How to help your Scout

• Put your Scout’s name and T818 (troop number) on everything.
• Don’t pack for your Scout. If they do not do it at home they will not know where anything is in the field.
• Help your Scout keep track of their gear. Some Scouts get a plastic tote to store their gear in when not in the field.

How to Pack

• Put essential items in Ziploc bags. This will keep them dry. If you expect rain you can line the inside of your pack with a trash bag.
• Don't just throw everything in. Lay out all your gear and pack it in an organized fashion.
• Roll, don't fold clothes.
• Weight should be high and centered.

Traveling with Troop 818

• We always travel in our uniform. Please remember that while in uniform you represent Scouting worldwide, not just yourself. Be on your best behavior especially when stopping at restaurants, gas stations and anywhere else between the Scout Hut and your destination.

 Suggested Equipment List

Scout Essentials

The Scout Essentials should be brought by each Scout on each campout.

• A pocketknife or multitool can be handy in a wide variety of situations. It’s useful for tasks as large as building an emergency shelter or lighting a campfire with poor fuel, or as small as repairing a damaged backpack. Don’t forget to first earn your Totin’ Chip.
• A first-aid kit can be a lifesaver. Stock it with adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, 3-by-3 inch, 1 small roll adhesive tape, moleskin, 3-by-6 inch, small bar of soap, small tube of antiseptic, small scissors, pair of latex gloves, mouth-barrier device, plastic goggles, pencil and paper .
• Bring extra clothing to match the weather. Multiple layers are better than a single massive jacket, because layered clothing is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures.
• Rain gear is very important. Being wet from rain may result in hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition. Ponchos are not recommended. 
• A flashlight is important for finding your way in the dark. We recommend a headlamp so your hands are free. 
• Trail food is good for maintaining your energy. (Do not put food in tents or packs!)
• Water can prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. A good nalgene bottle can last an entire Scouting career. 
• Matches and/or a fire starter may be used to light fires for heat, or for signaling for help. Keep them in a waterproof container.
• Sun protection might include sunblock (+30 SPF at minimum), sunglasses, lip balm and a wide-brimmed hat.
• A map and compass are probably the most important tools you can carry in case you get lost.

Packing List

 Consult the Boy Scout Handbook or Scout Field Book for complete information on appropriate equipment for most types of camping.  Here are some guidelines about special Troop 818 requirements and rules. As a Scout gains experience they will develop their own preferences and learn what they can do without.

• Small day-pack or backpack with padded hip strap (we always travel with backpacks. If you do not have one check out from the troop)
• Pack cover (waterproof nylon or large plastic bags)
• Tent or tarp with poles and stakes – share with your partner and you can check out a troop tent
• Waterproof ground cloth or plastic sheet (to serve as a vapor barrier)

Sleeping Gear

• Sleeping bag (20 degree) in waterproof bag lined with plastic bag (bag liner for cold weather camping)
• Closed cell foam sleeping pad (inflatable swimming pool floats not recommended)
• Small pillow (according to personal comfort, if purchasing one purchase a collapsible camping pillow)
• Straps to hold sleeping bag, pad and tent on pack (not bungee cords)

Hammock Gear

• Hammock
• Hammock Straps (minimum 1" wide - no rope straps!)
• Carabiners (to attach hammock to straps)
• Rain Fly with guy lines and stakes (a blue poly tarp will work)
• Bug Net (not required but may be nice to have)
• Ridgeline

Clothing

• Hiking boots (optional, well broken in and Scotch-guarded)
• Lightweight tennis shoes (for wearing around campsite)
• Extra shoelaces
• 2 pair of wool socks
• 2 pair of lighter inner socks (polypro)
• 1 change of underwear
• 1 pair hiking shorts (optional, depending on weather)
• 1 long sleeve shirt (optional, depending on weather)
• 2 Class B (Troop 818) short sleeve shirts
• 1 sweater on sweatshirt (wool or polypro preferable; optional, depending upon weather)
• 1 Class A uniform (Always worn while traveling to and returning from a campout)
• 1 jacket (weight appropriate for the season)
• 1 broad brimmed hat
• Stocking cap (bring 2 if sleeping in one)
• 1 rain suit - jacket and pants (ponchos not recommended)

Eating Utensils

Each Scout will need to provide their own "mess kit" and eating utensils.

• Deep bowl
• Cup (a sturdy cup with a carabiner is convenient)
• Spoon or spork (Knife and fork optional)
• 2 plastic, wide-mouth water bottles (1 quart each, Nalgene recommended)

Personal Hygiene

• Soap (camp suds)
• Toothbrush/toothpaste (small tube)
• Comb
• Small hand towel

Miscellaneous

• Small pocketknife (when permitted and only with Totin Chip)
• Matches (when permitted and only with Fireman Chip)
• 50 ft.  1/8 inch nylon cord or paracord
• Flashlight (headlamp recommended or small flashlight, either with extra batteries)
• Compass (liquid filled)
• 2 bandanas or handkerchiefs (different colors)
• Whistle
• Adhesive bandages/personal first aid kit
• Sunscreen (at least 30 SPF) and don’t forget to use it
• Toilet paper (Remove the cardboard tube and crush. Place in ziplock bag)
• Assorted stuff sacks (special one for dirty clothes)
• Extra plastic bag (Used to haul out trash and keep camp clean.)
• Boy Scout Handbook (packed in Ziploc bag)

Extras and Optional

• Bible or prayer book (packed in Ziplock bag)
• Personal Medicine (Held by adult)
• Sunglasses
• Watch
• Non aerosol Insect repellent (aerosol will destroy the waterproofing of tents)
• Camera
• Extra carabiners
• Moleskin
• Powder
• Diaper cream
• Toenail clippers
• Wet ones
• Bag of bags
• Swimsuit, towel, swim shoes
• Fishing gear (pole, tackle box, lures)
• Work gloves

Long Term Camping (Summer Camp)

 Items that are recommended to make your summer camp experience more enjoyable.

Scouts and leaders should bring your uniforms

• Scout Shorts & Pants
• Scout Shirts, Short Sleeve
• OA Sash
• Scout Belt
• Scout Socks
• Class B Shirt

When to wear Class A

• Troop arrive/depart in Class A Uniform
  Please wear shirt under Class A on Sunday to set up camp in.
• Breakfast-Class A
• Lunch-Class B
• Dinner Class A

Tips and Tricks

• Scouts are encouraged to review rank requirements prior to camp, that way they will be prepared for what they will work on at camp.
• Scouts spent on average $40 - $50 at camp.
• Tents are provided through the Troop.
• A plastic footlocker/tote should keep your Scouts belongings dry. Pack everything in it. Bringing backpacks is not recommended.
• When you get home from camp make it a habit to keep your camping gear stowed inside your footlocker so it is ready for next time.
• Sleeping on the ground is fine for an overnight. Scouts will enjoy their week much more on a cot. If you are purchasing one get a design that is quick and easy to set up. Then show your Scout how to do it so that they will be prepared when they get to camp.

What to pack

• Plastic tote - Pack your gear in a plastic, waterproof tote. There is always a chance that it will rain at summer camp and you don't want your gear to get wet.
• Cot - Troop 818 does not provide cots but ask around as Scouts may have one that you can borrow.
• Rope for clothesline and clothes pins
• 4" wide brimmed floppy hat (bucket hat, boonie hat, etc.)
• Spending money for Trading Post
• Day pack/small backpack
• Light Sleeping Bag or Blanket
• Raingear
• Extra Socks
• Laundry Bag
• Extra Underwear
• Jeans/Long Pants
• Swimming Suit
• Rubber-soled Shower Shoes
• Toiletry Kit
• Headlight
• Insect Repellent (no aerosol)
• Sunscreen (lotion preferred)
• Nalgeme Water Bottle (A bladder pack, i.e. Camelback, comes in handy as well. Scouts should drink at least 2-3 liters of water a day.)
• Pillow
• Hiking Boots
• Notebook and Pencil
• Watch
• Scout Handbook
• Wallet
• Compass

Winter Camping Tips

How to dress for cold weather

• Dress in layers. Synthetic is best. Fast drying, sweat wicking is best.
• Use a light wicking layer next to the body, a fleece or thick wool layer next and finish with a wind and water proof layer.
• Be sure to pay attention to changing your layers throughout the day. Sweat­ing isn’t a good idea because mois­ture will build leav­ing you vul­ner­a­ble to chill­ing as the tem­per­a­ture drops.
• "Cotton Kills" is a frequent saying. Cotton cools the body when wet. It also provides no insulation value.
• Wool socks are best. Use a liner sock will help as well. Use a synthetic liner sock. (Scouts who wear cotton athletic socks will get cold feet and be miserable!)
• Wear a stocking hat. Bring two. Wear a different one to bed.
• Bring gloves or mittens to keep hands warm.

Sleeping in cold weather

• Pack a pair of thick woolen socks specifically for sleeping in and make sure you keep them dry.
• Put clothes to wear the next day in the sleeping bag at night. The clothes take up extra space requiring less body heat to warn the bag.
• If your sleeping bag is not warm enough through in a fleece blanket or other liner bag.
• Take a Nalgene bottle and pour hot water in it before heading to bed. Place it in the sleeping bag to help warm up. Bottle to hot? Put it in a sock.
• It sounds gross but pack a bottle that you can pee in. A water bottle that you duct tape up so you know not to drink from it works. You should be able to tell the difference in the middle of the night with no light. It will keep you from having to leave your warm sleeping bag and your tent. It really is a huge comfort factor!
• Use a sleeping pad. In addition to being more comfortable on the ground it adds a layer of insulation between you and the ground and will keep you warmer. Use a closed-cell foam pad or a self-inflating foam pad which combines the best of both worlds by reducing heat loss and adding comfort. If you can use both with the foam pad on bottom and the self inflating on top. Do not use a blowup mattress or "pool toy" as it provides no insulation.
• Avoid breathing into the sleeping bag while sleeping, no matter how tempting, as it introduces moisture and down doesn’t work when it’s damp.
• For the same reason, squash all the air out of your bag as soon as you get up in order to expel body moisture, and dry out your bag fastidiously on a daily basis whenever you get the chance. Start from the feet and roll to the head.
• Take along the hand and body warmers. Shake one up and throw in sleeping bag. One at the feet and one near torso works great.
• Position your tent or shelter door/opening in a southeastern direction. That way you'll be able to take advantage of the sun’s morning rays.
• CHANGE YOUR CLOTHES!! Do not sleep in the same clothes you camped in all day. Your clothes will have perspiration and could cause you to chill when you get into bed making you take longer to warm up or maybe you will not get warm at all.

Eating in cold weather

• Eat a high protein snack like cheese before going to bed. It will keep the body furnace going longer. Also you can drink something warm like hot chocolate or apple cider.
• Leave any water bottles upside down as fluids freeze from the top down. Depending on how cold it gets this may leave you water to drink in the morning.
• Pre-fill pots in the evening. If your pot already is full of water you can melt the ice on the stove. If your cooler get frozen shut you might not be able to get water at all!

When You Get Home

• Air out your sleeping bag for at least 24 hours.
• If you put up your tent wet then set it back up to let it dry.
• Store your gear in your footlocker.
• Place your sleeping bag in a pillow case and not your stuff sack for storage. If you can hang your sleeping bag for storage even better.
• If you can lay self inflating sleeping pads, pillows and other camping gear out flat and were they can not be compressed it will help your gear stay in better shape and serve you better for the long term.

 Do's, Dont's and Conditional's

Do's

• Always bring a complete change of clothing (two in wet weather, preferably a fabric other than cotton).
• Always bring several pairs of dry socks.
• Boots-above-the-ankles are the preferred footwear.  Cloth shoes border on unacceptable for camping.  Open toe shoes or sandals are not acceptable.
• Always bring a ground cloth, rain suit and work gloves.
• Always bring a Boy Scout handbook, a notepad and pencil.
• Always leave home with filled water bottle(s).  You may not get a chance to fill your water bottle when you arrive at the campsite.
• Always come prepared for the weather!
• Always come prepared for fun!

Do Not’s

• Never bring radios, TVs, Gameboys, CD players, tape players, comic books, games, sodas, candy, or magazines other than Scout magazines.
• Fixed-blade knives are not allowed in Troop 818 except for cooking, and must be left in the Scout’s pack while not in use.  Only Scouts qualified by the Scoutmaster may use axes.
• Lighters are not permitted at any time.
• Aerosol spray products are not permitted on any troop activity. (These will destroy the water proofing in the tents.)
• DO NOT PUT ANY FOOD IN A TENT!! These tents may go to Philmont or some other campout were there are bears and your carelessness could cost someone severely because a bear was looking for a meal.

Conditional’s

• Knives may only be carried and used by Scouts who have received a Totin’ Chip.  The Totin’ Chip must be with the Scout in order to carry and use a knife.
• If fire starting is required on a campout, matches will be used.  Matches may only be carried and used by Scouts who have received a Firem’n Chit.  The Firem’n Chit must be with the Scout in order to carry and use matches.  No lighters are allowed in camp.
• Cameras are allowed, but at the Scout’s risk.

Troop Equipment

Troop 818 is fortunate to have a large inventory of backpacks, backpacking tents, as well as cooking utensils, stoves, hammocks, rain flies, etc.  It is the Scout’s responsibility to take care of this equipment.  Scouts checking out troop equipment for personal use should make sure items are not left behind and properly prepared for storage (e.g. packed well, dried thoroughly, etc.).  Troop equipment is checked out the Monday before a campout with preference given to the younger Scouts.  A three-ring notebook is provided in the Scout Hut where the equipment is stored.  A Scout interested in checking out equipment must sign the register in the presence of the troop Quartermaster or his patrol Quartermaster.  Only backpacks can be taken home before the actual campout.  All equipment should be returned no later than the Monday meeting following the activity.  The troop Quartermaster and patrol Quartermaster will inspect the condition of all the checked-out equipment after campouts. Any equipment not returned by a Scout will be charged to his Scout account.