One of the most asked questions by new parents to Pack 456 is, “What do I need for camping?”.  Here is our recommended list of things you need for camping with the pack…

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Camping Necessities

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• Tent – As a general guide, tents listed for X number of people can comfortably sleep half of X plus your gear. Therefore, a 6 person tent is suitable for a family of 3 plus gear.

• Tarp – A tarp is laid on the ground to protect the floor of your tent.

• Air mattress/cot – Unless you enjoy sleeping on the hard ground, an air mattress or folding cot is a necessity for sleeping.

• Inflation device – A battery operated or rechargeable inflation device is recommended for inflating your air mattress.

• Sleeping bag – Although we live in Florida, it can get chilly at night. An arctic, sub-zero sleeping bag isn’t necessary. A warm weather sleeping bag rated for 40-60 degrees will be suitable.

• Lanterns & Flashlights – Lanterns are needed for your tent. Flashlights are helpful for getting around in the dark.

• Camping chairs – Bring a comfortable camping chair for everyone in your family. You will appreciate a comfortable chair after an afternoon of activities. You will also need a camping chair at the campfire.

• Reusable "Mess Kits" - Plate, bowl, cup & silverware set for each camper

• Reusable water bottles/drinking cups

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Personal Necessities

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• Closed-toe shoes – Do not wear sandals when camping. We do camp in areas with fire ants and other biting, crawling insects.

• Insect repellent

• Sun block

• Wipes

• Hand sanitizer

• Hand soap

• First Aid kit

• Snacks/drinks

• Rain gear (rain coat, poncho, rain boots, etc.)

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Feel free to bring other items to make you comfortable, however keep in mind that you may not be able to drive up to your camp site to load/unload your gear.

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Meals

On most camping trips the pack plans breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday and Breakfast on Sunday, before departing camp. You are responsible for your family's dinner on Friday if plan to camp out that night.

If your Scout has special dietary needs, it is recommended that you bring your own meals. You may use the pack’s cooking equipment and utensils for preparing your meals.

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Facilities

All campgrounds used by the pack will have basic facilities. Some of the campgrounds may have showers.

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Camping Policies

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• All attendees must wear closed-toe shoes during all camping activities.

• Scouts may only sleep in the tent of their parent/guardian(s). This is in compliance with Youth Protection.

• Paperwork required to attend all BSA camping events:

  • Valid YPT certificate for each adult attending on file with our pack Committee Chair

  • Current "Annual Health Form" for every camper - leaders, scouts, extended family, $Free age siblings & additional pack volunteers on file with our pack Committee Chair.