Overview –

If you were to ask 100 scouts what they like best about scouting, at least 99 will say “camping!” Pack 14 typically camps twice a year (Fall and Spring ) as a pack. During some years we also have an “indoor” camping event at a zoo or museum. For the summer, we strongly encourage our scouts to attend the Cub Scout Resident Camp or Webelos Extreme Camp – both of which are held over three days at Lost Pines Scout Reserve in Bastrop. Our Webelos will usually attend at least 1 additional Webelos only campout. Be sure to refer to the Guide to Safe Scouting rules for camping before setting up a campout.

All of our camping activities are for the whole family. Each Family is responsible for their own camping gear. We have many experienced campers in our Pack, so even if you have never camped we will help you get started.

We typically camp at state and regional parks. We reserve spots for both Friday and Saturday nights, but many of our families choose to camp only Saturday night. The cost for camping is $25 per family. Families are still responsible for paying park entrance fees, and daily use fees upon their arrival. Families who camp often will benefit by purchasing a Texas State Parks Annual Pass.

In order to plan meals and space, we ask each family planning on attending a campout to RSVP for the event on Scoutbook and, if additional people beyond the scout and his or her parent(s) are attending, to note the total number in the comments section.

For Leaders Planning a Campout

The campout chairperson should secure other parents and leaders to take on various tasks and responsibilities for the campout. He/She also needs to ensure that leaders with the mandatory training will be attending the campout and that all of the required paperwork and equipment is available. 

Camping should be a budget-neutral activity for the pack unless special provisions for a specific event are made in the annual budget by the pack committee. Pack 14 typically camps at state and local parks with water and electricity. Finding space for 75-125 campers is difficult, and reservations should be made as soon as possible.

For a weekend campout, the Pack usually provides dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. Families are asked to bring their own individual mess kits and camp cups. Some scout adventures involve planning and serving meals at camp. Where appropriate, the Pack will ask scouts to assist with meals.

Activities

Our campouts are generally casual, with only a few scheduled activities. Most of the time, the scouts enjoy running around and exploring on their own.

Campfire Program – The pack usually puts on a campfire program after dinner on Saturday night. This should occur in a central location in an area large enough to accommodate everyone attending. Each den should perform at least 1 song or skit. All skits should be vetted by leaders for appropriate content before the campfire program.

Scouts Own Service – The Scouts Own Service is a non-denominational outdoor service held on Sunday mornings after breakfast. All scouts and Scouters should be able to attend regardless of their faith. Emphasis should be on ethics NOT religious theology or doctrine. It is best if it occurs in a scenic location that is quiet and has a natural beauty. A great online resource to help plan a Scouts Own service can be found here.

Geocaching– Geocaching is a fun outdoor activity that has been embraced by Texas Parks and Wildlife and is great for scouts of all ages. It is basically an outdoor treasure hunt where scouts utilize a cell phone’s GPS system to find hidden caches in the parks. Some of the caches are large and contain toys and treasures for scouts to trade. Others are very small and only have a small log where people can sign their names once they find it. Start by downloading the geocaching app from the play store or app store.

Training –

For Cub Scout Campouts at least one leader attending the campout must have completed BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) training. In addition there must be at least one leader who has completed the online training for Weather Hazards (available at my.scouting.org), and one person with medical training. We require all people attending a campout who are age 18 or over to have a current YPT certification.