The Badge Archive

Troop Practice Packing

Fulfills Step 2 of GSUSA Cabin Camper badge requirements.

Items Needed:

  • Three standard-size school backpacks
  • One full set of packing items inside each backpack (see “Activity Packing List” below)
  • (Optional) Printed “Individual Packing List” and “Troop Supply List” for scouts and families to take home OR Packing Basics by GSUSA

Activity Packing List (one set per backpack):

  • Sleeping bag (rolled or compressed) – not in the backpack.
  • Flashlight
  • Water bottle
  • Pajamas
  • Change of clothes
  • Socks
  • Jacket or sweatshirt
  • Toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste
  • Small towel
  • Bug spray
  • Sunscreen
  • Small toy or book
  • Camp mug or cup
  • Snack container (empty or filled with pretend snacks)
  • Hand wipes or mini sanitizer
  • Bandana
  • Poncho or raincoat
  • Whistle

Instructions (Total Time: 35 minutes):

  1. Unpack the Bags (5–7 minutes)
    • Divide scouts into three groups
    • Each group gets one backpack with supplies and a sleeping bag
    • Groups take out all items and place into a single pile on a blanket or table in their area and unroll the sleeping bag.
  2. Sort and Organize (5–7 minutes)
    • Scouts sort items into categories: sleeping, clothing, hygiene, food, fun, safety
    • Talk about what each item is used for and when they might need it
  3. Re-Pack Together (10–12 minutes)
    • Each team repacks their backpack neatly
    • Encourage putting heavier or bulky items near the bottom and softer or lighter items on top
    • Make sure the bag zips easily and feels balanced
  4. Lift and Check (5–6 minutes)
    • Scouts take turns lifting their packed bag
    • Talk about what feels too heavy or hard to carry
    • Share ideas for reducing weight: leave extra items behind or share troop supplies
  5. Review What to Pack (5–6 minutes)
    • Give each scout the individual packing list to review at home
    • Talk about how the troop can help with larger items on the group supply list

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