Campout Basics

Recommended campout equipment, activities, and food

There are 3 main components to campouts: religious, activities, and meals

A successful Campout or group Activity starts with an agenda detailing every hour of the campout (see Example Campout Agenda on the subsequent pages). Punctuality and staying on point with the agenda is very important and helps with timely meal preparation.

To control expenses and campout fees, it is necessary to set a budget per camper for both activities and food combined (i.e. $10 Food + $5 Activities = $15 per camper).

Beyond keeping campouts engaging and controlling expenses (to which fees are kept down), a campout that encourages members to return starts and ends with ALL families being actively engaged in the many duties. For example, as campers arrive, have a camper select a numbered poker chip(s), to which they match against a listing of “chores” (i.e. gathering wood, preparing breakfast, cleaning up after breakfast, etc.).

As your troop grows in size, to allow a proper amount of time to shop and prepare food, requiring campout/activity RSVP’s one week in advance is a must. Again, as your troop grows in size, a membership at Sam’s, Costco or comparable bulk purchase markets will allow for discounts and controlling expenses. If possible, securing a facility with a large refrigeration capacity (i.e. Knights of Columbus Hall or troop member with large freezer space) will help to keep and maintain cool supplies and control costs through buying in bulk in advance.

To save expense on paper products, campers should secure mess kits for repeated use. Water: 1 Gallon of water per camper for drinking and 2 Gallons per camper for cleaning, cooking, washing, etc.

Restrooms & Outhouses (the troop will supply)

If not at a state or national campground, “bucket style” outhouses with a popup cover and hole dug for waste (using sawdust to control odor) will be necessary for a bathroom. This setup is searchable online, as well as supplies can be found at your local hardware or outdoor stores. Make sure to put toilet paper in a re-sealable bag to help with the overnight dew.

Family (Parent/Cadets) Camping Checklist (items to consider having handy for all campouts):

  • Tents

  • Sleeping bags (optional:  sleeping bag mats, cots or blow-up mattress)

  • Flashlight &/or lantern 

  • Fold-up chairs / fold-out tables

  • Cooler with plenty of water / beverages

  • Fishing gear (rod & reel and basic gear for lake fishing) 

  • Metal rods for roasting food / grilling tools / charcoal & lighter fluid / portable grill (optional)

  • Paper plates & plastic-wear (or mess-kits), paper towels, TP, garbage bags, wipes

  • Rosaries (if desired bring knee cushions)

  • Appropriate clothing & footwear for the weather (rain jackets / ponchos, in case of any rain)

  • Sunscreen / headgear

  • First aid kit

  • Allergy medicine

  • Bug spray

Troop “Outdoor Kitchen” basic supplies (items that many of us have already and can share):

  • Knives

  • Metal spoons

  • Metal grilling tongs

  • Large grilling spatulas

  • Can opener

  • Metal whisks

  • Metal Bowls

  • Cleaner disinfectant

  • Paper towels

  • Coffee percolator

  • Fire tools

  • Cleaning

  • Tubs Soap, bleach, sponges, etc.

  • Water Coolers

  • Coolers for food

  • Tables

  • Totes to store all supplies

  • Disposables

  • Re-sealable bags

  • Foil Trash bags

  • Dutch ovens (quantity dependent on troop size)