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Let's Camp

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Elective

Printable worksheet (PDF)

Let's Camp gets you ready for your first Cub Scout campout. You'll learn the buddy system, think about the weather, pack your Six Essentials, and then head out for a night under the stars. Getting ready is half the fun.

Why it's worth it

Sleeping outside, hearing night sounds, and waking up to breakfast with your den: a first campout is something you'll talk about for years. In Let's Camp you'll learn how buddies look out for each other, pick clothes for the weather, pack your own Six Essentials, and go to a real Cub Scout campout with your grown-up.

Start this week

  1. Ask your den leader when the next pack campout or council Cub Scout overnight is, and put it on your calendar.
  2. Practice the buddy system at the park: pick a buddy and check that you can see each other the whole time.
  3. Find your Six Essentials and a small bag to carry them in.
  4. Try a backyard or living-room campout with a flashlight to get used to sleeping somewhere new.

Stay safe

  • Stay with your buddy and your adult at all times, and stay out of the fire ring unless an adult says it's safe.
  • Check the weather before you go and have a plan for storms. Rain gear and warm layers keep camping fun.

Requirements · 4

Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab).

  1. Requirement 1

    Learn how the buddy system works outdoors

    Tip: Practice the buddy system at a park: stay together, check on each other, and tell an adult if your buddy needs help.

    For example: At a den meeting, your leader calls "Buddy check." You find your buddy, grab hands, and raise them up. If your buddy needs help, you tell an adult right away.

  2. Requirement 2

    Before the overnight campout, talk about the weather expected and what clothes to wear

    Tip: Check the forecast with your adult a few days before and pick clothes for warm, cool, or rainy weather.

    For example: Three days before the campout, check the forecast with your adult. If nights will be cold, pack a warm hat, a jacket, and extra socks. If rain is coming, pack a rain jacket.

  3. Requirement 3

    Pack your own Cub Scout Six Essentials to bring on the campout

    Tip: Lay out your Six Essentials and pack them yourself. Have your grown-up double-check.

  4. Requirement 4

    Go on an overnight campout with your pack, or to a Cub Scout overnight camp run by your council or district

    Tip: Go to a pack campout or a council or district Cub Scout overnight with your adult partner.

    For example: At the pack campout, help your adult set up the tent, play games with your den, eat dinner around the campfire area, and look for stars before bed.

Places to visit

Ask an adult to set it up, and go with your family, den, patrol, or crew.

  • A Scout camp open house or family day

    Many councils open their camps so families can see cabins, campsites, and trails before a first overnight.

    How: Ask your den leader or pack committee about council events for Lions and families.

Talk about it together

  • What are you most excited about, and what feels a little scary, before your campout?
  • How did you and your buddy help each other?
  • Did you pack the right clothes for the weather? What would you change?
  • What was the best sound or sight at camp?
  • What do you want to do at your next campout?

Helpful reads

For leaders & parents

  • Hold a practice buddy check at a den meeting before the campout.
  • Share a simple packing list with families and remind them adults camp alongside their Lions.

People & places that can help

Pairs well with

Counts toward

More Lion adventures

Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.