The Badge Archive

Packing Discussion

Fulfills Step 2 of GSUSA Cabin Camper badge requirements.

Items Needed:

  • Paper
  • Pencil or pen
  • Printed “Individual Packing List” and “Troop Supply List” for scouts and families to take home OR Packing Basics by GSUSA

Instructions (Total Time: 15-30 minutes):

  1. Check Your Gear (5–8 minutes)
    • Scouts look at their packing list and check off what they already have
    • If needed, review each item one at a time as a group
    • Scouts circle or mark items they still need to get
  2. Make a “Missing Items” List (3–5 minutes)
    • Scouts talk about the items they don’t have yet.
  3. Decide What Can Be Shared (5–10 minutes)
    • Scouts go through the list and decide which items are personal (like clothes) and which can be shared (like bug spray or sunscreen)
    • Leaders explain why some items are better shared and others are not
      • Toothbrush, towel, socks = not okay to share (germs, comfort, personal use)
      • Bug spray, sunscreen, flashlight = okay to share (one can be used by the whole group)
      • Water bottle = not shared (each scout needs their own to stay hydrated)
  4. Spread the Packing Responsibility (3–7 minutes)
    • Scouts talk about how to divide shared gear fairly
    • Ideas include each scout packing one shared item or taking turns carrying heavier supplies

Sample Individual Scout Packing List

Each scout should bring the following to camp:

  1. Sleeping & Clothing
    • Sleeping bag and pillow
    • Pajamas
    • Change of clothes for each day
    • Long-sleeved jacket or sweatshirt
    • Poncho or raincoat
    • Socks and underwear
    • Closed-toe shoes
  2. Hygiene & Health
    • Toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste
    • Small towel and washcloth
    • Toilet paper (small personal roll)
    • Hand wipes or mini sanitizer
    • Any personal medications (e.g., inhaler, EpiPen)
  3. Safety & Comfort
    • Flashlight with extra batteries
    • Bug spray
    • Sunscreen
    • Lip balm
    • Whistle
    • Water bottle (filled and reusable)
  4. Sun Protection
    • Hat with a brim
    • Sunglasses
  5. Extras & Activities
    • Emergency snack (granola bar or trail mix)
    • Small book, coloring pages, or toy
    • Bandana or scarf
    • Backpack or duffel bag to hold everything

Sample Troop Supply List

Leaders or troop volunteers may supply these shared items:

  1. Safety & First Aid
    • First aid kit (stocked and labeled)
    • Emergency contact list and camp safety plan
    • Extra sunscreen and bug spray (for scouts who forget theirs)
    • Whistles (extras or backups for younger scouts)
    • Medications storage system (if carrying for scouts with permission)
  2. Camp Kitchen & Food Prep
    • Cooking gear or camp stove (plus fuel)
    • Matches or fire starters (if fires are allowed)
    • Pots, pans, and cooking utensils
    • Serving tools and meal prep supplies
    • Dish soap and wash tubs for cleaning
    • Trash bags and recycling containers
    • Paper towels and napkins
    • Water jugs (enough for drinking and cooking)
    • Food and snack supplies (including backups for emergencies)
  3. Camping Gear
    • Lanterns or camp lights
    • Camp chairs, foam mats, or seating options
    • Extra flashlights and batteries
    • Shelter items (e.g., tarp, ground cover, canopy if needed)
    • Rope and clothespins (for drying clothes or hanging supplies)
  4. Fun & Activity Supplies
    • Activity kits (coloring pages, craft supplies, outdoor games)
    • Nature scavenger hunt cards or badges
    • Campfire supplies (marshmallow sticks, s’mores kits—if allowed)
    • Camp songs booklet or story cards
    • Group journal or clipboard to record troop memories
  5. Optional Comforts & Extras
    • Spare hats or jackets for unexpected weather
    • Reusable plates, cups, and utensils
    • Cooler for perishable food
    • Large tote bins or crates for organizing supplies
    • Extra towels and hand wipes
    • Small shelter or privacy tent for changing
Tia Kennard