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In addition to the uniform, your scout will require some basic camping equipment. There is no need to rush to REI for a shopping spree. Just focus on the basics that are required for now – the more specialized equipment can be accrued as needed over the course of your child’s scouting career or borrowed when necessary (e.g., the troop has some backpacking gear). Some equipment is brought on outings by the troop or patrol (e.g., cooking equipment).
Here are the “must have” items that you should focus on initially:
Tent: This should be a small tent (i.e., a two-person tent).
Sleeping Bag: Some outings do occur in the winter, so it is worth investing in a sleeping bag that is rated for colder weather.
Mat: Your scout should have a closed cell foam mat to go underneath the sleeping bag. These mats are convenient and avoid the puncture risk of an air mattress. More importantly, they are great for insulation in cold weather camping.
Mess Kit and Water Bottle: Focus on a basic mess kit with a plate, bowl, cup or mug, and utensils. A water bottle is an absolutely required to stay hydrated during the outings.
Camp Chair: This makes sitting around the camp fire at night much more enjoyable, but remember the bigger it is, the greater the effort to carry it on outings.
Light Sources: Light sources for nighttime at a campsite are necessary to have. These could flash lights, headlamps, or lanterns.
Safety Equipment: A compass and a whistle are good to have when hiking. A small first aid kit is recommended, although the troop will have large first aid kits on hand as well.
Toiletries Bag with Toiletries: A small toiletries bag can carry a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, deodorant, and other such items.
Backpack: A basic backpack of some sort is good to have on the outings. You do not need to worry about getting real backpacking gear yet.
Rain Gear: Camping in the rain without the proper gear is not fun. Make sure your scout has appropriate rain gear like a rain jacket or poncho.
Knife: Once your scout has earned their totin’ chip, they are allowed to possess items with sharp edges like knives. These can be useful on outings.
Appropriate Clothes: Make sure your scout is ready with appropriate clothes for a given outing. This has to do with being prepared for different weather as well as specific activities. One item to consider is a good pair of hiking shoes. While not required, these are better for outdoor activities than tennis shoes and you will not mind so much when they come back muddy from an outing.
General Outdoor Items: These are items that you probably already have on hand, but consider having available sun screen and bug spray.
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