Camp Kit List
Young people will need to bring their own personal equipment for camps. The following list is a guide to what is generally required although more specific information will usually be supplied at the time by the leader as part of the camp information. It is strongly recommended that young people pack their own kit so they know where everything is in their bag.
| Full Uniform | Young people should always arrive and leave in uniform unless otherwise advised |
| Waterproof coat (or warm coat and cagoule) | Depending on the time of year, you may want to bring a waterproof top and trousers – as we can’t predict the weather! |
| Hat and gloves | With so much body heat lost through the head in winter a woolly / fleece hat is essential. To help prevent heat stroke a peaked baseball style is best for summer |
| Warm jumpers or fleeces | Even in summer, it gets cold in the evening. |
| Shirts/tee-shirts | Enough for duration of camp. A number of layers are warmer than one thick one and the warmth can be regulated more easily. |
| Trousers | Enough for duration of camp. Jeans must not be brought as these get too wet. |
| Shorts | Enough for duration of camp |
| Activity clothing (as required) | Bring appropriate clothing for the planned activities. If its going to be muddy or wet then bring old clothes including footwear and plenty of spares. |
| Underwear and socks | Enough for camp plus spares. Note there is nothing worse than cold, wet feet on a wet and muddy hike, so take plenty of pairs of socks. |
| Swimming costume | If any water activities planned |
| Hiking boots | Good, strong walking boots are essential. Boots give a better ankle support and normally have better soles than shoes if you are hiking. If you don’t wear a decent pair your feet will let you know! |
| Sleeping bag | Stuffsac based types are much more compact than sleepover types. If camping September to June then a 3 season, with a 2 season minimum for summer. Synthetic filled bags are easier to clean than natural filling. Zips can be a source of cold if no baffle is fitted |
| Pillow | Air pillows are good, as full size pillows take up a lot of space. You can always take an empty pillow case and fill it with clothes at night! |
| Roll mat | Keeps you off the ground at night, and therefore warmer |
| Blanket (if required) | Placed between a sleeping bag & sleeping mat this can help keep you warmer. Buy a “camp” blanket and use it to display badges & wear around the campfire |
| Eating kit (unbreakable plate, bowl, cup) | Make it durable, plastic or metal but not Mum’s best china! |
| Cutlery (knife, fork, spoon) | Home or camp sets but make sure they are distinctive to find in a pile of everybody else’s cutlery |
| Tea Towel(s) | One or two depending on length of camp |
| Drawstring bag | Simply keeps all your canteen stuff together |
| Nightwear | Even in summer it can get cold at night. It is important that day clothes are not worn at night |
| Wash kit (flannel, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste) | Keep in a waterproof bag. Using soap and toothbrush containers is a good idea to keep everything separate. |
| Towel(s) | Needed after heavy rain, falling in water, swimming or (just maybe) after having a wash! |
| Brush/comb | If required |
| Hankies/tissues | Small packs are ideal |
| Personal hygiene products | If required |
| Medication | Must be included on camp information form and handed to a leader on arrival |
| Rucksack | Suggest 65 litre or larger. Much more practical than a suitcase, please make sure the young person can carry it though. Don’t forget the thick plastic liner, in case of rain |
| Plastic bags or sacks for dirty washing/boots | Please note that black bin bags, although very suitable, can look like a bag of rubbish if left unattended on a field; we would recommend coloured plastic bags. |
| Named refillable drinks bottle | Make sure it’s leak proof. Never take fizzy drinks. If it’s cold don’t carry on the outside of your bag |
| Spare trainers | |
| Coat hanger | For your uniform |
| Book or quiet game | |
| Sun cream | Important in summer and winter depending on the weather |
| Torch and spare batteries | Head torches are increasingly popular. Do not pack your torch with batteries fitted (or at the bottom of your kit) as it could easily get accidentally turned on and you will arrive at the camp/holiday with flat batteries. |
| Sunglasses (optional) | A cheap paid of sunglasses can be useful on sunny days. We do not recommend bringing expensive glasses for obvious reasons! |
| Personal First Aid Kit | Keep an eye on use by dates. You don’t need to buy an expensive ready made kit – put your own together |
| Camping Chair (optional) | A folding one in a bag makes camp fire fun a bit more comfortable! – Please only bring a camp chair if advised to do so by your leader. |
| Camera/film (optional) | Do record your holiday if you have a camera. Expensive cameras are, however, not recommended. |
| Pen/pencil and notepad | |
| Pocket money | Only bring money if advised to do so by your leaders. |
Notes
- The Scout Group cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to any personal effects and the Scout Association does not provide automatic insurance for such items.
- If your child requires medication while on camp please hand it in to a leader in a named container giving full details of medication required..
- All equipment and clothing must be clearly marked with the owner’s name; engraving or permanent ink are far better than nail varnish or stuck on labels.
- A certain amount of pocket money is acceptable if advised by the camp leader. Money may be handed to camp-leader for safety and will be given out as required. The Scout Group is otherwise not responsible for losses.
- Please do not include any electronic games, phones, tablets, radios or mp3 players.
- Scouts and Explorers can only bring penknives if they have passed their hand-axe and knife training, prior to the event. Knives must be handed in so that they can be locked away. Beavers and Cubs should not bring knives under any circumstances.
- Aerosols, matches, lighters and any other flammable liquid or gas must never be brought to camps; these are dangerous and not necessary.
- Kit should be packed in a holdall or rucksack. It is important that there are no loose items. Line the kit bag with a plastic bag.
- Due to the nature of camps and activities, it is advisable to wear old clothing and footwear as there is a good chance they will get very wet, dirty and/or damaged.
- Earrings, nose rings, and other decorative jewellery are not recommended on camps and activities. For long hair, please bring hair bands/clips.
1st Bersted Air Scout Group 