Camp Packing Lists
What Is A Standard Packing List For A Camp?
This looks like a VERY long list, this is an extensive list to cover almost every scenario including overnight hiking and being totally self sufficient. Based on the duration of the camp, location and facilities and advice from leaders, please decide what is and is not required. Most camps have toilet facilities and running water and/or we bring a lot of fresh water ourselves for drinking etc.
Clothing
Clothes for day time, recommended long sleeved and shirt and long pants no matter what time of year - particularly important if hiking
Shorts with gaiters is an option too
Spare set of clothes in a waterproof bag (in case other clothes get wet, often night thermals will do)
Clothes for sleeping in, thermals are a good choice as can be used in the day if very cold
Socks & Underwear, one set per day
Shoes - enclosed
Waterproof windbreaker/jacket
Hat/Cap/Beanie - based on expected weather
Warm jumper/jacket - nights often cool at any time of year
Handy Tip - Pack each days clothes in a Zip Lock bag - keeps pack organised and if stuff gets on the ground it stays clean and dry)
Toiletries
Soap, small towel, hand santitiser
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Trowel for toilet (only needed if doing full day hikes with no facilities, generally only Expedition)
Other
Small Bible, Notebook & Pen
Torch - small head torches are really handy (KMart often has them for $5), spare batteries
Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothes and rubbish - Zip lock bags great so as to not make everything else wet and dirty
Pack liner - a garbage bag works well, want to keep everything dry
Toilet paper in a plastic bag (Zip lock recommended)
Bedding
Sleeping bag
Sleeping Mat
Sleeping bag liner (optional), keeps you warmer and keeps sleeping bag cleaner. Can sew a single bed flat sheet or purchase from camping store.
Food, Water etc
Water and sturdy water bottle that will survive being dropped
Puratabs water filter (only needed if advised, usually only Expedition, share with others as they are expensive and rarely if ever actually needed).
Food - see suggestions below
Stove, fuel, billy/saucepan - can share with others or use facilities at location
Eating utensils, bowl & cup
First Aid Kit
1 triangular bandage
1 wound dressing
1 elasticised roller bandage with a safety pin
Bandaids
Miscellaneous
Personal medications (EpiPen, allergy meds)
UV Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Jelly beans (from chemist)
5m roll of duct tape
What Are Some Ideas For Food Whilst On Camp?
Most camps are what as known as "base camping" ie you do not have to be totally self sufficient and carry everything so, within reason, weight and bulk is not a huge issue. Hiking camps will require foods, like dehydrated meals, that weigh less and just need water.
Here are some suggestions that can relate either to hiking camps and base camping. You will be given details about the type of camping so you can determine the best options.
Expert tips!
Take food that you enjoy!
Take what you need with a little extra (always add extra, kids run out very quickly as they are still learning how to ration their food)
Make sure food will cope without refrigeration (dehydrated meals from camping stores can seem expensive, but worth the cost in many ways.)
Practice at home! This is a must! If the Pathfinder is attending without a parent, make sure they know how to prepare the food by practicing at home! Get out the camp stove and try it out. You'll be amazed how tricky it is to learn to use a camp stove in the dark on an uneven surface.
Watch Youtube camp cooking videos for inspiration.
Breakfast Ideas
Cereal premixed with powdered milk in a zip lock bag. Add water and you are done.
Quick oats with dried fruit
Pancake mix in a bottle (share as they make heaps)
French toast
Homemade muffins or banana bread
Lunch Ideas
On many camps, lunch is out and about so generally something that does NOT require cooking/heating is best
Pre-made wraps/rolls (sandwiches tend to get squished) eg cheese and salad (nothing soggy like tomato)
Biscuits/crackers and cheese
Carrot sticks and hummus
Hard boiled eggs
"Snack Packs" - cheese, tuna (if not vegetarian)
Pre-made savoury homemade muffins
Dinner Ideas
Plan for a warm, hearty and balanced meal with plenty of protein and carbohydrates
Dehydrated meals from supermarket or camping stores - just add hot water
2-min Noodles - maybe add something nutritious to it
Boxed mac'n' cheese, or packet pasta mix (just add water and cook over stove)
Miso soup / packet soup mixes with crackers or buttered roll.
Base Camping
Pasta/Rice/Couscous, for sauce can reheat something home made or warm up a pre-made sauce
Reheat a pre-made meal, casserole complete with some carbs like potato
Sausages (vegetarian or meat) in a roll
Frittata
Vanilla creamed rice pudding
Snacks
Easy to carry and munch on the go, generally high energy content
"Trail Mix" - Mix of chocolate, nuts and dried fruit in a zip lock bag, can add lollies
Muesli Bars / Nut bars (be mindful not to share with those with allergies)
Fruit/Veg - apples, mandarins, carrots, celery (nothing squishy)
Snack Packs - Cheese & crackers, Dip (eg Hummus) & crackers, Salsa and crackers etc