Camp Kit List

Explorers will need to bring their own personal equipment for camps. The following list is a guide to what is generally required although more specific information will usually be supplied at the time by the leader as part of the camp information. It is strongly recommended that you find out from handbooks what is necessary and that you pack your own kit.

If you are logged in, a copy of this list in the form of a checklist can be downloaded at the end of the page.

Full Uniform Scouts should always arrive and leave in uniform
 
Waterproof coat (or warm coat and cagoule) Depending on the time of year, you may want to bring a waterproof top and trousers - as we can't predict the weather!
Hat and gloves With so much body heat lost through the head in winter a woolly / fleece hat is essential. To help prevent heat stroke a peaked baseball style is best for summer
Warm jumpers or fleeces Even in summer, it gets cold in the evening.
Shirts/tee-shirts Enough for duration of camp. A number of layers are warmer than one thick one and the warmth can be regulated more easily.
Trousers Enough for duration of camp. Jeans must not be brought as these get too wet.
Shorts Enough for duration of camp
Activity clothing (as required) Bring appropriate clothing for the planned activities. If its going to be muddy or wet then bring old clothes including footwear and plenty of spares.
Underwear and socks Enough for camp plus spares. Note there is nothing worse than cold, wet feet on a wet and muddy hike, so take plenty of pairs of socks.
Swimming costume If any water activities planned
Hiking boots Good, strong walking boots are essential. Boots give a better ankle support and normally have better soles than shoes if you are hiking. If you don't wear a decent pair your feet will let you know!
 
Sleeping bag Stuffsac based types are much more compact than sleepover types. If camping September to June then a 3 season, with a 2 season minimum for summer. Synthetic filled bags are easier to clean than natural filling. Zips can be a source of cold if no baffle is fitted
Pillow Air pillows are good, as full size pillows take up a lot of space. You can always take an empty pillow case and fill it with clothes at night!
Roll mat or airbed Keeps you off the ground at night, and therefore warmer
Blanket (if required) Placed between a sleeping bag & sleeping mat this can help keep you warmer. Buy a "camp" blanket and use it to display badges & wear around the campfire
 
Eating kit (unbreakable plate, bowl, cup) Make it durable, plastic or metal but not Mum's best china!
Cutlery (knife, fork, spoon) Home or camp sets but make sure they are distinctive to find in a pile of everybody else’s cutlery
Tea Towel(s) One or two depending on length of camp
Drawstring bag Simply keeps all your canteen stuff together
 
Nightwear Even in summer it can get cold at night. It is important that day clothes are not worn at night
Wash kit (flannel, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste) Keep in a waterproof bag. Using soap and toothbrush containers is a good idea to keep everything separate.
Towel(s) Needed after heavy rain, falling in water, swimming or (just maybe) after having a wash!
Brush/comb If required
Hankies/tissues Small packs are ideal
Personal hygiene products If required
Medication Must be included on camp information form and kept in medical chest
 
Rucksack Suggest 65 litre or larger. Much more practical than a suitcase, please make sure the Scout can carry it though. Don't forget the thick plastic liner, in case of rain
Plastic bags or sacks for dirty washing/boots Please note that black bin bags, although very suitable, can look like a bag of rubbish if left unattended on a field; we would recommend coloured plastic bags.
Named refillable drinks bottle Make sure it's leak proof. Never take fizzy drinks. If it's cold don't carry on the outside of your bag
Spare trainers  
Coat hanger For your uniform
 
Book or quiet game  
Sun cream Important in summer and winter depending on the weather
Torch and spare batteries Head torches are increasingly popular. Do not pack your torch with batteries fitted (or at the bottom of your kit) as it could easily get accidentally turned on and you will arrive at the camp/holiday with flat batteries.
Watch A cheap one that can cope with getting wet is a good idea.
Personal First Aid Kit Keep an eye on use by dates. You don't need to buy an expensive ready made kit - put your own together
Camping Chair (optional) A folding one in a bag makes camp fire fun a bit more comfortable!
Camera/film (optional) Do record your holiday if you have a camera. Expensive cameras are, however, not recommended.
Pen/pencil and notepad  
Pocket money  

Notes

  1. The Scout Group cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to any personal effects and the Scout Association does not provide automatic insurance for such items.
  2. If you require medication while on camp please hand it in to a leader in a named container giving full details of medication required and a letter signed by the parent giving permission for one of the Leaders to administer this medication.
  3. All equipment and clothing must be clearly marked with the owner’s name; engraving or permanent ink are far better than nail varnish or stuck on labels.
  4. It is recommended that electronic items such as games, phones, radios or mp3 players are only brought to camp if essential; recharging is generally not possible on camp and they will need to be looked after.
  5. Scouts can only bring penknives if they have passed their hand-axe and knife training, prior to the event. Knives must be handed in so that they can be locked away.
  6. Aerosols, matches, lighters and any other flammable liquid or gas must never be brought to camps; these are dangerous and not necessary.
  7. Kit should be packed in a holdall or rucksack. It is important that there are no loose items. Line the kit bag with a plastic bag.
  8. Due to the nature of camps and activities, it is advisable to wear old clothing and footwear as there is a good chance they will get very wet, dirty and/or damaged.
  9. Earrings, nose rings, and other decorative jewellery are not recommended on camps and activities.
Attachments:
Download this file (explorercampkitlist.pdf)explorercampkitlist.pdf[Suggested kit list for camps]25 kB