Packing for summer camp

[ASM59 10]

I just want to agree with a couple of comments:

 

Amount of clothing to take (northern Illinois):

Wear full scout uniform to camp. Pack: 2 pairs of long pants (jeans), 3 pairs of shorts, 5 t-shirts, sweatshirt and/or a light jacket, a change of underwear & socks for each day, 2 or 3 extra pairs of socks, rain gear, swim shorts, extra pair of shoes, also aqua shoes if allowed for water activities. Don't forget other essentials like flashlights, batteries, two towels & wash cloth, soap, shampoo, and items that may be needed for merit badges (first aid, emergency prep, ...). Again, refer to the Handbook.

 

Garage sale & Thrift Store clothes for summer camp:

This is a good idea. Each of the last three years, my son has purchased all his summer camp clothes (except for socks and underwear) at a local thrift store for under $10.00. Most of the clothes came back in good enough condition to be used for the rest of the summer and into the beginning of the school year.

 

Communal Showers: The boys hate them. Our local Jr.Hi.School and High School have private shower stalls, so our boys are not used to this. Most Boy Scout camps tend to have the communal type showers. Regardless, we expect our boys to shower daily, and tell them it is OK to wear their swim shorts into the shower. Our local council has a lake swimming area only and this requires that the boys shower every day. It also helps their swim suits not to get too stinky through the week if they wear them into the shower.

 

Plastic Bags: We advise our boys to pack each day's change of clean t-shirt, underwear, and socks in individual ziplock bags and to pack extra pants & shorts in other separate plastic bags. Keeps them dry if it rains and helps the boys to be organized.

 

ASM59