Many boy scouts consider camping the most exciting part of their scouting experiences. The opportunity to explore nature and escape the routine of daily life, whether for a night or several weeks, thrills adventurous scouts. Boy scouts have several options when it comes to immersing themselves in the wilderness. Troops can stay at accredited residential scouting camps or choose a more rugged overnight camping experience with their families.
Privately owned camps designed especially for boy scouts exist across the United States. These camps open their doors to individual scouts as well as entire troops. Designed to help boys improve their scouting skills, scout summer camps offer a wide range of activities including nature crafts, athletics, aquatics and obstacle courses. During the off-season your troop can often book these camps for private weekend functions and activities. Check the Scout Camp USA guidebook or the U.S. Scouting Service Project website to find boy scout summer camps in your area.
Instead of spending a summer at a scout camp with an entire troop, Boy Scouts can take family camping trips with their parents. For family camping, pack your scouting gear and reserve a spot in a nearby national park. Many state and national parks designate campgrounds for use by groups and individuals. Your scout can hike, play games and learn about the park's plants and wildlife during the day, and enjoy campfire songs and stories at night. To camp in some parks, you will need to apply for a permit. You may also have to request a permit to build a campfire and drive vehicles onto the property.
Instead of a park or nature reserve, set up camp at a private campground business for family scouting trips. Unlike publicly-owned campgrounds, you will need to investigate private campsites more thoroughly ahead of time. Each owner maintains different standards for his or her campgrounds and you will want to make sure the environment is appropriate for your scout and family with appropriate safety resources, such as access to emergency medical care. Boy Scouts of America recognizes family trips as official Boy Scout activities as long as one Boy Scout-associated member is present.
Individual boy scout families, or several scouts and chaperons on a council-organized family camp, can camp overnight on the residential property of a friend or family member. For a more authentic wilderness experience, choose rural property and set up your campsite as far from the house as possible. Younger and less experienced campers afraid to camp far away from home may find comfort in being close to a home in case of emergencies. Check with the owner of the property before digging a fire pit or making a campfire.
