Scout Summer Camp

Our busy summer has already started as we pack our oldest son off to scout summer camp.  This is his third year of camp.  Getting him ready should be easy by now, but there is always something last minute that needs to be done or found.

The scout camp he is going to this year is located in Georgia.    He has not been to this one yet and is excited to go.  Camp Rainey Mountain is located in the northern part of the mountain range in Georgia.  It is surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest on three sides.  It looks amazing and I really hope he enjoys himself.

This is not the type of camping we do as a family.  This is more primitive.  Involving tents, sleeping bags and public showers.  No air conditioning, but hopefully in the mountains this won’t be an issue.

He was given a very detailed list of what to pack and more importantly what NOT to pack for this camping trip.  Here is a list of what he needed to pack that I copied from his troop plus a few things we thought he needed.  You can use this as a reference for packing your own scout off to camp.

Summer Scout Packing List

• Foot Locker with a hole for a lock
• Lock with 2 keys
• Scout Uniform both class A and class B
• Socks (10) or more
• Waterproof Socks (1)
• Underwear (10) or more
• Shoes
• Flip Flops for shower
• Long pants
• Shorts
• Long sleeved shirts
• Short sleeved shirts
• Swim trunks
• Rainwear (poncho)
• Jacket/Hoodie
• Sleeping bag
• Toiletries (Soap, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and foot powder)
• Towels (2)
• Scout Merit Badge books as well as pencils, pens and notebook
• Small backpack to carry books to classes
• Water Bottle
• Flashlight/Headlight
• Insect Spray
• Sunscreen
• Compass
• Medical Kit
• Camera
• Spending money for Trading Post
• Completed medical form
• Current Medications
• Sense of Adventure

This list is for a week at camp in the mountains.  Depending on where your scout is going their needs may have to be adjusted.

Below is foot locker we found at Academy Sports, but I have seen similar ones at Wal-Mart.  Make sure it has an opening for a lock to fit.  We put one key on a chain for my son to wear around his neck and the other key goes to his scout master in case my son loses his.

Let your scout sign up for the classes they want to do.   Eagle requirements are important, but also let them do something that they never thought they could.  I think conquering fears, experiencing new adventures and building self confidence is what scouting is about.  I want my scout to do just that.  He needs a push every now and than and scout summer camp does that.  He has come home each time with these amazing stories of his adventures. It’s good for him to get out of his comfort zone and away from his Xbox.

What Not To Bring

• Electronics
• Food (Do not sneak food into the foot locker)
• Negativity

My son did bring his phone for the trip up and back.  It’s a long drive with a carload of boys.  But it will be taken away promptly on arrival at the camp.

Do not let them bring food.  I know it’s tempting to pack their favorite snack for them to eat, but don’t.  They will get plenty to eat in the dining room.  The food will attract insects, and animals to their sleeping area.  You don’t want your kid to wake up at night with a raccoon or worse a bear rummaging for food in their tent.

Make sure your scout wants to go.  Nothing will ruin a summer camp faster than a kid with a bad attitude.  They don’t want to be there and will let everyone else know it.

He left this morning for camp.  It’s sad and worrisome for him to go, but I know in letting him go on these camps he is growing as a person.  He is becoming more self reliant.  More adventurous. More confident in himself.  Becoming a responsible young man.

So Happy Camping Scouters!

Disclaimer: This post contains links to products that may be of use to you.  If you click on them I may receive money from that click and from a purchase you may make.  Thank you.  I am in no way endorsing any products shown.  I am just providing a reference to you, the reader, so that you can make your own informed decisions.