Welcome to the Scouting America family! My name is Chris and I'm a writer, editor, and outdoor enthusiast at Scout Shop. We're thrilled to have you here and excited for you to begin your Scouting journey. To help you get started, we've created a list of Scouting essentials that range from must-have outdoor gear to extra items that can make your experience even better. Our list is divided into three categories: Essentials, Recommended, and Nice-To-Haves. At Scout Shop, we have everything you need for your outdoor adventures, including tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, sleeping pads, hammocks, inflatable pillows, and more. We strive to be your one-stop shop for all your outdoor gear needs!

Check with the troop or pack you are joining to ensure that you are grabbing exactly what you need at your local Scout Shop or online at Scoutshop.org (which also has the HANDIEST uniform tool to help you navigate those ins and outs).

Most Scouts BSA Troops need:

• Tan Uniform Shirt
• Olive Green Uniform Bottoms
• Hat
• Socks
• Neckerchief and Neckerchief Slide
• Belt
• Insignia: Shoulder Loops, Unit Number, Patrol Patch, Council Shoulder Patch, World Crest Ring, and the World Crest Emblem

Most Cub Scout Packs need:

• • • • Navy Blue Uniform Shirt
      • Navy Blue Uniform Bottoms
      • Rank Hat
      • Rank Socks
      • Neckerchief and Neckerchief Slide
      • Belt
      • Insignia: Den Numerals, Den Emblems, Council Shoulder Patch, World Crest Ring, World Crest Emblem (looking for more in-depth information on insignia? Check out this blog) 
  • Handbook (Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA)

Next, let’s discuss the essentials and must-haves for campouts and hikes! As you are probably aware, camping and outdoor activities are cornerstones of who we are in the Scouting America! Sir Robert Baden Powell said, “A week of camp life is worth six months of theoretical teaching in the meeting room,” and we still live and breathe that to this day. We’ve broken down what we recommend for new Scouts in Scouts BSA (for kids who have at least completed the fifth grade and are at least 10-11 years old) – this checklist is also in the Scouts BSA handbook.

Personal camping gear for Scouts in Scouts BSA:

• • Pocket knife (once the Scout has earned their Whittling Chip)
  • First-aid kit
  • Extra clothing
  • Rain gear
  • Water bottle
  • Flashlight
  • Trail food
  • Matches and fire starters
  • Sun protection
  • Backpack with rain cover
  • Sleeping gear (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and ground cloth)
  • Eating kit (utensils, plate, cup, and bowl)
  • Cleanup kit (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, comb/brush, small camp towel)
  • Insect repellent

If you are new to joining Cub Scouts, we have decades of experience getting young Scouts both comfortable with and excited about camping! By encouraging Cub Scouts to pack and carry their gear items, you’re preparing them for Scouts BSA. You will find some fun non-essentials for Cub Scouts under the “Recommended” and “Nice-To-Have sections below.

• Scouting America t-shirt for outings (Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA). This is considered your “Class B” uniform (your “Class A” uniform is your official uniform).
• A handbook cover (Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA). Scouts use their books VERY regularly; without a cover, they can get worn out and dog-eared. The handbook cover keeps it ready for use day in and day out, AND it even has handy pockets for a pen, merit badge blue cards and pocket certificates, and schedules or trip information!
• Personal hiking gear (Cub Scouts).
  • First Aid Kit
  • LED flashlight
  • Water bottle
  • Trail Food
  • Sun protection (sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and a hat)
  • Whistle (for emergencies)

• A daypack (Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA). This is perfect for outings where a full backpack could be too much and also for hauling personal gear to campouts!
• Personal camping gear (Scouts BSA). Again, this is in the Scouts BSA handbook, and these items are definitely a bonus when it comes to essential camping gear:
  • Watch
  • Fishing pole and gear
  • Camp games
  • Camera
  • Survival Kit
  • Pencil/pen
  • Small notebook
  • Swimsuit
  • Bible, testament, or prayer book, according to your faith
  • Other gear for specific activities
  • Hammock and hammock straps
  • Camping chair
• Parents and guardians who will volunteer (Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA). A really important (and sometimes overlooked) aspect of Scouting is that it is designed to be a family adventure. OF COURSE, there are adventures for Scouts to do on their own to gain independence and confidence, but the programs are made to pull families together for fun adventures!

Are you a Scout parent with recommendations or tips and tricks for new-to-Scouting parents? Drop your suggestions in the comments section and support these new parents! We would also love to see your Scoutshop.org or Scout Shop hauls as you gear up – tag us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.