• Creating a checklist can help Boy Scouts organize a camping trip.Ben Alder camping image by lhaxton from Fotolia.com
  
  Whether it's spring, summer, winter, or fall, Boy Scouts venture into the great outdoors in any climate. Camping is an opportunity for scouts to earn badges, learn outdoor ethics and respect for the environment, and to bond with fellow scouts. Like their motto advises, scouts must "be prepared" for their camping trip, and devising a checklist can help ensure a successful expedition.
  
  

Tools

• It is important to pack items with multiple uses for a camping trip to reduce the weight of packs and because space is always limited. A Swiss Army knife is a prime example, since it is compact and has many uses. Other tools to consider packing include an axe for chopping kindling, a hammer to drive tent stakes, and nails, rope and twine.
  
  

Tents

• Tents range in various styles and quality. It's important to take the right kind of tent during the colder seasons. But before purchasing a tent, it is strongly suggested that scouts check with their troop leaders. Backpacking tents feature lightweight yet durable material and withstand the weather of all four seasons. While specialty tents are available with features such as hinged doors and interior lighting, the basic tent requirements are comfort, easy setup, durability, and adequate interior space.
  
  

Other Basics

• Essential camping gear includes a sleeping bag and a something to provide cushioning between the sleeping bag and the ground. A popular choice is a closed-cell foam camp sleeping pad which provides comfort and warmth during any season. Other choices are air mattresses or simple camping mats.
  
  In addition, a durable backpack or duffel bag is necessary to carry clothes and other camping gear. The pack should be comfortable when fully loaded and be the correct size for the camper using it.
  
  A "clean-up kit" that includes toiletries such as hand soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb and towel is also necessary. A flashlight or lantern will come in handy during the evening and scouts should remember to put it on their checklist.
  
  Folding chairs and tables are nice to have and provide scouts with a central meeting place for meals and itinerary planning. Coolers for food storage and most cooking equipment, which includes pots, pans, grill, and silverware, is usually brought in by den leaders. Check with your den leader in advance to determine if these items will be provided or must be packed in by each camper.
  
  

First Aid

• First aid equipment should always be available to help treat injuries and ailments. A basic kit includes bandages, gauze, antibacterial ointment, athletic tape, sterile eyewash, instant ice packs, insect repellent, and allergy medications for bee stings and rashes.