do not depart until the site is clean and after following required checkout procedures.