The Badge Archive

Step 1: Understand the Purpose

Start by asking your troop, why are we going camping? Knowing the goal will shape your planning:

• Is it simply to enjoy the outdoors and have fun?
• Are you aiming to earn specific camping or outdoor badges or adventures?
• Are there particular activities or experiences scouts want to try, like canoeing, horseback riding, archery, or exploring nature? A specific hike?

Prioritize activities tied to the purpose. For example, if the focus is earning badges, you’ll need to dedicate time for these achievements, often leaving little room for extra activities.

Step 2: Plan Food Based on Time and Interest

Food preparation is a major aspect of camping and should be tailored to the scouts’ interests and available time:

• For scouts eager to cook: Allocate plenty of time to teach food prep and cooking techniques like tin foil dinners, one-pot meals, or mastering the Dutch oven.
• For simple meal preferences: Opt for quick and easy meals, such as sandwiches and hot dogs, that minimize prep time. Use finger food veggies like baby carrots to keep the meals nutritious.

Cooking can be time-consuming, especially when scouts are learning, so plan this element carefully to avoid unexpected delays. Breaking them into smaller groups and rotate who is prepping each meal helps, either using Cooking Stations or each small group gets a part of the cooking in different areas.

Cooking Stations

Divide scouts into three smaller groups. Rotate responsibilities so that each group gets a turn at cooking one meal while the other two groups handle different activities or stations. By the end of the campout, every group will have cooked one meal and participated in the other two stations, ensuring an equal share of experience and fun.

Step 3: Schedule Free Time for Recharge

Too much structure can be overwhelming for young scouts. Provide an hour of free time in the morning and/or late afternoon, if the schedule allows. This “Turtle Time” lets scouts recharge:

• Some choose to curl up in their sleeping bags with a book.
• Others play card games or create art with adult coloring books and gel pens (a compact box of supplies can be a cherished camp tradition for years).

These unstructured moments are invaluable for creativity, socializing, and relaxation.

Step 4: Fill Extra Time with Fun and Games

If you have additional time, introduce lighthearted games and activities that foster team building and bonding without attaching them to badges. Some great options are:

• Group movement games
• Simple team-building exercises
• Classic camp games (check out ideas here: Game Time)

Keep it simple and fun (KISMIF). Choose games or activities you feel confident leading instead of involving scouts in lengthy decision-making.

Step 5: Add Crafts as Keepsakes

Camp crafts are a fantastic way for scouts to have fun while creating something they can take home as a keepsake. When planning crafts for a campout, it’s best to keep things simple and manageable for both leaders and scouts. Here are some tips to make crafting a success:

1. Choose Crafts with Minimal Supplies: Pick one or two crafts for the entire campout. This keeps things organized and reduces the amount of materials you need to pack. For inspiration, consider Outdoor Art Crafts, even if you are not doing a badge that requires it.
2. Offer Scouts Limited Choices: Provide your scouts with about six options to vote on ahead of time. Once they’ve chosen, bring supplies for the top one or two crafts only. This prevents overpacking and ensures the activities are manageable.
3. Pack a Compact Craft Kit for Flexibility: A small bag of embroidery thread, tape to hold work in place, and a guide for friendship bracelets can be a versatile addition. This simple kit takes up minimal space, is cost-effective, and provides a fun activity for scouts who enjoy detailed crafts.
4. Provide Low-Effort Alternatives: Not all scouts enjoy detailed crafts, so consider bringing a few low-maintenance options, such as adult coloring books and gel pens for shared use. These require minimal preparation and can serve as a relaxing activity during free time.

By planning crafts thoughtfully and keeping them simple, you can ensure they enhance the campout experience without adding extra stress for leaders. Whether you’re working on badge-related activities or just looking for fun, camp crafts can be a delightful and memorable part of your troop’s adventure.

Final Thoughts

With the primary activities scheduled, food organized, time for recharge built in, and a sprinkling of fun and crafts, your campout is well on its way to success. Remember, the simpler your plan, the more enjoyable the experience will be for everyone—leaders included.

Hope these tips help you create a camping adventure your scouts will cherish for years to come. Have an amazing time outdoors!