The Badge Archive

Fulfills Steps 1 and 2 of GSUSA Cabin Camper badge requirements.

Items Needed:

• Device to watch a video
• Paper
• Pencil or crayon
• Backpack or bag for practice packing
• Camping gear to practice packing (see packing list below)

Instructions (Total Time: 32–55 minutes):

1. Learn from an Experienced Camper (12-30 minutes)
   • Watch a short video with camping tips from someone who has camped before
   • Listen for ideas about gear, safety, and fun things to do
   • Optional: jot down one tip you want to remember
2. Plan the Trip (10–12 minutes)
   Scouts answer questions by writing or drawing:
   • Where will you camp in the backyard? (tent, porch, treehouse, etc.)
   • When will you camp? (day, night, weekend)
   • How will you get there? (walk, ride bike, imagine a hike)
   • What gear will you bring? (sleeping bag, flashlight, pillow, etc.)
   • What will you eat? (sandwiches, snacks, cookout?)
   • How will you wash or get water? (outdoor spigot, water bottle?)
   • What will you do for fun? (games, stargazing, bug hunt, stories)
   • How much will it cost? (is there anything to buy or can you use things from home?)
3. Pack or Pretend-Pack (5–7 minutes)
   • Scouts fill a bag with items they’d need for their camping trip
   • They check their plan to make sure they remembered everything
4. Share Your Plan (5–6 minutes)
   • Scouts can show their family, make a poster, or talk about it at their next troop meeting
   • Optional: take photos or draw a comic strip of their backyard camping adventure

Suggested Videos for Scouts

These videos feature kid-centered camping tips:

• Camping for Kids | Learn How to Camp with Ozzie — Camping tips from backyard adventure, including tent setup, campfire basics, gear recommendations, cooking ideas, and nighttime fun like stargazing.
• Camping Adventure with Kids – Kid Crew — Shows a real camping trip with gear, setup, and activities
• Winter Camping Adventure – Kid Crew — Includes fire-building, cooking, and cold-weather tips
• Top 10 Fun Camping Tips for Kids and Families — A cheerful guide with packing ideas and outdoor fun

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Sample Backyard Camping Packing List

1. Sleeping Gear
   • Sleeping bag or blanket
   • Pillow
   • Flashlight or lantern
   • Stuffed animal or comfort item
   • Optional: sleeping pad or yoga mat for extra cushion
2. Clothing
   • Pajamas
   • Jacket or hoodie (in case it gets chilly)
   • Socks
   • Hat (for sun or warmth)
   • Extra outfit (just in case)
   • Closed-toe shoes
3. Food & Drinks
   • Water bottle
   • Snack bag (fruit, crackers, granola bar)
   • Dinner or campfire food (hot dogs, sandwiches, etc.)
   • S’mores supplies (graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate)
   • Napkin or paper towel
4. Fun & Activities
   • Book or coloring pages
   • Nature scavenger hunt sheet
   • Glow sticks or bubbles
   • Binoculars or magnifying glass
   • Small toy or game
   • Notebook and pencil (to draw or write about the adventure)
5. Safety & Clean-Up
   • Bug spray
   • Sunscreen (if camping during the day)
   • Hand wipes or sanitizer
   • Trash bag for cleanup
   • First aid kit (kept nearby by an adult)
   • Lip balm
   • Personal Whistle
6. Optional Extras
   • Camp chair or blanket to sit on
   • Tent or clubhouse decorations (string lights, signs)
   • Music or story playlist
   • Walkie-talkie (if camping with a sibling or friend)