Camping is one of the most tranquil, beautiful, and adventurous activities. As Scouts, it is a way of life. If you don't already have a weekend camping grab-bag or go-box, most likely, that will naturally come about (this blog has some additional items to pack into your kit and talks about how to separate out your bins!). It is an amazing way to keep your gear organized and ready to grab and go! My first-time camping was in Florida… in the fall… it was so hot. Being born and raised in Florida, I was prepared for the heat, as heat and humidity are elements I am used to. What I wasn't ready to deal with was the grunge. I understand that dirt is a part of camping. The part I needed to manage was how the grunge was affecting my excitement for all things outdoors. Recalling the Scout Law, particularly the part about "A Scout is Clean," was hard to imagine at that point. At that moment, I decided to make this list of must-haves to ensure that my next trips out were spent enjoying my time instead of worrying about not having the essentials I needed to feel clean.

1. Hand sanitizer. Seriously. At some point, you may decide you want to cook something and eat something. Don’t jeopardize your health by being one with the outdoors! Hand sanitizer is your friend. It’s an easy way to ensure everyone’s hands stay clean and you’re safe.
2. Toothbrush holder. Side note, don’t forget a toothbrush and toothpaste. Beyond that, bring a toothbrush HOLDER! Think about it! You have all this cool gear designed to keep you clean and comfortable while camping, and then you have your soggy, wet toothbrush you just finished using. Ya need it.
3. Baby wipes or Wet Ones. We still have a toddler, so baby wipes are key for us right now and probably will be going forward (can anyone tell me when the food that is supposed to be going into their mouths actually makes it there 98% of the time?). I might always lean toward baby wipes, as they are gentler on the skin and can be used for pretty much everything – washing your face, check; getting the grime off your hands, check; taking an on-the-go “shower,” check.
4. Camp soap. Back to that first time we went camping and forgot to bring stuff to wash our dinner cookware. We learned from that and now have a travel bottle of eco-friendly, biodegradable soap in our camping kit.
5. A change of clothes.

This next gear set is my list of “Nice-To-Haves” for staying clean. They won’t make or break your trip, but they will definitely sweeten the deal!

1. A separate bag for dirty clothes. Keep the soiled gear away from your clean stuff. This also makes cleanup easier, as you can take a whole load of stuff and throw it into the wash when you get home. #DoubleWin
2. Dry shampoo. Yep, I said it. Cannot. Go. Without. It. Plus, everyone knows that going longer between hair washes is better for your hair! It’s a win-win; you don’t have to wear a hat 24/7! Try either Batiste (super thrifty) or Dry Bar (splurge).
3. Outdoor shower. I know, definitely a little extra… but talk about living the dream! It also makes washing dishes so easy! The best perk is that it packs up easily when empty and is simple to slide into your pack.
4. Microfiber Towel. Microfiber is important here! It can fold up into a smaller square (and thus fit into your pack more easily), AND it is more lightweight than a regular towel. This is great to have whether you are splurging on the item above or not – so helpful if you get stuck in the rain or get wet for any reason.
5. Gear Wash. This odor-eliminating gear wash is great to keep on hand for everything from your tent to your backpack... it even works for spot-cleaning your camping chairs! Bonus: if you want an additional easy spray for the in-between times, grab some tea tree oil and dilute with water (1 teaspoon of tea tree oil to 1 cup of water) - it smells lovely and is also odor-killing.

Lastly, let me add this disclaimer: this list does not include everything you need for safety. Don’t forget your first aid kit and water. If you are backpacking, don’t forget your water filter! For camping gear, visit ScoutShop.org—the official online retail store of the Scouting America.