Camping Rules

Cub Scout Camping is to follow the rules and guidelines found in the Guide to Safe Scouting, and Age Appropriate Guidelines. Information below is in addition or to clarify information from these other documents. 

Purpose of Cub Scout Camping

Cub Scout Camping is intended to be a fun, enjoyable experience to introduce Cub Scouts and families to the fun of camping and the outdoors.

Basic Rules

Please keep in mind that camping with the scouts may be a little different from camping with friends and family. 

• NO alcohol, drugs, smoking, or vaping while at the campout

• NO animals unless they are trained registered service animals

• NO firearms, fireworks, or projectiles

• All YPT guidelines must be followed

If you are not the LEGAL parent/guardian of the scout, you MUST be registered with BSA. For example, if Grandpa is the only adult attending with a scout because parents just aren't able to go, Grandpa must have an adult registration on file. You can do this here: https://beascout.scouting.org/list/?zip=77346&program%5B%5D=pack&unitID=315052 Click on Apply Now and click on Adult. It costs $60 per year (year to date of registration) to be a registered adult in the pack. 

Adult Training Required

YPT

All adults must have completed YPT and turn in their proof of completion prior to the campout. This can be taken at my.scouting.org. 

Two-Deep Leadership must be followed at all times.

Lions and Tigers must have their adult partner present to take part.

For all other ranks: only in exceptional circumstances, a Cub Scout whose parent or legal guardian cannot attend a unit overnight camping trip may participate under the supervision of another registered adult member of the BSA, a parent of a Cub Scout who is also attending. The unit leader and a parent or legal guardian must agree to the arrangement, and all Youth Protection policies apply. At no time may another adult accept responsibility for more than one additional nonfamily member youth.

Webelos Den Camping: Each Scout should attend with their parent(s) or guardian(s). A Webelos Scout whose parent or legal guardian cannot attend a den overnight camping trip may participate under the supervision of at least two registered leaders. The leaders and a parent or legal guardian must agree to the arrangement, and all youth protection policies apply.

BALOO

There must be at least one BALOO-trained adult on every campout (whether Webelos/Arrow of Light den camping or pack campouts). This is done periodically through local districts. Check the training tab at SHAC.org for dates and registration. 

DOs

• Always watch out for your scout and know where they are at all times. Always enforce the Buddy System (make sure your scout is with a buddy – and know they are - if they are not physically right there with you. They will need reminding).

• Follow the Leave No Trace Principles. 

• Do a trial set-up of your tent before you go on the camping trip. Make sure it is complete and you know how to put it up. If in doubt, there are plenty of experienced campers there to help you.

• Plan on it getting colder/hotter than you think and pack appropriately.

• Always bring rain gear (Cub Scout camping is usually fair-weather camping but better safe than sorry).

• Always have a change of clothes to wear to sleep in. This is mainly to stop you getting cold due to moisture in the fabric, and also in case you have come into contact with poison ivy.

• Always have a tarp to put under your tent. Make sure none of it sticks-out from the bottom of the tent or it will collect rain and make the inside of your tent wet.

• Get your scout to do as much of the work in camping as possible (help putting up the tent, carrying stuff, etc).

• Store food, candy, toothpaste in your car NOT your tent.

• Air-out your tent, tarp, and sleeping bags as soon as you return home to allow condensation to dry-out (otherwise you get a musty smell that’s hard to shake). 

• Tip: Add essential oils or perfume to a few cotton balls and wrap them up with everything when you put it away.

• Store your sleeping bag loose when you get home, not in its stuff-sack, or it will lose loft (loft gives it warmth).

Don’ts

• Don't pick up sticks. All sticks should be left on the ground. 

• Never be in a tent with a child who is not your own. – BSA rules

• Scouts cannot be in any tents other than their own (Webelos scouts of the same gender may share tents, but see above rule). – BSA rules

• No alcohol anywhere, anyhow, anytime. – BSA rules

• No smoking in sight of Cub Scouts. You can only smoke/vape in your own vehicle.  – BSA rules

• Never leave candy/chips or candy/chip wrappers or food of any kind in your tent or in clothes in your tent. Animals can smell it. Always store all such “smellables” in your closed car. This includes toothpaste, open Gatorade and other soda cans, etc. If in doubt leave it in your car.

• Cub Scouts should not have knives in Lion, Tiger, and Wolf ranks. 

• Bears and higher ranks can only bring pocket knives if they have completed the “Whittling Chip” pocket knife achievement and if they also bring their Whittlin’ Chip card or badge. 

• No knives with a blade longer than the width of a child’s palm. – BSA rules.

• Avoid 100% cotton clothing. Cotton stays damp and makes you feel cold.

• Leave behind Nintendo DSs, iPads, or other electronics / game systems. This is the scouts’ opportunity to get away from all that. Besides, they could get damaged or lost.

• No precious toys/ jewelry – could get damaged or lost.

Tenting Guidelines

• Youth sharing tents must be no more than two years apart in age and must be Webelos level or higher.

• In Cub Scouting, parents and guardians may share a tent with their family.

Age-Appropriate Guidelines & Guide to Safe Scouting

Den leaders, please refer to the Age-Appropriate Guidelines and the Guide to Safe Scouting before planning outdoor activities with your den. 

Packing List

This is a suggested list of items to pack for the campouts. You may need additional items or have some you don't need.

• Air Mattresses

• Baby Wipes

• Bath Towels

• Batteries

• Bug Spray

• Camping Chairs

• Charging Cords

• Clothes

• Cooler

• Extension Cord

• First Aid Kit

• Flashlights/Headlights

• Hand Sanitizer

• Hand Towels

• Hats

• Jacket

• Lighter

• Matches

• Mess Kits (reusable plates, bowls, cups, silverware)

• Pajamas

• Pillows

• Pocket Knife (for scouts who have earned whittling chip)

• Ponchos

• Reusable Water Bottles

• Rubber Mallet

• S’mores Sticks

• Scout Handbooks

• Sleeping Bags

• Snacks - trail mix, dried fruit, granola bars

• Socks

• Sunscreen

• Tarp

• Tent

• Toilet Paper

• Toiletries

• Water

Food/Cooking

We make most meals as a pack while on campouts. 

Friday: You are on your own for dinner. Everyone arrives at different times and we need time to set up the kitchen. Please bring something you have prepared ahead of time or that doesn't need much for cooking. There are times we are under a burn ban, so make sure to check that so you can plan your meal accordingly. 

Saturday: the Pack will provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. A menu will go out as soon as we know what the dens are going to make. Each den from 2nd through 5th grade will be responsible for one of the meals. PARENTS when scout's den is making their meal you need to be on hand to help the den prepare food, cook, serve, and clean. Doing so ensures everything is prepared on time, ready for the next meal, and the same few parents aren't the only ones doing all the work.

Sunday: breakfast will be grab-and-go such as dry cereal, muffins, etc. This allows everyone to grab breakfast at their convenience while breaking down their campsite. 

Coffee will also be provided both mornings. 

Once the menu is posted, if you or your family can't/won't eat something, please make sure to bring an alternative. You are welcome to use our kitchen and cooking surfaces as long as it doesn't interfere with the den that is cooking, but please keep in mind we can't guarantee no cross-contamination.