Everything you didn’t know you needed to know as you pack for summer camp. Make sure to download and print out the Summer Camp gear list so you can check off the items as you pack them!
Note: Only two vehicles will be allowed at the troop site. Please try to pack your gear in a way that facilitates moving it to the troop trailer for transportation from the Jamboree field to the site.
Be sure to pack extra clothes, especially socks! I recommend bringing at least one extra outfit and 2 extra pairs of socks at the least. Sort your clothes in your footlocker so they are easier to find when you need them. A rain jacket or poncho is a must and warm clothes are nice to have as it sometimes gets chilly at night. Be sure to also bring something to put your dirty laundry in (such as a trashbag)
Nick’s Tips
- Non-synthetic jeans/work pants, long-sleeve shirts, and workboots are required for the Metalworking and Welding merit badges
- Long pants (jeans preferred) and boots are required for the Horsemanship merit badge
- Long-sleeve shirts, long pants, boots, and gloves are required for the ATV rider course
The scout uniform is very important for summer camp. Before coming to camp, make sure that all the proper patches are sewn onto your uniform and that your name is written on the tag. Also bring a hanger to store your uniform on. The full Class A, including scout shorts/pants must be worn for all dinners, opening and closing ceremonies and the troop picture.
Nick’s Tips
A scout is clean. Scouts must maintain good hygiene throughout the week, including showering at least once (though I recommend more than that). Scouts should bring some form of shoes to wear in the showers such as flip flops or crocs. Also note that no aerosol sprays are allowed, as they are harmful to the waterproof coating of the tents. This includes sunscreen, bug spray, and deodorant.
Nick’s Tips
A footlocker is a must for summer camp. It provides space for all the necessary clothes and equipment for the week. I would recommend avoiding suitcases and duffel bags because they do not provide the water resistance and animal resistance that a hard plastic footlocker does. Some scouts wish to use a lock on their footlocker to secure valuables. I strongly recommend using combination locks instead of keyed locks because keys will inevitably get lost. Basic footlockers such as this one can be had for around $20 at places like Walmart. Plastic tote bins may also work in a pinch, but a hinged lid is best. When packing your footlocker, think about when you will need each item to avoid burying things. For example, a flashlight is best left on top and the clothes you will be wearing on Friday can be put on the bottom. Note that not all items have to go into the footlocker. Larger items such as sleeping bags can be left out if there is no space. I recommend putting extra items in a milk crate, which then can be turned on its side and used as a small bedside table while at camp.
Bedding is an important consideration when preparing for camp. To make the cots more comfortable, I recommend bringing a foam sleeping mat to put on top of the cot. I also highly encourage the use of a fitted sheet. Personally, I bring two sleeping bags: one lightweight fleece bag and also a warmer sleeping bag for cold nights. Click here to learn more about different options and my suggestions for bug nets.
Nick’s Tips
Pack the personal gear that you think you will need for the week. Make sure to label all items with your name. Bicycles are optional, but encouraged. Note that a helmet must be worn when riding a bike, and that bikes will be inspected at the beginning of the week. (must have working front & back brakes, properly inflated tires, no major defects).
Nick’s Tips
*The Totin’ Chip is required to carry knives. Scouts without the Totin’ Chip may still bring a knife, however they will not be able to use it without supervision
The troop has an extensive library of merit badge books, so you do not have to purchase the book unless you would like to. If you do borrow a troop copy, I would recommend printing out the latest requirements from online in advance, as some books contain slightly outdated requirements (though the information should still be good.) I do not recommend purchasing digital merit badge books as scouts will not be able to use their phones or tablets during class and wifi/cell service does not cover all areas of camp. Be sure to check the merit badge list for any prerequisites, that is requirements that must be completed before summer camp in order to earn the badge.
Sunday Check-In can be a hectic time. In order to help it flow more smoothly for everyone, it is important to be prepared with what you will need. Have these items ready for when you need them. Scouts should arrive to camp wearing their bathing suits under their Class A Uniform
Nick’s Tips
Don’t forget these items when you leave Sunday morning! This list is some of the most common items people leave behind — but they are also some of the most important! I recommend having everything packed in advance, but double check that you have everything you need before leaving on Sunday!
Nick’s Tips
The trading post will be open during the week. The trading post does typically accept credit/debit cards, however it is recommended that scouts bring cash as it is easier for quick and small transactions. It is the scout’s responsibility to keep track of their money and spending.
Scouts may also bring their own snacks to camp. All snacks will be stored in the troop trailer or bear box (absolutely no food is allowed in tents), so I recommend putting snacks in a small, labeled plastic bin (around shoe box size). The troop will have some snacks available as well as water and drink mix (lemonade, fruit punch, etc). Please do not bring cases of water and instead bring your own reusable water bottles.
Troop 121 does not prohibit scouts from bringing electronic devices with them to camp, however, they must remain out of sight. If devices are determined to be a distraction or are taking away from the camp experience, they may be confiscated at the Scoutmaster’s discretion. Phones are not allowed in camp program areas (merit badge classes) and staff will instruct the scout to put the device away. Should a scout wish to bring an electronic device, it is at their own risk. Troop 121 and Treasure Valley cannot be held responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen devices. Also note that charging locations are not available to Scouts (Adults may charge in the Scoutmaster’s Lounge) and cell service/wifi is not available in all areas of camp. Troop leaders and camp administrators will have phones in case emergency calls need to be made.
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Tags: Camp, Summer Camp, Treasure Valley, TVSR