Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Gift Ideas for a Cub Scout or a Boy Scout (Camp Essentials!)
17
items We’re 5 years into having campers and have learned a couple things along the way. Packing for camp is daunting, especially the first couple years. From backpacks to sleeping gear, this list will get your Scout prepared for camp.
Sections
3
Sleeping
Gear
Tips
Sleeping
Sleep is an important part of the camp experience! Set your kid (or yourself if you’re going too) up for success and make sure you can get comfortable after a long day of camp activities.
Go for a warmer rating (this one is 20 F) so that if your Scout is invited to a camp out in the fall or winter, you can use the same sleeping bag. Sleeping bags that can fit into a little stuff sack are ideal as it limits the bulk that your Scout wil...
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pads are necessary because the ground or the cot is not super comfy. The closed cell foam type of sleeping pad is what we send our boys with and they’ve held up for years.
Sleeping Pad (low budget)
A self inflating pad is a more expensive version of the sleeping pad, and probably better for an adult’s sleeping experience at camp. Also a good option for a responsible older Scout.
Self Inflating Sleeping Pad (high budget)
Scouts are supposed to bring a blanket in addition to their sleeping bag. These packable blankets are perfect because they will keep your Scout warm when it’s cold or cool when it’s a hot summer night.
Packable Camp Blanket
A mosquito net is a MUST HAVE! Skip the ones you have to hang with rope and dowels and just get the pop up one!
Pop-Up Mosquito Net Tent
Leave your bed pillows at home and grab one of these camping pillows.
Ozark Trail Memory Foam Camping Pillow
Gear
Having the right gear will allow your scout to make the most of their camp experience.
My boys prefer the headlamps with the red mode for night time. You can see in the dark without blinding your Scout mate. Headlamps are also less likely to be misplaced than a flashlight.
LED Headlamp PRO with Red Light Feature
This one is for the Boy Scouts. They’ll do a lot more hiking than the Cub Scouts, and one of these backpacks is a must have for all the gear to be out in the woods. The perk of having them for camp is that we are able to trade a packing tote for thei...
75L Internal Frame Backpack
A laundry bag keeps the dirty clothes contained until they come home from camp. Grab one with the shoulder strap for ease of carrying out of camp.
Laundry Bag with Shoulder Strap
Your Scout will need a daypack to carry around their water bottle, swim attire and anything else they may collect during their days at camp. It also comes in handy for carrying the 6 essentials on a Pack hike.
Daypack
A rain poncho will keep your Scout and their backpack dry when the rain comes. Stay Prepared!
Rain Poncho
If you have night owls who love to read, grab one of these book lights for them to take to camp.
Book Light
Tips
Camp is about being prepared AND having fun!
Send your Scout with waterproof playing cards just in case they have some down time.
Waterproof Playing Cards
For the younger crew, a rolling tote may be more practical for packing clothes, toiletries and whatever else you can fit.
Storage Tote with Wheels
Gallon sized plastic storage bags make it easy to organize complete outfits for each day, keep the uniform kit together, pack toiletries, keep the swim kit together and much more. Our Boy Scouts even asked to be packed with the storage bags this year...
Gallon Storage Bags
Sometimes Scouts don’t want to shower at camp, or they miss their shower time because of a storm. Packing wipes is a way to help your Scout stay clean while at camp.
DUDE Wipes
Sometimes a little baby powder goes a long way. If your Scout is prone to chafing, this little travel size option is an appreciated item after a full day of walking to the dining hall and all of the activities.
Baby Powder