The Parent’s Guide to Volunteering at Summer Camp

We spend so much time making sure our Scouts will have the best summer camp possible—mentally preparing them to be away for a week and checking in on them to see if their camping gear still looks good. We work hard to ensure they’ll have fun and make wonderful memories, but all that pre-camp preparation can sometimes get in the way of our own preparation! If you’re a parent or leader gearing up to volunteer at a local Scout camp this summer, read these super-helpful tips from our in-house summer camp expert Alan Sanders—Director of Support Services for the Heart of America Council Camps.

Alan: Try to participate in all the fun activities—don't just sit around and attend meals! Get out of camp (and step out of your comfort zone). Hike the trails, paddle a canoe, and learn things about Scouting and the camp you otherwise didn't know anything about. I would recommend attending a merit badge with your Scouts; it's a great way to see and hear what is going on at camp. Be willing to help with advancement at the campsite and join in all the youth's fun. Take a kid to the pool and help them get their swimmer’s band if you can! From my experience, the leaders and parents who have the best time participate like the youth.

Alan: I recommend doing fun things as a unit, on top of everything the camp already provides in terms of everyday activities. I have seen units host talent shows, cornhole, and campsite wood-carving competitions. Activities like throwing horseshoes and playing Ping-Pong can also be fun. In the past, some units have organized hikes to prepare for Philmont Scout Ranch or have even gone off-site to play golf to earn the Golf Merit Badge. One of my favorite unscheduled activities is toasting marshmallows and building s'mores for some late-night snacks! 

Alan: Some must-have items in terms of summer camp gear I would bring include:

• A comfortable camp chair like the GCI Outdoor Comfort Pro Rocker
• A portable fan (seriously, trust me)
• First-Aid Kit
• Water Bottle
• Seasonings or all-purpose spice blends

Alan: We try to limit Scout’s screen time at camp (they should be having fun outdoors!), but it’s good to have internet access in case of emergencies and so leaders and staff can stay in touch with loved ones while they’re away for weeks at a time. If you need to get a little bit of work done while you’re at camp, accessing the internet comes in handy.

Most local Scout camps and high-adventure bases will have Wi-Fi available in key areas. For example, Philmont Scout Ranch offers Wi-Fi in all meeting spaces at the Philmont Training Center but not in the backcountry. The same goes for cell phone reception. There is a cell tower near the training center (and most carriers get a signal), but you shouldn’t plan to get reception if you’re going on a hike.

Alan: Take time to learn the camp’s history and explore the unique places that make it special. Walk the trails, visit landmark spots, and see areas you might not experience during a normal day with your unit. It gives you a deeper appreciation for the camp and everything it offers.

Make an effort to connect with the staff, too. Many have been coming back for years and have a wealth of knowledge about the camp, programs, and traditions. A quick conversation can lead to helpful tips, great stories, and a more meaningful overall experience.

Don’t head to camp unprepared. The right gear makes all the difference in comfort, safety, and overall experience. From uniforms and camp essentials to everyday must-haves, you can find everything you need at ScoutShop.org or at your local Scout Shop. Get ready, gear up, and make the most of every moment at summer camp.