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Let's Camp

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Elective

Printable worksheet (PDF)

Let's Camp gets you ready for a real Cub Scout campout. You'll learn what to pack, how to stay with a buddy, and a camping skill to show off. Then you get to sleep outside with your pack.

Why it's worth it

Sleeping outside with your pack is one of the best parts of being a Cub Scout. Let's Camp gets you ready: you'll pack your own gear, learn a real camping skill, and know how to stick with your buddy. Then you'll spend a night outdoors, hearing night sounds, singing around a campfire with your pack, and waking up somewhere new.

Start this week

  1. Ask your den leader when the next pack campout or council Cub Scout overnight is.
  2. Find your Six Essentials and put them in a small bag you can carry.
  3. With your adult, make a checklist of personal items, like a sleeping bag, pajamas, a toothbrush, and a warm hat.
  4. Practice rolling up a sleeping bag or blanket tight enough to fit in its sack.

Stay safe

  • Stay with your buddy, and only go near the campfire when an adult is there and says it's okay.
  • Check the weather before you go and pack for rain and cool nights, even in summer.

Requirements · 5

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 meeting. Stay together and check in when the leader calls buddy check.

    For example: At camp, you and your buddy go everywhere together: the restroom, the water spigot, the campfire. When a leader calls buddy check, find each other fast and raise your hands.

  2. Requirement 2

    Know the Cub Scout Six Essentials

    Tip: Name each of the Six Essentials and pack them in a small bag you can carry.

  3. Requirement 3

    Besides the Six Essentials, make a list of the personal gear you will need for the campout

    Tip: Make a checklist with a grown-up: sleeping bag, pajamas, toothbrush, and warm clothes.

    For example: Your list might be: sleeping bag or blankets, pillow, pajamas, a change of clothes, rain jacket, warm hat, toothbrush and toothpaste, and any medicine your adult packs and keeps.

  4. Requirement 4

    Learn a camping skill

    Tip: Learn to roll a sleeping bag, set up a tent, or tie a simple knot.

    For example: Your camping skill could be helping set up a tent, rolling a sleeping bag, tying a knot for a clothesline, or learning the steps adults use to put out a campfire.

  5. Requirement 5

    Go on a pack campout or attend a Cub Scout overnight camp run by your council or district

    Tip: Sign up for a pack campout or council overnight, and bring your checklist.

Talk about it together

  • What were you most excited or nervous about before the campout?
  • What sounds did you hear at night?
  • Which item on your list were you most glad you packed?
  • What would you pack differently next time?
  • What camping skill do you want to learn next?

Good questions to ask your den leader or an experienced camper

  • What's your favorite thing about camping?
  • How do you stay warm at night?
  • What should I do if I need help in the middle of the night?

Helpful reads

For leaders & parents

  • Hold a pack-and-check night so scouts can show their gear before the campout.
  • Make sure the campout has trained adults and follows pack camping rules.

People & places that can help

Pairs well with

Counts toward

More Wolf adventures

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