Below are best practices and important rules that will help make sure your scouts and your family are safe and have fun during pack events.  There are also some tips for those new to Cub Scouts and/or camping.

Do's

• Complete the Youth Protection Training and be familiar with the Guide to Safe Scouting.

• See something...Say something!  If you see any potentially inappropriate behavior (by anyone), report it to the Scout Leaders or call 9-1-1 if necessary.  Our scouts' safety and wellbeing are very important.

• If you see unsafe behavior or have concerns about planned activities, report it!  Even with adult and Scout Leader supervision, kids may do things that are unsafe.  Feel free to step in or help "correct" or stop unsafe behavior.  If necessary, report concerns to pack leaders.

• Some BSA rules for safety are in place to reduce risk and liability to the BSA, local council, and packs.  Some activities you allow at home may not be allowed at scouting activities (such as climbing trees).  Scout leaders or others may have to prevent or stop any activities deemed "unsafe".  They aren't trying to keep kids from having fun, but are trying to make sure BSA rules are followed.  Information on approved age-appropriate activities and prohibited activities may be found the the Guide to Safe Scouting.

• Watch out for your scout.  Know where they are at all times.  BSA policies require cubs to be under adult supervision at all times.  Kids playing around the campsite, for example, may decide to wander off or explore on their own.

• Enforce the "Buddy System".  Scouts should have a buddy with them during all scout activities.  This is for safety and teaches them to look out for one another.  This is a good practice for any scouting activity and required for some.

• Have a plan for emergencies (who to contact, where to go, etc.).

• Do a trial setup of your tent/gear before getting to the campsite.  Make sure it is complete and you know how to put it up.

• Be prepared for changing weather.  It could be hotter or colder than you expected or a sudden rain storm could pop up.

• Bring extra clothes.  Clothing could get dirty, wet, or muddy while hiking or camping.

• Closed-toe, comfortable shoes are highly recommended for any outdoor activities and camping.

• Bring a tarp or footprint to place under your tent.  This can protect the tent floor from punctures due to rocks or sticks.  It shouldn't protrude from under the tent or it can collect rain or dew/moisture and get inside your tent.

• Get your scout to help as much as they can at the campsite (setup, carrying gear, etc.).

• Allow your tent and sleeping bags to air out when you return home to prevent musty smells or mold/mildew from forming.

• Store food and snacks appropriately and dispose of trash properly to avoid attracting unwanted animals or bugs to the campgrounds.

• Have fun!  Leaders and volunteers work hard to coordinate the events that are safe and fun for our scouts and families.  Sometimes things go wrong or get mixed up.  Please be understanding and patient.

Don'ts

• Never be in a tent or alone with a child who is not your own. - BSA Rule

• Alcohol is NOT permitted at any scouting events or activities. - BSA Rule

• Smoking is NOT allowed in view of Cub Scouts. - BSA Rule

• Do not invite friends or extended family to scouting events without prior approval.  Per BSA policy, scouting events may include the scouts and their immediate family (parents and siblings).  Friends or extended family members may be allowed at some events, but they may be required to be paid and registered with the BSA.

• Cub Scouts are not allowed to have knives in the Lion, Tiger, and Wolf ranks.  Bears and higher ranks may bring pocket knives (when appropriate) if they have completed the "Whittling Chip" achievement AND bring their Whittlin' Chip card or badge.  Any knives must meet BSA and Council size and type requirements.  Use of knives shall only be done with adult supervision.

• Running around campsites is not allowed!  There are too many hazards around campsites (rocks, stumps, sticks, fire, tent stakes and lines, cars, etc.).  Scouts are only be allowed to run around where it is appropriate and safe.

• Do not bring electronics (unless specifically allowed for an event or activity)!  Leave the iPads, Nintendo Switches, and other electronics/game systems at home.

• Don't bring precious/valuable toys, jewelry, etc.  They could get lost or damaged.

• Pets are not allowed.  - BSA Rule

• Most events are open to the scout, siblings, and parents.  Please do not invite additional friends, guests, or other family members unless cleared by pack leaders.  Anyone attending scouting events who is not an immediate family member of the scout must be paid and registered (adults or children). - BSA Rule

The list below primarily applies to campouts.  A subset of these items may apply for overnight events.  Details on what to bring (and what not to bring) for overnights will be listed on the sign-up page for the given event.

Basic List:

• Tent - Consider getting a "size up".  For example, if you have a family of 3, you may want to get a tent that sleeps 4.  But also note that tents are usually placed on tent pads and we sometimes double up families at campsites.  The typical tent pads at state parks are 16'x16'.

• Sleeping Surface - Thermarest/Air Mattress/Cot/Sleeping Pad

  • Note, if you have a hammock, you might not be able to use it.  Many state parks do not allow them hanging from the trees.

• Sleeping Bags (Sheets and Blankets = If it's gonna be a warm campout, you might just want to bring some sheets and a blanket, instead of sleeping bag.)

• Pillows

• Flashlights and/or Headlamps

• Folding chairs

• First Aid Kit (there will also be a Pack First Aid Kit available, but having your own is recommended)

• Water bottle or canteen

• Clothes - Season appropriate, consider layers, extra change of clothes

• Close-Toed Shoes (and comfortable) - We may go on hikes on rocky or rough paths and it can sometimes be wet or muddy.  Close-toed shoes will also offer better protection around the campsite where there can be sticks, rocks, and other hazards.

• Sun Protection (sunscreen, hat, etc.)

• Insect Repellant

• Some families like to have a fan or heater in their tent to make it more comfortable depending on the temperature.  If you bring one, make sure it is suitable for tent use, specifically heaters, to avoid a fire, burn, or other danger.

• Campsites usually have electrical outlets nearby.  You may consider bringing a long extension cord (at least 50') if you need to power anything in your tent (phones, fan, etc.).

• Toiletries - Toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.

• Ear plugs - For some overnight events, the pack may sleep indoors in a common, open area.  Ear plugs can keep you from being woken by every little noise at night.

• Cups/Plates/Silverware - The pack provides these for campouts, but feel free to bring your own if you want.

• Snacks

Pack Supplied Gear:

The pack provides the cooking gear, supplies, and food for campouts so you do not need to buy or bring your own unless you want to.

Important Notes:

If you are new to camping don’t over do it initially with the equipment!  We would recommend buying less expensive gear first and after a few campouts, or a few years, you'll figure out what you consider important and what worth the extra cost. 

This is car camping NOT backpack camping, where you have to carry in/out all of your equipment. So, if you think you might need it (and it fits in your car), bring it.

We hope events do not need to be cancelled or rescheduled, but there are rare occasions when it happens.  The cancelation policy varies by event and/or venue and will be posted with the event signup if significantly different from information provided here.

General Policy:

Safety of the scouts and families is our primary concern.  The most likely reason for an event being cancelled is if extreme weather is in the forecast.  This primarily applies to outdoor events but is also considered if travel to/from the event is deemed unsafe or unadvised.  When possible, cancelled events may either be rescheduled or an alternate event may be substituted.  Full or partial refunds may be possible, depending on what expenses/fees the pack incurs.  We do have some contingency in the pack budget for such situations.

BSA rules for "two-deep leadership" are required for ALL events.  The more registered leaders (both male and female) within the pack, the lower the likelihood of an event being canceled due to having an inadequate number of leaders in attendance.  In the event of this happening, we will first try to get other adults who are attending to register.  If this is not possible, the event will be cancelled or rescheduled.

Campouts:

For campouts, the campsites are reserved months in advance, but food and other supplies are typically purchased the week prior to the event.  In the event we need to cancel a campout due to severe weather, we will typically be able to provide a full or partial refund of the food fee, depending on the timing and circumstances.  If food has been purchased, we may seek an alternate plan such as a cookout at the park or church when the weather permits.

Overnights/Sleepovers/Day Trips:

The venues used for some events may offer their programs rain or shine.  The cancellation, reschedule, and refund policy the pack implements will depend on the venue's rules.  Because it can vary greatly by venue, details should be included on the pack sign-up page for any given event.  Also note that the pack may set a sign-up deadline as several days or a week before the venue's published deadline so we have time to compile sign up information.

Council Sponsored and Other Events:

Other events coordinated/sponsored by the council will have their own policies that should be available for review when booking.