Monthly Camping

Troop 280 strives to take 7-8 overnight monthly camping trips each year between September and April.  Camping trips can consist of things such as fishing, winter camping, wilderness survival, shooting sports (rifle and shotgun), etc.  When possible, we select camping locations that are within a 2–3-hour drive and provide a unique experience for the scouts.  We usually depart Friday evenings around 5:30 p.m. & return Sunday morning by 11:00 a.m.  

 

The scouts plan, cook, and clean up their own meals and participate in trip activities as a group. Meal planning is generally completed at the Monday meeting prior to the camping trip and gives all scouts an opportunity to participate in the planning process.  This also allows scouts the opportunity to communicate any food allergies that might need to be taken into consideration during the planning process.  During this planning session, tenting partners are also arranged.  Generally, a “cracker barrel” meal, consisting of meat, cheeses, and crackers, is served on Friday night after reaching camp and once all camp setup is complete.  Scouts should eat a full meal prior to departure on Friday night.  The remainder of the meals are hot cooked meals prepared by the scouts. We do our best to adhere to the MyPlate.gov guidelines on nutrition.

To reduce the footprint of our camping location, all scouts under the rank of First Class will tent with another scout(s).  Scouts of First Class rank and higher have the option to tent alone, but are encouraged to pair up when able. Tent size should be limited to a 4-person tent due to space limitations.  Tent mates can be no more than 2 years apart in age unless they are siblings.  Depending on park regulations, hammock systems may be allowed.

 

Adults are welcome/encouraged to join all camping trips, as we often need assistance with transportation.  You must have a current Youth Protection Training (YPT) certificate on record with the BSA and our Committee Secretary.  For trips lasting over 48 hours (i.e. summer camp), Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills training is required.  Adults will camp in an adult only area separate from the youth. Youth are not allowed in this area unless invited by one of the adult leaders.  We ask that each parent minimize the amount of interaction with his/her child during camping activities to allow the scout to actively integrate with other scouts within the troop.

All campers, including adults, must have a BSA medical form (parts A and B only) on file with the troop.  This form must be completed and submitted yearly, or earlier if information has changed (i.e., insurance, medications, etc.), to the Committee Secretary.

Approximate fees for weekend camping trips are $35/person, which covers food, site rentals, and transportation costs.  Fees may fluctuate depending on the type/theme of camping.  For example, our yearly shooting camping trip comes with additional fees for ammunition, and the fishing camping has additional fees for bait, etc.

 

Camping Equipment List (suggested) - Specific equipment needed by the scout for the camping trips will vary slightly depending on the type of trip being taken.  Below, you will find a general equipment list that will be needed for most trips.

​

• Backpack/String Bag

• Tent

• Sleeping Bag

• Sleeping Mat

• Pillow

• Mess Kit

• Water Bottle

• Flashlight

• Head Lamp

• Compass

• Hiking Stick (optional)

• Rain Gear

• Extra Clothes (shorts, underwear, socks, shirt)

• Hoodie/Jacket

• Hat

• Hat, gloves, heavy coat (for cold weather)

• Toiletry items (toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, sunscreen, soap, bug spray, etc…)

• Towel(s)

• Garbage bag for wet tent

• Plastic bags for dirty/wet clothes

 

Do NOT bring:

• Never bring a gun. 

• No BB Guns, Pellet Guns, Slingshots, etc.

• Never bring alcohol or tobacco.

• Never bring fireworks, sparklers, etc.

• Never bring any pet of any kind.

• Ask your leader before you bring an ax or saw. Many camps forbid sheath knives for all Scouts. 

• Candy, food, or snacks are not allowed in tents.

• Ask before bringing any food items.

• Sandals & open toed shoes cannot be worn in camp. 

• Anything expensive or irreplaceable.