What to Bring to Summer Camp

Any good Scout should be prepared and bring the necessary items when they go camping. Here is a suggested list of things to bring. Please talk with your troop leaders for specific guidelines and guidance on how to pack and what to bring (and not to bring) to camp.

Personal Gear:

• Scout uniform(s)
• Extra shirts
• Extra pants/shorts
• Socks
• Underwear
• Rain gear
• Swimsuit
• Sleepwear
• Sneakers
• Hiking boots
• Water shoes (or closed-toe footwear that can get wet)
• Warm sweater, sweatshirt and/or jacket
• Towels
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.)
• Sleeping bag / blankets
• Pillow
• Flashlight (with extra batteries)
• Water bottle / canteen
• Ground cloth or small tarp
• Watch
• Wallet with money
• Notebook with pen/pencil
• Merit badge pre-requisites
• Scouts BSA Handbook
• Pocket knife
• Fishing gear
• Compass
• Mess kit (cup, plate, and bowl)
• Utensils (fork, knife, and spoon)
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Bandanna
• Camera
• Folding camp chair
• Old clothing (including footwear) for the Muck Hike

Troop Gear:

Packing Tips:

The Camp Minsi Trading Post: Camp Minsi’s trading post is open most of the day and has many items that you may want to purchase. You’ll find a wide variety of items including camping supplies, T-shirts and apparel, craft kits, merit badge pamphlets, books, snacks, candy, ice cream, slushies, drinks, souvenirs, and much more. Please be sure you bring the appropriate spending money as to not feel left out. We recommend bringing between $25 to $50 for the week.

Electronics: Every troop has their own unique policy on electronics. However Scouts should be encouraged to leave all electronics at home. These devices take away from the summer camp experience. They can promote home-sickness and often lead to other problems. Valuables should also be left at home; Camp Minsi is not responsible for broken or lost items.

Merit badge pre-requisites: Due to the nature of some merit badges, there are requirements that simply can not be completed at camp. This may mean doing some work prior to camp. For example, Environmental Science merit badge requires Scouts to research and write a report on an endangered species; First Aid merit badge requires Scouts to assemble a personal first aid kit; and Cooking merit badge requires Scouts to plan a menu and do the food shopping for a troop campout. Be prepared and review the merit badge requirements prior to camp. Additionally, some badges may have additional costs (such as a craft kit) associated with the class. See the Camp Minsi Merit Badge guide for details on specific badges.

Bicycles: Camp Minsi allows Scouts and leaders to bring and use bicycles while at camp (and is essential for any Scout working on the Cycling merit badge). Helmets and proper attire must be worn at all times when riding. The buddy system is still in effect when riding.

Label your gear: Scouts should mark all their personal gear! Many times items are lost or misplaced and never claimed. Placing your name and unit number on items can help prevent such losses and helps us reconnect Scouts with lost or found items.

Make sure you can handle your gear: Scouts are in charge of their own stuff at camp, so you need to know what’s in your bag and where it’s packed (for this reason we highly discourage parents from packing for their Scout). Remember that your stuff is your responsibility. While you won’t need to haul your gear miles to your campsite, you do want to make sure you can move it by yourself… and remember it has to fit in your tent. A lightweight duffelbag is simple, roomy, and easily squishable under a cot.

Pack for all weather: Camp program doesn’t stop on account of rain, so be sure to bring raingear (a few extra pairs of socks and a dry pair of shoes can make all the difference during a rainy week). A small and inexpensive plastic tarp can give extra rain protection for Scouts and their gear — it can provide a dry place to sit after a rainstorm, be hung or used as cover on a rainy day, or provide extra coverage over a leaking tent during an extended rain shower. Also note that the average daily high at Camp Minsi in July is around 80°F, and it can also get chilly at night (Camp Minsi sees an average nighttime low of 59°F in the month of July). A sweatshirt or fleece and a pair of long pants can make the cool evenings and mornings much more comfortable.

Stay organized: Don’t just toss everything into a your bag — keep your gear neat, clean and organized! Ziploc bags are your friends; they come in every possible size—even super-huge—and they’re watertight and waterproof. Packing your stuff in Ziplock bags can help keep your gear clean and organized throughout the week. Plus you can be confident that it won’t get wet or ruined if wind and rain come through your campsite at 3AM.

Still have questions: Talk to your Scoutmaster or other Scouts in your troop for guidance on what to bring (and what not to bring) to summer camp. Chances are they have lot of advice on what to bring (and what to leave at home).