Summer Camp FAQ's

Summer camp is a big step! It's a time for fun, growth, newfound freedom, responsibility, and learning for Scouts and parents. We've been doing this for a long time (over a century!), yet it doesn't get old, and we still get SO excited for each season.

First and foremost, to give you some peace of mind around safety, every Scout BSA camp is nationally accredited. All camp leadership staff are trained and certified in their roles. They walk through a year-long process to meet all BSA's National Camp Accreditation Program requirements. For example, if a Scout takes archery, you can trust that your son or daughter is in the hands of someone that is USA Archery certified. A camp health officer is also onsite to assist your son or daughter with any medical concerns.

We are here to answer your questions and make this exciting time smooth and easy for you. We know that the more knowledge you have on the front end, the more impactful an experience can be!

I recently took the time to talk to three in-house experts to gather their tips and advice on getting ready for summer camp.

Communication is key. I have heard that my whole life. I have experienced the impact of what happens with good and bad communication in my marriage, family, and job. It can make or break a situation. Camp is the perfect opportunity to get into the practice of over-communicating. Yes, have a conversation with your Scout and ask them questions! We love the following questions to get them thinking about the experience they want to create:

• What do you want to get out of camp this year?
• What are you most excited about?
• What are you most nervous about?
• What merit badges do you want to work on?
• Have you checked your camp gear?

Questions create the opportunity for your Scouts to lead the conversation in a way that can make them feel seen, appreciated, and heard. It lets them know their voice matters! This is the perfect place to let them know that whatever feelings they have are valid, and with that, Scouts can learn to manage those feelings (good or scary!). Allow your Scout to work through the uncomfortable situation – it is a new experience! New experiences can be uncomfortable – think of the first time you have tried something new and didn’t know what to expect! By opening the lines of communication with them, you allow them the space to sort it out – remember, this conversation isn’t about you “fixing” anything.

In the same vein as above, make sure that YOU, the parent, feel comfortable with everything. Your first resource available to you is your camp’s website. Depending on the camp, you might find that every question you have – from rules about food to daily schedules – are all posted online. If you still have questions, your Scoutmaster and Scout Leader (the volunteer(s) in charge that week) are the perfect “next steps.” Ask them about what their expectations are for the Scouts and you as parents, so that you can make sure everyone is on the same page. Some questions to get you started:

• What are the general ground rules for the week?
• How often will my son or daughter be able to call me?
• What is the best way to reach them in case of an emergency?
• What are the rules about electronics (including phones)?
• How should we pack extra Trading Post money? How much money is suggested for this camp (because just like the cost of living varies, so does how far a buck will take them!)?
• Is there a family night?
• What kind of activities will kids be diving into during the day and evenings at camp? What are the free-time options?
• Are bikes recommended or “a thing”?
• What kind of food options are available for people with allergies and picky eaters? The majority of summer camps are cafeteria-style and have both a salad bar and a hot bar. Each camp has its own “flavor” that usually varies based on location and region. There are a few camps that are patrol-style cooking. Most are going to have the ability to accommodate individual needs – or how kids can accommodate their needs.
• How does the camp handle prescription medications?
• What are the guidelines/recommendations around sending mail or a care package? This is IMPORTANT! The last thing you want is to put a lot of effort into sending something and have it never get there OR accidentally send something that can’t be distributed due to camp or troop rules. When addressing the letter or package, be sure to include the Scout's name, troop, and dates they are there!

 
Finally, ask experienced Scout parents! They are a great resource and can help you through first-time jitters.

Your troop probably has a gear shakedown scheduled to ensure everyone has everything they need, but before you get to that, you may have questions! Our resident camping expert took some time to give us a few pointers because, in his words, “A prepared Scout is a happy Scout!”
 
First and foremost, the packing list from the camp/Scoutmaster is essential. There is a reason for every item on there – don’t assume that something is unnecessary just because you are not sure why it is listed. Next, you really can’t pack too much sunscreen or bug repellent. Some other intel to help out with packing:

• Pack each outfit in a separate bag. This helps keep the clothes dry, helps with organization and preparation, and let’s be honest; it promotes cleanliness and good hygiene!
• Bring a pillow and check if a mattress pad is needed.
• Make sure Scouts have something that all their gear will fit in (a duffel, a footlocker, or a bin – something waterproof.) If the gear bag isn’t waterproof, pack everything in a garbage bag inside of the bag. Keep in mind that there are also great reusable options for dirty laundry and waterproof storage! Ideally, you want gear secured and waterproof. Really, you can never have too many garbage bags.
• Now is a great time to home in on the “A Scout is Clean” point of the Scout Law. Don’t forget shower shoes and to have a quick discussion on why good hygiene is essential!
• Not every area needs this, but man, if you know, you KNOW – don’t forget your mosquito netting! We carry all kinds of solutions for this, from regular bed netting to a hammock net.
• Be sure to pack the gear your Scout will need for free time! So if they plan on going fishing every evening, don’t forget to fill the tackle box.

If you are a new parent sending a Scout to camp for the first time, we always want to encourage Scouts to take merit badges that excite them! Pick merit badges that are new and different, ones that are best done in a camp setting (merit badges like aquatics, shooting, and environmental science). Take advantage and engage in your camp’s First Year Camper program (each camp has its own name for this program – it could also be called Trail to First class – your Scoutmaster will know)! This program gives Scouts one-on-one attention that will help them on the path to earning the rank of First Class.
 
It is also a great idea to take a mix of merit badges – not all merit badges are created equal, and some require prerequisites, and some don’t. Ideally (obviously, this is not a perfect science, but ideally), Scouts finish the merit badges they start at camp. That way they see some success and walk away from camp with completed merit badges.
 
Ultimately, we encourage Scouts to work on skill merit badges that play into rank advancement. Pioneering, Cooking, First Aid, and Swimming are great options for the first year at camp!

A few other pointers:

• Start planning early! Read the parent/leader guide sooner rather than later. This will give you the time to get all of the needed equipment and has a bonus of getting your Scout excited!
• Be sure to get your physical done as soon as they can (BSA Annual Health and Medical Record), as some offices may be delayed scheduling due to constrained resources.
• Take advantage of camp tours if that is something your council offers. It will make you and your Scout more comfortable to have a “lay of the land.”
• Make sure your emergency contact is available and ready to pick up the phone the week of camp! It may seem obvious, but make sure that person isn’t going to be traveling or hard to reach the week of summer camp.

Get as much done before camp as possible. It can be less stressful for some Scouts to knock out the swim test before they get there, same with knocking out merit badge prerequisites before going to camp.
 
We are so excited for you to discover the benefits of sending your Scout to a week-long summer camp! Camp is a vital part of the Scout experience, and as an integral BSA outdoor program, it is where your son or daughter is really going to flourish! After talking to Scout parents, the common thread I heard from everyone was how life-changing summer camp was for their Scout (and for themselves, if they went as kids!). This is where everything about Scouting has a chance to come together – from leadership development to character development and physical fitness. Summer camp can help kids take more responsibility with themselves and how they show up for every aspect of their lives. They learn to be self-reliant and to take responsibility for themselves and others. They also get another opportunity to see how giving people are because this is another reminder that leaders are volunteers! They are giving up their time and vacation to give this experience both Scouts and parents.

Sometimes we can forget the most important point of summer camp: good, solid fun. It's a place where kids can be kids and have space for unorganized play and unstructured time to do the things they want to do! With stress in kids on the rise, this is more important than ever.
 
Finally, when they get home, don't forget to ask them how it went! Ask them to show you their new skills or what they learned.
 
We would love to see and hear how you are preparing for summer camp! Don't forget to tune in May 14th-24th for all of the Summer Camp info and your chance to win prizes! Share your pictures and stories with us by using #ScoutShopBSA and #GetReadyForCamp when you post on social media for your chance to be featured on our social channels.