Camping Gear

Troop 71 has a trailer that's chock-filled with equipment for the troop. The trailer contains  tents, ground cloths, cook stoves, cooking equipment, water jugs, fire bowls, tables, lamps, dining fly and many other things too numerous to list.  On campouts, the scouts are only responsible for bringing their own gear. Keep in mind a few things:

1. In Illinois it rains all the time so plan on rain any month of the year! 
2. In Illinois  the temperature can swing from freezing at night to  blistering in the day.  Scouts should bring clothes that can be layered, adding layers as the temperatures dip, removing layers as it heats up. Always bring a hat.
3. In the country there is lots of wildlife, wildlife that will eat a hole through a tent in search of  food. Scouts should never store food in their tent. It would be best if parents limited the kids from bringing  junk  food and pop. We do not allow pop on campouts nor electronic equipment.  We are there to enjoy nature, kids get enough technology at home.



Mandatory Gear:

* Sleeping Bag -  purchase a bag that minimally rated for 20F 
* Sheet (for summer camp on hot days)

* Foam Pad
* Mess Kit and Silverware
* Drinking Cup
* Water Bottle
* Flashlight
* Rain Coat
* Two pairs of shoes (for when one pair gets wet)
* Two pairs of shirts (one long sleeved)  and pants
* One pair of shorts for warmer weather
* Two pairs of socks and underwear 
* Class A Scout uniform (you must have this on when we travel) 
* Hat (stocking cat for sleeping at night)
* Gloves or mittens
* Sun block 
* Toothbrush and toothpaste
* Towel 
* Swimsuit (for summer camp only )
* Small First-Aid kit

* Permission Slip 
* Boy Scout Handbook 
* Everything wrapped in plastic bags 
* Money - usually just a few dollars for weekend campouts

* Pillow (or pillow case to fill with cloths for a pillow)
* Bug  Repellent (no aerosol cans)


Optional Gear:

* Watch
* Camera
* Notebook and pen
* Pocket Knife (must bring Totin' Chip)
* Matches (must bring Firem'n Chit)
* Compass 
* Sunglasses
* Book 
* Deck of Cards

There is an excellent list of equipment in the Boy Scout Handbook chapters 8 and 9. Scouts should bring as little as possible - but not less.  Be prepared for the worst so when the worst happens you won't be disappointed.