Summer Camp

Your Guide to Scout Summer Camp

Summer camp is usually a scout's longest stretch away from home each year — typically a full week at a council-run camp with cabins or tents, a dining hall, a full merit badge program, and troop-level activities in the evenings. Here's what to expect, how to pick a camp, and how to get the most out of the week.

What to Expect

A full week, usually Sunday to Saturday

Most council camps run Sunday afternoon check-in through Saturday morning checkout. Some councils offer shorter or family-style options for younger scouts.

Merit badge classes each morning and afternoon

Scouts pre-register for badge sessions before camp, then attend those classes in blocks throughout the week, alongside troop and free-time activities.

Troop-level meals and campsite life

Your troop usually has its own campsite. Meals may be eaten in a central dining hall or cooked patrol-style at your site, depending on the camp.

Open program time

Waterfront, climbing, shooting sports, and handicraft areas are usually open outside of class blocks for scouts to work on requirements or just have fun.

Evening activities

Campfires, order of the arrow ceremonies, staff shows, and troop games are common most nights — plan on a full, tiring week.

How to Pick a Camp

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Ask your troop first: Most troops attend the same council camp (or rotate a couple of options) each year. Your Scoutmaster or committee usually decides camp and dates well in advance.

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Check the merit badge list: Camps publish their offered badges before registration opens. If a scout needs a specific Eagle-required badge, confirm it's on the list before committing.

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Look at program strengths: Some camps are known for aquatics or high adventure (climbing, COPE, mountain biking); others focus on Eagle-required badges or STEM. Match the camp to what your troop needs.

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Consider distance and cost: Council camps are usually cheapest for in-council troops. Out-of-council or high-adventure weeks (Philmont, Sea Base, Northern Tier, Summit) cost more and require earlier planning.

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Check age and rank minimums: High-adventure bases often have minimum age, rank, or fitness requirements. Standard council camps are open to all ranks, including brand-new scouts.

Earning Merit Badges at Camp

Camp is one of the most efficient places to knock out badges, especially ones that need special facilities like a pool, range, or climbing tower. A few things to know before you register for classes:

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Check for prerequisites: Some badges (Lifesaving, Personal Fitness, Personal Management, Family Life) require work completed before camp. Read the requirements early — camps list this in their leader's guide.

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Don't overload the schedule: New scouts especially: 3-4 badges is plenty for a first year. A packed schedule with no free time leads to missed requirements and a miserable week.

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Bring what the badge needs: Notebooks, a pocketknife (with Totin' Chip), swim gear, or specific supplies — check each badge's requirement list before you pack.

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Expect partials: It's normal to finish camp with a few requirements left. Counselors sign off on what's complete; the rest gets finished with a counselor back home.

What to Pack

Camps publish a packing list in their leader's guide — always follow that first. As a general baseline:

Sleeping & shelter

Sleeping bag, pillow, ground pad (if tenting), pajamas

Clothing

Class A and Class B shirts, 5-7 changes of clothes, rain jacket, sturdy closed-toe shoes, water shoes, extra socks

Toiletries

Biodegradable soap, toothbrush/toothpaste, sunscreen, bug spray, towel

Camp gear

Water bottle, mess kit (if not using dining hall), flashlight/headlamp, small daypack

Personal

Medications (in original bottles), swim gear, pocketknife with Totin' Chip, spending money for trading post

Paperwork

BSA medical form (Parts A, B, C), any required camp forms, insurance card copy

Need a printable checklist for a shorter troop campout? See the Basic Campout Packing List in Downloads.

Tips for First-Timers

Label everything

Camp lost-and-found bins fill up fast. Put a name on clothing, water bottles, and gear.

Pack for rain

A rain jacket and a way to keep your sleeping bag dry are non-negotiable, even in a dry-forecast week.

Bring a buddy

Camp is easier and more fun with a friend from the troop in a few of the same classes.

Homesickness is normal

It usually fades by day two or three. Adult leaders are used to it and can help.

Stay hydrated

Camps are often hot and full-day active. Drink more water than feels necessary.

Don't skip the medical form

Camps will not check a scout in without a complete, signed BSA medical form. Submit it early — don't wait for departure day.

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