Family Camping With The Pack
Our pack typically plans two overnight camps spring and fall each year at Aloha Council approved campsites. At the Cub Scouts level these camps can be also described as “car camping”. This means the campsite is accessible by vehicles so you can pack things to make the experience more comfortable for you and your family. Some campsites like Camp Pupukea have tents already setup for us to use so purchasing and bringing your own tent there is optional. This guide outlines some of the things to expect and some rules to keep everyone safe. Please note that the packing list here is just an example and items will vary depending on the camp location.
Camp Conduct
- Before arrival, please remind your Scouts and children of appropriate conduct at Camp.
- Everyone needs to wear closed toe, closed heel footwear. Slippers may be worn when showering only.
- Always use the buddy system, and never leave the campsite without informing your parent or adult leader.
- Please stay away from the fire bowls and barbeque areas.
- Please leave your electronic entertainment devices (e.g. video games, tablets, video players, speakers, etc.) at home. The only exceptions are cell phones for emergency purposes.
- For safety reasons, absolutely NO running after dark.
- You may run in the OPEN field during daylight hours. No running or playing near tents.
- No horse playing or rough housing. This includes: pushing, pulling, kicking, play fighting, nerf guns or stick-fighting.
Meal Plans (2 night camp)
Friday – BYOD (Bring Your Own Dinner)
Saturday – Breakfast, lunch, dinner, will be prepared with the assistance of the Den parents.
Drinking water (water jug cooler) – Provided by the Pack. To help reduce the use of disposable cups, please bring a water bottle/canteen and a hot/cold cup (for water and hot cocoa).
Please bring your own plates/bowls and utensils. The Pack will provide wash basins after each meal to wash, rinse and sanitize dishes. Be sure to label your items.
Sample Packing List
- Cub Scout uniform, hat, neckerchief, belt
Uniforms should be worn during morning flag-raising and evening flag-lowering. To prevent neckerchief slides from being lost, tie a simple overhand knot and place the Neckerchief slide over it. - Camping chairs
- Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, air mattress, or cot (blanket and pillow fine for Pupukea)
- Raincoat, poncho, umbrella
- Warm jacket
- Change of clothes (including shirts, shorts, long pants, underwear, socks)
- Pack activity t-shirts should be worn for Saturday daytime activities.
- Durable closed-toe / closed-heel shoes or boots (depending on weather)
- Shoes should always be worn in and around camp. Crocs are not considered shoes.
- Work gloves for service project
- Towel (for bathing)
- Slippers (for showering)
- Sleepwear (Sweatshirt and pants for cool nights)
- Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, washcloth, towel, comb
- Toilet paper
- Extra plastic bags (for dirty clothes and other uses)
- Mess kit (plate, bowl, hot/cold mug, fork, spoon, knife, mesh bag)
- Water bottle
The Pack will normally provide a water cooler to refill water bottles. - Flashlight, extra bulb, batteries
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- First aid kit
- Lantern / LED headlamp
- Cooler, sealed food storage
- Camera
- Dinner (for Friday nights)
- Snacks (for your family)
- Books, notebook, bug catcher, playing cards, binoculars, ball
Please leave electronics and toys at home.
Optional (depending on campsite)
- Tent, including poles, stakes, mallet, and cord
- A ground tarp (for under the tent) and / or pop-up canopy (for over the tent) are optional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to go out and buy a tent?
Yes and No. Campsites like Camp Pupukea have tents already set up and on wooden platforms and can have one family per tent. For campsite like this, first priority goes to the Lions, Tigers and new Scout families who may not have tents yet.
Other camping trips, like our Spring Family camp at Bellows, Cuboree, and Resident camps may require your own tent.
I cannot make it Friday through Sunday, is that okay?
Yes. Most of our activities are on Saturday, including our den breakouts, service project, and campfire. For pre-Webelos, you do not need to camp overnight to earn the Adventures. Therefore, coming early on Saturday and leaving after the campfire is perfectly acceptable. You can stay in the following scenarios; just RSVP accordingly:
- Friday-Sunday (2 nights)
- Friday-Saturday (1 nights)
- Saturday only (no nights)
- Saturday-Sunday (1 night)
Please note some campsites may have gates schedules that close in the evening and reopen in the morning. This information will be included in the camp info packet.
Do I need to purchase a mess kit?
It doesn’t need to be the specialized camping mess kit. A washable plate, cup, bowl, and utensils are fine. A net bag is a good idea for air-drying.
Do I need to purchase a sleeping bag?
Not necessarily, the platform will be sleeping on cots, so blankets and pillows are fine. Those will also work if you’re sleeping in your tent as we’re not doing a long hike in. On future camping trips with tents, it may be more useful to get a sleeping bag for portability reasons.
What is parking like?
The parking lot is a short walk (not a hike) from the campsite. If you have a wagon, bring it.
I cannot make it; can my son or daughter stay with the den leader or his friend’s parents?
No. Per our Parent Handbook – Code of Conduct (Expectations of Parents): “It is the policy of Pack 564 that a parent or an adult family member accompanies the Scout on all Pack activities, including Pack Meetings.” It is also against Boy Scout policy to have children staying in tents with non-parent/guardian adults. Due to nature of the campout and the distance involved, there is no leniency on this.
Can we bring friends and cousins?
No. It’s been past practice not to allow Pack families to bring their friends. The reasons are that:
- It detracts from the idea of a Pack Family Camp, where it’s an opportunity for the Pack families to interact and get to know each other;
- It’s also a time when the scouts all get to interact and bond; and
- Since the Pack subsidizes some or all of the camp/activity fees, it’s not fair to everyone that non-Pack associated families benefit from this.
Can we bring games and outdoor toys?
Absolutely! Footballs, Frisbees, and any outdoor games are excellent during family time. We discourage water toys, squirt guns, nerf guns and swords. Board games are very popular, as are playing cards.
What about electronics?
They are not recommended, as they provide a distraction from the great outdoors.
It says bring your own dinner on Friday, what does that mean?
Some folks bring portable grills to make dinner, but most people grab a bento, subway sandwich, or dinner from home. You’ll want to relax after setting up camp.
What can you bring?
Let any of our leaders know if you have any items you can bring for the pack such as:
- canopies or pop-up tents
- lanterns
- tables
- stoves
- coolers
Please turn in your receipts so the pack can reimburse you for propane purchased and used.
What should I pack?
Packing lists are provided in the camp info packet. Do not forget: Water bottles, sunscreen, bug spray, hand sanitizer/wipes, and closed-toed shoes. Bring a poncho, even though you’re forbidden from uttering the “R” word.
What is going on during the campout?
Camp agendas are planned in advance for all the fun-filled activities. There are pack activities such as flag ceremonies & campfire, special “Den Breakout” sessions that are planned by den leaders focusing on adventures that can be completed at camps, and family time where you can take a break and just relax.