Tips for a Successful Cub Camp Experience
Cub Scout Resident Camp is a fun trip to Camp McNeill where your Scout will earn a lot of Adventure Electives and other awards. Preparing for this trip can be overwhelming and a bit intimidating. To help you prepare to make the most of your trip we have put together this list of tips.
- Pack light& bring a wagon. Many times, families bring much more gear than they could ever use in one weekend. Bring refillable water bottles instead of that heavy case of water or cases of soda, pack snacks that don’t require a heavy cooler, look for a foam sleeping pad instead of that heavy air mattress. Bringing a beach buggy or wagon from home will make transporting your gear much easier, plus you can use it during the day to carry your supplies.
- Attend the flag ceremony on Saturday morning. This is where key announcements are made to the whole camp before the day starts. Some weeks have special programs that happen at certain times, and this may be your first chance to hear about it. We also recommend that your Scout comes in uniform as we enjoy asking the Cub Scouts if they would like to help with the flag raising.
- Participate in the Saturday evening Campfire. We invite all of our Scouts and families to do a skit, sing a song, or tell a joke at our Saturday evening campfire. This is a great opportunity for your Scout to begin to build some confidence in public speaking with a very responsive and polite crowd.
- More Cub Scout Rank Advancement is available than what the program offers. Scouts can earn additional rank advancement requirements just by participating in the Saturday campfire, hiking around camp, taking a trip down the obstacle course, teaching a skill in the campsite. Be sure to record all your Scouts accomplishments in his handbook during camp.
- Buddy System. Find an experienced camping family that you are friends with and ask if you can be their buddy. Ask them all your questions.
- Don’t Stress. You will be in a Cub Scout Camp surrounded by other Scouting families that understand the stress of camping. Remember, it’s not the uncharted wilderness and you are within walking distance of your car. When in doubt… Ask for a little help.
