Adult Camping FAQs

Q: I've never camped before and would not know what to pack.
A. Use our campout checklist. All you need to do is follow the list. Your scout can assist you with what to bring and more importantly, "what to leave at home"!

Q: I don't own a sleeping bag, tent, etc.
A. There are many people in the troop who would lend you a sleeping bag for the weekend, as well as the all important (at least for us "older campers") sleeping pad or cot (a cot can make all the difference in the world!). There are nearly always adults with extra tents and/or extra room in their tent. Don't be shy. Ask the Buffalo patrol leader to help you.

Q: What will I eat?
A. The scouts always cook by patrols. They are responsible for their own meal planning, food shopping, and cooking. Likewise, the adult patrol (the "Buffalos") shop and cook their food as a patrol. Usually one person plans the menu and purchases the food for each campout. All Buffalos are responsible for cooking and cleanup.

Q: I can only cook with a microwave!
A. Sorry, the microwaves have to be left at home. To "leave no trace" on the environment, the scouts most always cook with propane gas two-burner camp stoves or charcoal, or on backpacking trips, fueled backpacking stoves. Cooking kitchens and utensils are provided by the troop for all patrols, including the Buffalos.

Q: Who will cook?
A. There are always experienced leaders along who can show you the ropes of outdoor cooking. You will not starve and whatever food is cooked will taste like you're in a five star restaurant! If you still are uncomfortable cooking, you can always volunteer for cleanup detail!

Q: I haven't camped/backpacked since I was in high school/college. That was so long ago I wouldn't remember how.
A. It's "like riding a bike." Really! After the first hour on the trail or the first day in camp you catch on fast. You will be surprised at how quickly people jump in to lend a hand, and how fast the meals get prepared.

Q: My son never tells me when the trips are until he is walking out the door and never asks me to chaperone.
A. This is a common occurrence among teenagers. Here are a couple of suggestions for you to find out the information ahead of time and determine which event you might want to chaperone:
 

1. Attend the Monday night scout meetings. Important announcements are made at this time and upcoming activities are discussed.
 

2. Attend a troop committee meeting. They are open to all and are usually held the Monday after campouts.
 

3. Review the troop calendar of events. The updates throughout the year are posted on the web site and handed out at the parents meetings held during the year.
 

As for "my son doesn't want me to go" statement ­ "Don't Believe It!" Look at the weekend as quality bonding time with your teenager. No phones, PS2, computers, radios, CD's, or television, makes for some great conversations. You will be surprised at the diversity of subjects discussed in one weekend. You will also learn a very important lesson for yourself. Teenagers are very similar, and yours is more similar than he is different. The best thing you will learn from your son after one weekend is what a great kid he really is and he really did appreciate you being there!

Now some questions for the mothers or women volunteers in the troop.

Q: Camping is such a "guy thing," especially with a Boy Scout troop. I will be out of place on a camping trip with the boys and the male leaders.
A. While there could be, and are, some awkward moments, Scouting is about providing opportunities to find solutions. When women accompany the troop at outings, it shows the scouts that women can be as effective a role model in the back woods as they can be in the home or office. It is great to show the scouts firsthand that a woman can put up a tent, start a fire, hike ten miles, or tie a square knot.

Q: "But I'll get stuck doing all the cooking or cleaning up and I can stay home and do that!"
A. Negative. You won't get stuck with all the cooking or cleaning. The patrol method (including the adult "patrol") relies on teamwork. The job is not done until it's done, no matter who does it. The goal is to work together for the good of all.

Q: OK, you convinced me I might want to give this a try, how do I get started?
A. GREAT! WELCOME!!
 

Here are some things to get you started:
 

1. Come to the parent's night in April to learn more about how the troop operates.

2. Review the adult orientation guide.
 

3. Review the troop calendar and camping page to determine which of these events interests you and might fit into your busy schedule. You might want to start with one overnight to "get your feet wet."
4. Determine what equipment you'll need. The best way to find out if you can borrow someone's equipment would be to email the Troop 257 distribution list and ask for the equipment you'll need to borrow.

Finally, once you're there, relax and have fun! Enjoy the outdoors and the conversations. You'll come home with a better appreciation of the scout program, the outdoors, and best of all, some special memories of you and your son sharing an experience that can never be duplicated.