Pack Family Camping
When kids and their families join Cub Scouting, they join an organization that values the fun and excitement of experiencing the outdoors. Each Cub Scout pack is encouraged to provide its youth members with enriching, positive outdoor activities. Family camping can be an exciting addition to your pack's program. During family camping, the pack leadership plans the camping program and food. Your local district and council provide additional camping opportunities such as Day Camp, Council-Lead Camp Weekends, and District Activity opportunities.
Adherence to the BSA's health and safety policies found in the Guide to Safe Scouting and Youth Protection Guidelines is not recommended; it is required. These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. In addition, careful program planning will assure a positive experience for your pack, the Cub Scout and his family.
Family camping or pack overnighters are "pack-organized overnight events involving more than one family from a single pack, focused on age-appropriate Cub Scout activities and conducted at council-approved locations. If nonmembers (siblings) participate, the event must be structured accordingly to accommodate them. BSA health and safety and youth protection policies apply. In most cases, a parent or guardian will supervise each youth member. Each youth participant is responsible to a specific adult in all cases." (Guide to Safe Scouting)
Preparation is key to a successful family camping experience. "At least one adult on a pack overnighter must have completed Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) to properly understand the importance of program intent, youth protection policies, health and safety, site selection, age-appropriate activities, and sufficient adult participation." Find a BALOO training course near you. "At least one adult must complete Hazardous Weather training" which is available online. All registered adults must have completed BSA Youth Protection Training (YPT). At least one registered adult who has completed BSA Youth Protection training must be present at all events and activities. Youth Protection Training is valid for two years from the date completed." YPT is available online.
Packs and Webelos dens may camp at one of our council camps: Knox Scout Reservation, Camp Daniel Marshall, or several other suitable sites.