Winter Camp Checklist
Boy Scout Troop
261
Winter Camp '99
Personal Camping Gear Checklist
Scout Equipment
- Scout Shirt
- Scout pants or clean, neat pants
- Boy Scout Handbook (in a plastic, ziplock bag)
- Boy Scout Merit Badge books (if applicable)
- Lockback pocket knife (with current Tote N' Chip card)
- Canteen or water bottle
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Writing paper and pencils or pens
Bedding
- Sleeping bag - warm
- Old blanket - to put under sleeping bag as an insulating pad (optional)
- Old blanket - to put over sleeping bag for extra insulation (optional)
- Pillow (optional)
- Ground pad
- Waterproof stuff bag for sleeping bag
Clothing
The key to cold weather camping is to stay warm and dry. Bring both light and heavy weight clothing in order to "layer" if the weather is cold. For underwear and socks, bring at least one change per day.
- Underwear
- Socks - light (a pair of lycra socks next to your feet will pull the moisture away and keep your feet warmer).
- Socks - heavy (wool is best - they will be warmer, even if wet)
- T-shirts
- Long, thermal underwear - at least one pair
- Hooded sweat shirt and sweat pants - make the best pajamas in cold weather
- Long pants
- Long sleeve shirt
- Warm sweater
- Warm coat or jacket - suitable for camping environment
- Stocking cap
- Gloves or mittens
- Sturdy shoes - sneakers are OK for good weather
- Rain gear - including waterproof footwear
- Bathing suit - (optional) we will have a "Polar Bear" swim on Thursday morning for those brave souls that want to earn the Polar Bear swim patch. On another day we will participate in a relay race at the waterfront.
Other Items
- Back pack, duffel bag, or small trunk (ala Summer Camp) for personal gear. If you plan to go on one of the overnight hikes, be sure to bring a back pack. Also, bring a waterproof cover for your backpack in case of rain.
- Lip balm (Chapstick)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Soap
- Deodorant
- Wash cloth
- Towel
- Comb and/or hairbrush
- Drinking cup, with your name on it, for campsite use. The troop will not provide cups. (The troop will provide utensils and plates.)
Optional Gear
- Leather gloves if you plan on going on the rapelling tower
- Compass
- Fishing equipment
- Watch
- Camera and film
- Money for snacks, crafts, or souvenirs. The troop will provide plenty of hot chocolate and lemonade.
Special Instructions to Mom or Dad!
Boys are not always too neat when they unpack in their tents (sigh). In the winter this can be a serious problem because one good cloud burst can wet everything on the floor of a tent. You can assure dry clothes each day if you (or your son) packs his clothes in large ziplock bags. If your son will stay dry he will stay warm.
Please label everything with an indelible marker!
Things you should not bring
- Video games
- Radios, tape players, or CD players unless they have earplugs.
- Any form of weapon (sling shot, sheath knife, etc.)
- Food that will spoil or attract ants. If you must bring snacks, be sure to pack them in "ziplock" bags.
- Matches, lighters, or fire starters (except as part of a "wilderness survival kit")
- Fireworks of any sort, shape, or form!!!
- If you insist on bringing expensive toys, it is at your own risk! Period!
- Expensive or new jackets, especially the popular "logo" sports type jackets. The boys are not always careful with their jackets when outdoors. There is a good chance that their jacket will at the very least get pretty dirty, if not damaged.