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Hello

CAMPING

Camping is a key experience in scouting that’ll introduce your scout to the outdoors and build foundational memories. Pack 289 hosts two family campouts (typically in Fall and Spring). If you are new to camping or have questions please reach out to any of the leaders or experienced scouts. Even if you are not ready to join overnight camping, you can join us for the day.

CAMPING 101

Documents & Insurance

The pack requires EVERYONE, both Scouts and family members, to provide a completed BSA Medical Form AND a copy of your family's Medical Insurance Card PRIOR TO attending any pack campouts. The documents MAY NOT be delivered on-site and we are prohibited from receiving them electronically. Please deliver them at the September Pack Meeting or coordinate a drop-off with your Den Leader before any camping event.​​​
 

Schedule and Menu

Family campouts are typically Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. A schedule of events is typically sent out over email a few days prior to the campout.  Please refer to the email or event page for further details. Pack 289 provides most meals throughout the weekend, but you'll need to provide lunch on Saturday.  The Pack typically asks each den to provide volunteers to help in food preparation, serving, and cleanup.

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  • Friday: Arrival and setup; no programming or pack-provided meals
     

  • Saturday: Programming (hiking, flag ceremony, campfires, etc), pack provided breakfast and dinner (families on their own for lunch); pack t-shirt worn
     

  • Sunday: Takedown and clean up (a scout leaves no trace); closing activities 

 

What to Expect

 

  • Family campouts are open to the entire family (siblings are welcome). Everyone attending will be required to have a medical form on file. Medical forms are valid for one year (tip: make a copy for future scouting events).
     

  • Safety Is Our #1 Priority

    • Buddy System

      • The buddy system is in place during campouts: no scout should be by themselves, even when going to the restroom. Adults should never be alone with a child (exception is known parent/child).

    • Pocket Knives

      • Only bears/Webelos who have earned their whittling chip card can use pocket knives. If they use it in an unsafe manner, their card will be taken away and they won’t be able to use a pocket knife until they’ve re-earned it.

    • Fires

      • Only Webelos who have earned their firem’n chit can start a fire and they must have adult supervision. Fires may only be done in designated fire areas and must be watched at all times. 
         

  • Vehicles

    • Campsites typically only allow one vehicle to stay at the site which will be reserved for the quartermaster (person in charge of pack gear). Typically you’ll be able to drop off your gear and re-park.
       

  • Electricity

    • Access to electricity may not be available. If you have equipment that requires electricity (CPAPs, etc.) you’ll want to plan accordingly
       

  • Mess Kit

    • You will need to bring your own mess kit (cup, plates, bowls, utensils) for meals. The pack will have cleaning stations set up to clean out your dishes after each meal.

    • Ideas:



       

WHAT TO BRING

This is a big question for first-time campers.  The Packing List is designed to be a general guide to help you get started.  As you become a more experienced camper, you may find that you wish to add or omit certain items.  If you do not have an item on the list, ask around.  We have several experienced campers that may have surplus equipment to loan out or they could suggest alternative items that you may already have.

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Essentials

  • Pocket knife (Bears/Weblos only)

  • First aid kit

  • Water bottle (filled with water)

  • Flashlight (bring extra batteries)

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • Trash bags

  • Toilet paper

  • Mess kit (cup, bowl, plate, utensils)

  • Camp Chair

  • Personal hygiene (deodorant, toothpaste/toothbrush, hand sanitizer/soap)

  • Snacks and food for friday, Saturday lunch, sunday breakfast 

  • Food shouldn’t be eaten in tents as they will attract ants and all food should be stored securely as it’ll attract other animal
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Clothes

  • Class A Uniform (Blue or Tan scout uniform)

  • Class B Uniform (Blue Pack t-shirt)

  • Hiking shoes/boots

  • Weather-appropriate change of clothing for each day

    • Texas weather can change so plan accordingly. A cold, wet scout is a miserable scout​

  • Rain gear

  • Hat

  • Sleepwear

  • Jacket or sweater
     

Do Not Bring

  • Electronics, tablets, music players

  • Flip-flops or open-toed shoes (unless using for showering)

  • Pets

  • Alcohol

  • Snacks for your tent
     

Sleep Gear

  • If you are new to camping, there are a lot of options out there for equipment. We’ve included ideas of what to look for but please ask if you have questions. You don’t need to get the most expensive equipment to have a good experience.​
     

Tent

  • NOTE: Don’t forget your stakes, poles, and ground cloth

  • Tents come in all shapes and sizes. Typically it’s best to get a tent size big enough for your family - this will help keep heat in the best and will be easier to set up.

  • Tents also have ‘dark room’ or ‘instant setup’ features. They can help reduce light coming in or make it easier to set up but are by no means essential.

  • Ideas: 

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Sleeping Bag

  • You’ll want to make sure you have a sleeping bag that’s intended for camping. Sleepover sleeping bags may not be warm enough. In a pinch, bringing extra blankets to throw over the bags can help insulate

  • Ideas: 



 

Sleeping Pad 

  • Sleeping pads are a barrier between you and the ground which will help you stay warm and can be more comfortable than sleeping on rocky ground. 

  • Air mattresses - while comfortable - do not provide insulation from the cold. Additionally, colder weather can cause them to shrink. If you do use them, make sure to bring extra blankets or something to create insulation between you and the mattress.

  • Ideas: 



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MEAL IDEAS

The key for camping meals is to keep it simple. As you become more comfortable with camping you can be more creative or elaborate.

 

Breakfast

- Kellogg cereal bowls & milk (requires cooler with ice to keep chill)

- Premade breakfast burritos (eat cold)

- Oatmeal (requires stove to boil water)

- Eggs and bacon (requires camp stove)

- Protein or breakfast bars

- Muffins or danishes

- Cans of cold brew coffee

- Protein shake 

 

Lunch

- PB&J

- Deli meat sandwiches

- Snacky lunch (meat stick, crackers, cheese, etc)

 

Dinner

- Fast food on the way there

- Hot dogs & chili (requires camp stove)

- Walking tacos (frito bag, pre-made taco meat, and taco fixings)

- Foil meals (cook in fire; google recipe ideas)

- Repeat lunch ideas

© 2023 Cub Scout Pack 289, Prosper United Methodist Church, Prosper, TX All Rights Reserved

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