The Ultimate Scout Camp Packing List

Heading out to a Scout Camp or Jamboree is an exciting adventure that offers unforgettable experiences and opportunities for personal growth and discovery. To make the most of your time in the great outdoors, surrounded by countless new friends from around the world, preparation is key. Whether you're a seasoned Scout or a new camper, having the right gear and essentials is crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience.

In comes World Scouting's Ultimate Scout Camp Packing List: a comprehensive guide to help you pack everything you need for a Jamboree adventure! Keep in mind that camps in another region or country can require a lot more preparation and possibly different gear, so be sure to adapt this list based on the situation, location, season and duration. Let's go!

1. Documentation

When you're going far from home, you want to make sure you're equipped with the documentation and financial means you'll need.

Remember: If you're going to another country, you need to carefully review the entry requirements, apply for your visa (if required) as early as possible, and print your visa documentation as it is often required at immigration.

Here is some of the key documentation you need to consider:

• Passport (or other ID if you aren't leaving your country)
  • Photocopy of passport (keep it in a separate bag and have a photo of it backed up digitally)
• Visa documentation for immigration
• Immunization records for COVID-19 and any others required
• Local cash currency for small expenses (ex. food houses, tuck shops) and in case of emergency
• Debit/credit card for personal expenses
  • If travelling to another country, make sure your card will work there and check the exchange rate.
  • Don't forget to notify your bank if you'll be using your cards in another country, or else they could get blocked!
• Copy of health insurance details
• International Driver's Permit and driving license, if planning to drive in another country
• Proof of registration (ex. registration ID, confirmation email, etc.)
• Contact list for Contingent Leaders, Unit Leaders, parents, friends, etc.
• Contact information for your Embassy or High Commission in the country you're visiting
  • You should also notify them of where you'll be so they can assist you in an emergency. This can be done online for many countries now.
• Other documentation if needed (ex. Safe From Harm certificate, permits, registration details, etc.)

2. Scout Uniform and Gear

Is it even a Scout Camp if you don’t have your uniform and scarf? Represent your Scout Group with pride by donning your uniform shirt and trousers/shorts/skirt. Don't forget your neckerchief - it’s the key item to showing your Scout Group’s unique identity!

For any international camp, you'll want to bring extra neckerchiefs, patches and/or small goodies from your country or region to trade with other Scouts.

Key Scout gear to pack:

• Scout uniform with scarf
• Scout shirt(s) (if you have polos or other shirts)
• Extra scarves, patches and/or local goodies
• Any Scout memorabilia you might want to showcase

3. Camping Gear

At the World Scout Jamboree, tents are provided. However, there are still many things you should take with you to ensure a comfortable camp experience! It's especially important to consider the items you'll need to stay warm, dry, safe and well-fed and hydrated.

Bags:

As for luggage, no surprise here, but Scouts' preferred choice is always a backpack for easy mobility! Bonus points if it's covered in patches and marked by memories of past adventures. You'll want to bring three bags:

• Large backpack for supplies, clothes, etc.
• Small backpack for daily excursions and exploring
• Purse, wallet or money belt to keep your personal items and valuables secure

For sleep, don't forget:

• Sleeping bag
• Pillow
• Sleeping mat or airbed
• Ear plugs
• Eye mask

Tent set-up:

• Small padlock for tent
• Groundsheet or tarp
• Dry/waterproof/ziplock bags
• Cold weather gear, if camping in cold climates

Food and beverage:

• Water bottle and potentially purification tablets or a filter
• Snacks
• Instant coffee/tea
• Cooking supplies (these needs can vary depending on the event)
  • Utensils
  • Mug
  • Bowl/Plate
  • Portable camping stove (if allowed and needed) and compact camping cookware set
  • Food and storage containers (to avoid pests!)
  • If relevant, consider bear-proof containers

For longer camps, you can also look to make your space as comfy and vibrant as possible with some extras. Don't be afraid to show your Scout group's spirit, culture or personality by making it fun and inviting!

Extras to consider:

• Camping chair
• Hammock
• Decorations to make your sub-camp fun and inviting (ex. lights, mini replica of something from your home country, etc.)

4. Safety and First Aid

As a good Scout, be prepared for any situation by keeping emergency supplies on hand at all times. Be prepared to fix broken gear or to respond to medical emergencies or injuries by packing these items:

• First aid kit with band-aids, gauze, antiseptic cream, painkillers, antacids, and other essentials
• Personal medications prescribed by your doctor and a copy of the prescription
  • Notify the people you are travelling with about any prescriptions you need. Tell them what prescriptions you take, why, and what happens if you don’t take the medicine. This way, if something strange happens, people around you can help.
• Allergy medication is always good to have in case someone has an unexpected allergic reaction to something environmental
• Oral rehydration salts in packets or tabs to add to water, especially for hot weather or big hikes
• Local emergency numbers for paramedics, police and firefighters (note: this varies in different countries!)
• Emergency contacts lists for your Scout Group
• Whistle
• Multi-tool
• Duct tape
• Don't forget to always have copies of health insurance coverage, contact lists, and prescriptions

Depending on the circumstances, you could also consider having a local SIM card so that you can easily find information, access maps and call for help if needed in an emergency. 

5. Hygiene and Personal Care

Make sure you are set up to take good care of your personal hygiene and well-being throughout your Scout camp.

Scouts are encouraged to buy biodegradable products to void damaging the natural environments we enjoy.

Personal care items to pack:

• Reef-safe SPF/sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Microfiber body towel for drying off
• Small towel for washing up
• Biodegradable/castile soap(s)
• Antiperspirant/Deodorant
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hand sanitiser
• Toilet paper roll
• Eyeglasses if needed
• Contact lenses and supplies if needed
• Cleaning wipes
• Face mask(s)
• Sanitary pads/tampons/ menstrual cup

6. Clothing

The clothes you pack will greatly depend on the weather and conditions of the place you’re going, as well as the duration of your trip.

Be prepared for both expected and unexpected weather, and consider opting for quick-drying fabrics.

Here are some basics for consideration:

• Hat/bandana
• Sunglasses
• Long-sleeve shirts
• Extra t-shirts or tops
• Shorts and/or trousers
• Lightweight jacket or sweater
• Hoodie - especially great for aeroplanes!
• Socks
• Underwear
• Pyjamas
• Hiking or walking shoes - and be sure they're worn in already!
• Waterproof boots for muddy or rainy conditions
• Sandals/flip-flops can be great for warm weather, communal showers and relief from hiking boots
• Raincoat/poncho
• Swimsuit
• Snow gear if you’re in a cold country (ex. warm parka, gloves, hat, snow pants and boots)

Plan to wash clothes every few days. Remember, a Scout is clean, right? You might want to take a 2 or 4-quart plastic tub for washing clothes. If not, reusing a clean plastic bag can do the trick. You can bring multi-use soap or, in a pinch, hand soap can do.

When it's hot and humid, you will go through clothes pretty quickly. Plan on washing and rinsing clothes by hand, and drying them on a cord between tents. Keep in mind that, when it's humid, it may take a day to dry. This is another great reason to opt for quick-dry fabrics.

7. Gadgets

While the Jamboree is a great place to disconnect, you may want few gadgets so you can capture memories, stay connected with loved ones, and make your campsite and downtime comfortable:

• Flashlight/headtorch and batteries/charger
• Electrical adapters to ensure compatibility with local power outlets
• Phone and charging cable
• Rugged phone case to protect it from your adventures
• Power bank(s) since you won't often have access to an electrical outlet
• Earphones/headphones for listening to music/podcasts, taking calls home or blocking out noise
• Action camera/DSLR/other camera and gear, for those who love photography and making videos
• Download music, podcasts and/or shows for offline listening/watching while traveling or in your down time
• Download apps you'll need for travel, like your airline app, Google Maps (or other map app), Google Translate, etc.
  • In Google Translate, download the languages you'll want most for offline use
  • Download the maps you'll want for offline use as well

8. Entertainment and Recreation

Jamborees are a place for FUN, so don't be afraid to bring a couple of things that are purely for joy, fun and entertainment - whether for your personal downtime or for socialising.

For example, you might want:

• Outdoor games like frisbee, a ball, a kite, or other lightweight activity
• Musical instruments like a ukulele, guitar or drum
• Binoculars for observing nature or bird-watching
• Book/e-reader for your downtime
• Notebook and pen for journaling

By following our Ultimate Scout Jamboree Packing List, you'll be well-prepared to embark on your Scout Camp or Jamboree adventure.

Remember to tailor the list based on the specific requirements of your campsite, local guidelines, climate and duration. Additionally, ask other Scouts and Adult Leaders for further insights and recommendations - especially if they’ve been to the campsite before!

Proper planning and packing will contribute to a safe, comfortable and memorable camping experience. So get ready, pack your gear, and embark on an incredible journey that will leave you with cherished memories and valuable life skills.

Special thanks to the 25th World Scout Jamboree team members who contributed to this list!