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CUB SCOUT CAMPING

For Cub Scouts, Webelos and Families


BALOO'S BUGLE

Last Update: 7/20/09

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Preparation for Boy Scouts

A list of Council Approved Locations for pack camping is available from your DE or the District Outdoor Chairman. New locations can be submitted for approval on Park Approval Form #13-508 that you can download HERE. Fill it out completely and give it to your Commissioner, the DE or the CS Outdoor Chairman.

Cub Scout Outdoor Program Options

Type of Camp

Who Attends*

Site Approval By

Reference

Primary Leader

Leader Training

Cub Scout Day Camp

Tiger Cubs and adult partners, Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts Local council Cub Scout Day Camp, No. 13- 33815; Day Camp Standards, No. 13-108 Camp director and program director Camp director and program director trained in National Camping School Cub Scout Day Camp Administration

Cub Scout Resident Camp

Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts,Webelos Scouts Local council Resident Camping for Cub Scouts. Webelos Scouts, and Parents, No. 13-33814; Resident Camp Standards. No. 19-108 Camp director and program director Camp director trained in National Camping School Resident Camping Management; Program Director trained in National Camping School Cub Scoul Resident Camping Program

Pack Overnighters

Tiger Cubs and adult partners. Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, parents (siblings, if there is a separate program for them) Local council See No. 13-5O8.) (An established campground should be used.) BALOO, No.34162, Pack Overnighter Site Approval Form. No. 13-508B Pack leaders and parents Pack leadertrained In BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) held by the district or council training team

Webelos Den Overnight Campouts

Webelos Scouts and parent(s) Local council Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders, No.13-33640 Webelos leader and parents Webelos leader trained In Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders held by the district or council training team

Council or District Webelos Den Overnight Campouts

Webelos Scouts and parent(s) Local council Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders. No. 3-33640 Council or district leaders Council or district leaders trained In Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders held by the district or council training team

Council or District Organized Family Camp

Entire families or parent(s)/sons (More than one pack attends.) Local council Council Family Camping Staff Training Guide, No. 13-468; Standards for Council- Organized Family Camps, No, 13-406 Council or district on-site family camp director (could be the council family camp administrator) Family camp administrator trained in National Camping School Resident Camp Management; on-site family camp director trained by family camp administrator

* Parents and pack leaders are included in all Cub Scouting activities and should be invited to participate in all Cub Scout camping programs

More Camping Rules and Guides:

Cub Scout Outdoor Program Guidelines

Outdoor Program Highlights

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WHAT'S UNDER YOUR TENT

I found this in a British Cub Scout Book. Some of the critters are native to the British Isles but we have similar species here in the North West.

bill

You have probably got more sense than to pitch camp over a rabbit warren or on top of an ants' nest or mole hill- but wherever you camp there's bound to be plenty going on under your tent.

Putting up tents can be a very noisy business and no matter how careful you are, you are bound to disturb the local wildlife. As you put down your ground sheet you will flatten the grass and disturb all sorts of small creatures. Many will move away but as warmth slowly builds up under the canvass, many more will be attracted to the site and activity will increase.


(1) Lesser Shrew. The Pygmy or Lesser shrew is the most common of five British species. You may see one scurrying along beside your tent at any time of the day or night. Shrews nest in underground burrows and feed on earthworms, wood lice, beetles and spiders.
(2) Common Vole. Keep your eyes open and you may see one of these little mouse like creatures as it moves around looking for berries and insects. Voles live in underground nests lined with grass and straw and are active by day and night.
(3) Worm. There can be millions of worms in a field and they are very important as they mix up the soil and let the earth breathe. Worms can be up to 30 cm long and they feed on leaves and decaying vegetable matter.
(4) Common Earwig. The common earwig has wings but rarely flies. It eats small, usually dead insects as well as leaves and fruit. Earwigs are active both day and night and will often be attracted by the warmth of a tent.
(5) Wood louse. Wood lice live mostly in damp and shady places, under stones and logs. They are active only at night and, liking dark and damp, they will often crawl under a tent where the temperature and humidity are just right.
(6) Two Pronged Bristletail. This harmless little insect lives in the soil, is wingless and feeds on decaying matter.
(7) Millipede. Millipedes eat dead leaves and decaying material. They are about 25 mm long and are easily recognized, despite their size, as they have two pairs of legs on each body segment.
(8) Centipede. Centipedes are fast moving, eating mites and small insects. Their flattened bodies help them to move quickly through loose soil, grass and leaf litter.
(9) Black Ant. The black ant is one of over thirty species in Britain, most of them living underground in nests.
(10) Yellow Meadow Ant. The yellow meadow ant makes small mounds or anthills. The mounds are built to catch the sun's rays and to provide a breeding site.
(11) Red Ant. The red ant nests under stones and in rotting wood. The three species of ant mentioned here are all known as dairying ants because they 'farm' aphids. Aphids, of which the best known are greenfly, are small and soft skinned. They congregate in large numbers on plants to suck up the juices. The ants 'farm' them to drink their 'honeydew', a sweet substance which the aphids excrete.
(12) Violet Ground Beetle. Often found under large stones, they eat other insects and worms.
(13) Green Tiger Beetle. This fierce, sharp jawed predator is often seen in early summer. The larva pupates in a burrow and catches ants and other small creatures when they come close.

Bill Bruce, The Outdoor Adventure Book
The Scout Association (UK)
World International Publishing Ltd.

Cubs 'n Bugs

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Bear Necker

FAMILY CAMPING

HELPFUL HINTS

Animatics

Pack 66 Campout Check List

Pack 836 Family Camping Checklist

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WHEN MY PACK GOES CAMPING

We almost always have a fishing derby. We also play sports, like volleyball, ultimate, etc. Some other activities could be a nature hike, boating, swimming, and for night time, astronomy.

For that many people, you can always serve the old reliables: hot dogs and hamburgers. To be honest, we usually have each family prepare their own meals. On our next campout (in May), the 2 Bear Dens are planning to organize our meals, so we will be cooking together.

Nancy, Den Leader, Pack 97,
Tidewater Council - REC

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My Own Idiots' Guide to Camping

Tony Shipley

I relearned a lot of harsh lessons when I got back into Scouting. I used to be a Boy Scout ages ago but I probably forgot more than I knew. This is my short quick and ugly letter to our parents on what they need, why, and how to use it if they've never been camping. Now mind you, this list isn't for the "Marathon Everything Fits on My Back and I'm Ready to Go Wrestle Grizzlies" kind of camping. Its for parents and their kids for a week or less in somewhere somewhat domesticated.

1. TENT:
DON'Ts - Don't get the megabuck humongous tent with...ahem... aluminum poles. First off you need an associates degree in engineering to put one up. Second it takes you around 30 minutes to set it up IF you can figure out how to do so. This is however an excellent tent for you if you:
DO's - I recommend an 8x8 Dome Tent. God bless them people that came up with nylon shock cords and graphite rods. In looking for a dome tent I'd suggest a 2 pole tent, square. A 3 pole hexagon tent isn't better, just a bigger hassle to put up. For example I donated my boys tent to someone in the pack that didn't have one, and got our kids a new one. Its an Ozark Trail tent, 8x8. Huge vents, big door, huge rain fly. T akes 60 seconds to set up if you have your act together.
Tips:
2. Sleeping Bag and cushion:
That's really up to you and it really depends if you are camping here in Texas or in Glacier National Park. Get something warm, reliable, comfy. You only need to seriously consider weight and type in a sleeping bag when going on a hiking trip. Now as for cushioning, if its just me with the kids I take her bag along and use it as my cushion. Its also handy if it gets REAL cold. I have a spare. I'm trying out a swimming pool inflatable this weekend though. Your local stores have lots of cushions, cots, etc. to choose from. It basically boils down to how comfy you need to be and how much stuff you want to tote around.
3. I take 3 coolers with me:

One other thing. Get a Boy Scout Handbook. Has handy stuff in it that is not in your Cub Scout's book. Plus it has neat activities to do. For instance I'm taking some plaster of paris to make prints of animals with.

4. Cooking:
This is up to you. Some scout camping functions will feed you. Some won't. I love dutch ovens even though I don't have one. I haven't progressed that far in my purchasing list but I assure you I'll get there someday. But - a $20 aluminum camping cook set works wonders.
Fire: Directly related to cooking. Make sure you have Prometheus's gift in some form. Matches, IBC lighter, flint and stone. Something that makes flame. Your medium of fuel is up to you. Firewood, coals, bunsen burner, etc. Also check if there is a fire ban in your camping area. Dry weather and an untended campfire is an invitation for disaster and Bambi doesn't look cute fried extra crispy.
5. List:
This is a general list of stuff given with the tent I just brought. Its big, its huge, and you probably don't need it all but its something to think about:

Tent
First Aid Kit
Sleeping Bags
Pocket Knife
Rope & clothes pins
paper towels
Water Container
garbage bags
Grill & charcoal
detergent
pot holders
fishing gear

Tape
Suntan Lotion
Life Preserver
Ground Sheet
Insect Repellent
matches
flashlights
Camp Stove
Storage containers
pots & pans &
dishes & cups

Hatchet
Sewing Kit
Ax or Shovel
Air Mattress
Toilet tissue
folding table & chairs
mirror
map
fire starter
Aluminum Foil

Pail
Water Jug
Wash basin
Fire Extinguisher
Broom
Lantern
waterproof tarp
Cooler
rain coat
Stuff to handle food with and eat with

Hammer (contrary to popular belief the flat end of the hatchet is not meant for using as a hammer. You might cleave your face in 2 that way.)

Hope this helps. Its not everything but its a good start.

CT-Tony Shipley,
ACM Pack 51, Port Neches, TX

Don't forget the Marshmellows!

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Tiger Necker

And after our own personal camping trip, and after enduring 3 days of rain (and mud), we went to Wal-Mart and bought one of those artificial looking green grass mats to wipe our feet off before we entered the tent.

From Cub-Scout-Talk forum

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CAMP GAMES & ACTIVITIES

CAMP ACTIVITIES
If you camp at a State or Federal park, you may be able to take advantage of the programs there.
However, you should plan a variety of activities that will appeal to all ages that attend and remember to set aside some time for people to just relax and have fun.
HIKES
How about an exploration hike so everyone learns the territory. Check to see if there are some local specialties that might appeal to your pack members. Click HERE for different kinds of hikes and also consider night hikes or before breakfast hikes for something different.
GAMES:
You will want to have a variety that suit kids of all ages as well as the adults. The old reliables like tug-of-wars, softball, and volleyball are always favorites. Or try some of the outdoor fun activities from our game page:

TIN CAN STILT RACE: Making the stilts is a Wolf Elective.
STEAL THE BACON: An active game for older boys.
THE FLYING DOUGHNUT: For those with lots of excess energy
SCAVENGER HUNT: Great for Family or Den teams.
THE STICK GAME: Any number can play, but you'll will need a stick for each one.
T-SHIRT RELAY: Fun even for younger kids.
"HEAVE, HO, THROW!" RELAY: Life saving practice for Webelos.
TIRE ROLLING RELAY: Great fun for all.
CUP AND BOTTLE RELAY: Great for a warm afternoon - all ages.
WET GAMES: A Bunch of games involving water.
Nature Treasure Hunt: This can involve the entire pack.
THE SEARCH FOR BIG FOOT: A big team game.
TURTLE DERBY: A good one for younger guys.
SHARK: A game for large groups
SHIP TO SHORE: Our neighbors brought this back from Ireland.

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CAMPFIRES

CAMPFIRES may be large or small, formal or informal, storytelling or dramatic, mystery, Indian, stunt, songfest, or any combination of these. Most of all, the campfire program is important. It must have purpose, direction and a definite idea of what it is trying to accomplish.

Use "Campfire Program Planner" No. 3696 as a guide in planning campfires. Decide who will do what, and how. Write down the plan, even to the song titles. Check all items in advance to be sure they are in good taste.

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Wolf Necker

CAMPFIRE INGREDIENTS

Songs -
Scouting, action, quiet, novelty and special occasion songs all can be used. The song leader should beat time and set the pitch before you start. The liveliest songs should occur early in the program, with the quiet songs saved until towards the end.
Stunts/Ceremonies-
Campfire stunts are fun and can be action, humorous, mixer, magic, or educational. The opening ceremony sets the tone for the whole program so it must be good, and attract and hold the attention of the group. A fire lighting ceremony is part of the opening. Closing ceremonies should be quiet, inspirational and challenging. Quiet songs, such as "Taps", a benediction or prayer, Indian sign language closing, are good.
Stories -
Storytelling is an art which almost anyone can acquire with practice. As long as the story holds together, the audience won't be too critical of your dramatic ability. It's the story they are interested in, not the storyteller.
The Main Event -
The program needs a Climax - an event that will top off the evening and make it something to remember. This could be a Boy Scout, telling of his Jamboree experiences or tales of Philmont trails. It could be a story. It should be the high point of the evening.
Showmanship -
Without showmanship, the campfire leader and all the songs, stunts and stories will fall flat. Showmanship is an indispensable ingredient that puts sparkle and life into a campfire program.
Follow the fire.
When it leaps high, the program should be loud and lively. As the fire dies down, the program becomes quieter and serious.

Note: A pack campfire is an Impressive setting for a Webelos graduation. See "Staging Den and Pack Ceremonies".

Animatics

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CAMPFIRE GAMES

Choose games that are suitable for all ages of those at your campfire.

Never Ending Story
It starts Once upon a time... then the next camper adds a line, and then the story is passed around and around and around.
Charades:
Players act out the syllables of a word or phrase while the others try to guess what it is. Divide the den into two teams. Write a word or phrase and give it to one team. Ask them to leave the room to plan how they will dramatize the charade. After a quick rehearsal, the team returns and presents its act. Give each member of the other team a chance to guess what is being dramatized. Suggest that the teams start with simple charades, such as "air gun," "cat tail," "football," and "fire eater." When they have had some practice, try more complex charades such as TV show titles, book titles, and particular places.
I'm Going on a Hike Game.
You start by saying "I'm going on a hike and I'm taking bread. You say something that starts with your first initial. Make sure only one or two know this is how you play. If the person takes the correct thing you say "oh, you can go." If they say something starting with the wrong letter, "Oh, you can't go." It's fun to see how long it takes everyone to figure out the secret.
Famous Names:
You have to think of a famous person (or someone everyone has heard of), both first and last name and the next person has to think of a famous person with the first name beginning with the last letter of the last name of the person mentioned before. EX. Bill Clinton, Charles Manson, Melanie Griffith etc. The idea is to get the next person stumped. You can't repeat the same name, and if someone gets a double letter name (ex. Marilyn Monroe) it switches directions - lots of fun.
One Up One Down."
The object of the game is to figure it out. Everyone sits around the fire and has a choice of three things to say; they can say "One up one down," "two up", or "two down." The way you know what to say is based on your hand/arm position. You say "one up one down" if one arm is up and the other is down, "two up" if both are above the waist, and "two down" if both are below the waist. It will take both younger campers and older campers a little while to figure out the "pattern." This game works best if only a few people know how it works. When no one gets the pattern, you can make your arm motions a little more obvious. Everyone will have a good time trying to figure out how the game works.
I Like Coffee But I Don't Like Tea.
The answer is that what you like are things that have double letters in them and the things you don't like don't. I like trees but I don't like flowers of I like butterflies but I don't like moths.

Back to GAMES

CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING:

Wink Murder.
Bird Beast or Fish
Pioneer Went to Sleep

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Service Projects:

Your pack can combine the fun of a camp out with a Service Project like a tree plant or a Beach clean up. Check with the park ranger for opportunities.

Rainy Day Stuff:

Star Watch:

On clear moonless evenings, have a star watch. Find an older Scout or parent who is knowledgeable to lead it.

Belt Loop Extravaganza:

Select several activities from the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program that may be new to most boys. Recruit some parents to run each one. Award the belt loops to participants at your camp fire.

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Night Bug Hunt:

As you walk along a dark trail, hold your flashlight against your forehead and shine it onto the shrubs and undergrowth several yards ahead of you. With a bit of luck, you will see the light reflected from the eyes of some of the creatures lurking there. Spiders especially are easily spotted. Don't try this after a rain because drops of water on the leaves form little lenses that reflect light.

LINKS

GORP: Ten Camping Commandments for Kids.

Roy's RVing: A Portable Campfire If ground fires are not allowed.

BOOKS

Kid's Campfire Book Lots of good ideas for Cub Scout age campers.

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Bear Necker

Fire Starters

Egg Carton Fire Starters:

Fire starter egg carton

Melt the paraffin (in a double boiler), put dryer lint or wood chips or sawdust into the egg carton cups, and then pour the paraffin over the wood, filling up the cup. Then we just rip off fire starter cubes as needed.

Sharon Stanley

I tried the lint idea last night. I have a better idea. Use cotton balls or pads. They catch easier, are cleaner and less messy than lint and wax.

Mike Badley

We also teach not to use lint from colored fabrics, since a few people are sensitive to the dyes (one guy got sent to the hospital because of a reaction to the fumes). Granted this is VERY rare, but it's a big caution.

I prefer using sawdust and paraffin, as mentioned earlier. I also have success with COTTON balls rubbed with petroleum jelly. You can store a ton of these squished up in a film canister. (Make that a million and two! uses...) When ready to use, pull out one jellied cotton ball, pull it apart (get that air into those fibers!), and use it as fire starter.

My son made a bunch of them one time from the balsa wood shavings I brought home from Roundtable when we made Space Derby rockets. (By the way potato peelers work great on balsa wood!)

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CAMP COOKING:

Love The Outdoors - Camp Cooking
Camp Cooking
Camp Stoves and Ovens

CAMP SONGS

What's a camp fire without songs? Check to see who can bring and play a guitar or lead some great old song like Allouette or There's a Hole in the Bucket. The Cub Scout Song Book has a good selection or go to:

MORE SONGS

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W. T. Smith