Packing: Summer trip

What to pack for our epic summer adventures.

Paperwork

For domestic trips

Photo ID (driver’s license, school ID, or passport)
If no photo ID, a copy of your birth certificate
Letter of consent from parents (even if one parent is on the trip)
Emergency contact info (phone numbers and emails for all parents/guardians)
BSA medical forms
Copy of family health insurance card
An extra prescription for any personal medications
List of medications (and instructions) and any maladies

For international trips

Passport
Letter of consent from parents (even if one parent is on the trip). Ask leaders for a sample with trip leader contact info filled in, or use a blank template from Forms & Documents or the Government of Canada consent letter.
Emergency contact info (phone numbers and emails for all parents/guardians)
BSA medical forms
Copy of family health insurance card
An extra prescription for any personal medications
List of medications (and instructions) and any maladies

For all trips:

The Ten Essentials

Combustion (carry at least two: lighters, waterproof matches, flint-and-steel; also: tinder—twine or dryer lint)
Hydration (1–2 quart/liter-sized water bottles or Camelbak-style reservoir)
Nutrition (2–3 granola bars, energy bars, candy bars, GORP, whatever)
Navigation (compass, copy of map)
Illumination (headlamp or flashlight)
Insulation (extra clothing, fleece, warm hat, and rain jacket under “clothing” all count)
First-aid kit (the crew brings a kit, but carry a small one of your own, including personal medications—and you must advise adult leaders about any meds)
Tool and repair kit (pocket knife or Leatherman multitool; needle and thread; dental floss; duct tape wrapped around hiking pole or pencil)
Emergency shelter (space blanket/poncho)
Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, UPF lip balm, hat with an all-around brim, long pants and long sleeves)

Other personal gear

Backpack
Day pack (tiny)
Sleeping bag (in a waterproof stuff sack)
Sleeping pad
Sleeping bag liner (optional)
Contractor trash bags (3)
Ziplock bags (6)
50 feet of thin rope
Pencil and paper
Whistle and mirror/CD (for signaling)
Cup
Bowl/plate
Spoon or spork
Bandana (this can be cotton)
Small camp towel
Personal toilet paper (in zip lock bag)
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Gold Bond (for feet and, well, useful if you choose not to wear underwear)
Personal medication
Camp soap (biodegradable liquid)
Insect repellent

Clothing

Remember: COTTON KILLS! All clothing should be polyester or wool (that includes socks and underwear). No jeans. No cotton T-shirts. No cotton socks or undies.

2 pair zip-offs or long pants (1 pair) + shorts (2 pair)
Short sleeve shirt (4 total)—the crew provides 2, so pack 2 of your own
Long sleeve shirt (1)
Nice shirt (1)
Scout shirt (1)
Underwear (3–4 pair; optional)
Socks (4–5 pair)
Thin fleece or sweater
Skull cap (tuke)
Brimmed hat (all-around brim, for sun protection)
Rain jacket (waterproof)
Hiking boots (waterproofed)
Water shoes / hiking sandals that can get wet

Optional

Rain pants
Hiking poles
Camera
Book (highly recommended)
Cellphone (these will be collected before you get in the van; if you want to use yours as a camera during activities, you can ask for it; no internet use will be tolerated)
Camp shoes (flip-flops are great: lightweight, and they won’t rub blistered heels)
Deodorant