Camp Gear Guessing Game

Items Needed:

Assorted camping gear placed around the room
(Examples: sleeping bags, backpacks, lanterns, hiking boots, pots/pans, cooler, raincoat, first aid kit)
Open space for scouts to walk between gear

Instructions (Total Time: 15 minutes):

Set Up the Game Area (2–3 minutes)
- Choose gear based on your campsite plan and season, and use the description suggestions below.
- Spread out gear around the edges of the room with space to walk between each item
Learn and Play the Gear Game (10–12 minutes)
- Each scout takes a turn and you state a description of a camp gear item.
- Scouts listen to a description of an item’s purpose. They walk over to the item they think matches that description.
Wrap Up Together (1–2 minutes)
- Talk briefly about why knowing gear is part of being prepared for camping

Use these descriptions during your gear matching game, planning activities, or reflection discussions:

“I keep your food cold” → cooler
“I help you see at night” → flashlight, lantern, headlamp
“I protect you from the rain” → poncho, raincoat, tent
“I help you stay warm while sleeping” → sleeping bag, sleeping pad, extra blanket
“I help you carry things on a hike” → backpack, daypack, fanny pack
“I help you make food” → camp stove, pan, cooking utensils, mess kit
“I help with cuts and scrapes” → first aid kit
“I help you keep your hands clean” → hand wipes, soap, sanitizer
“I help you see during the day” → sunglasses, hat with a brim
“I give you a place to sit and relax” → camp chair, picnic blanket, log or stump
“I help you know where you’re going” → compass, trail map
“I protect your feet while hiking” → hiking boots, sturdy sneakers
“I hold your trash so you can clean up” → trash bag, zip-top bag
“I keep bugs away from your skin” → bug spray, long sleeves
“I hold your water” → water bottle, hydration pack
“I help you hang up gear” → rope, clothesline, carabiner
“I make your campsite feel special” → string lights, homemade decorations

Tia Kennard