Packing Lists
Underwear and Socks:
At the bare minimum, we recommend packing one pair of socks per day and a pair of underwear for every other day. We also recommend packing 1 to 2 extra of each. It’s a good idea to pack your underwear and socks in a Ziploc bag; this helps them stay clean and allows you to squeeze out the air from the Ziploc to save packing space!
Scouts Shirts:
Except for when they are sleeping, scouts must always be wearing their AGBU-AYA Pasadena-Glendale Scouts t-shirts! We recommend a minimum of one shirt for every other day, but a spare shirt never hurts.
Layers:
It's very important to stay warm when camping, but it is also important to not overpack. Not only are overpacked bags heavy, they lead to broken zippers, torn straps, and scouts who can’t find their stuff and need their leaders help to find things! The trick is to pack layers (long sleeve, thermal, sweater, etc.). Just make sure to pack at least one layer that’s water proof.
Bottoms:
Make sure to pack a couple different pairs of shorts, pants, and/or sweatpants. Remember though that these can be worn on multiple days so try not to overpack.
Swim Suit and Flip Flops/Slides/Crocs:
Not only is a swim suit required to be in the camp pool, it is also what your scout will shower in. Pack a pair of flip flops, slides, or crocs accompany the swim suit.
Full Scouts Uniform:
Your scout can’t participate in Award Ceremony if they don’t have their full scouts uniform. You can see all of our full uniform guides here. Don’t forget the black shoes!
Beanie and or Hat:
It's usually a good idea to pack a beanie to protect from the cold and a hat to protect from the sun.
Sleepwear/Pajamas:
Pack something comfortable for your scouts to sleep in! It doesn’t need to be pajamas; sweatpants or shorts work too.
Shoes:
Your scout will be walking a lot! Please pack them comfortable shoes that have been worn in. A pair of hiking boots is ideal but any pair of running shoes or old sneakers can do the trick.
Duffel Bag:
It's important for multiple reasons to send your scout up with a good duffel bag. Please do not send your scout up with a suit case! Suit cases tend to get damaged very easily at camp and take up a lot more space in buses and tents. Furthermore, torn bags and broken zippers lead to scouts losing things. To help keep all of your scout’s things together and neat, we recommend attaching things like boots, sleeping bags, or sleeping mats to the outside of their duffle bag using clips, some rope, or even bungee cords. This also makes moving bags easier since scouts are expected to be able to carry their bags alone or with a buddy. Lastly, please make sure you pack together with your scout so they are aware of where all their stuff is! It’s never fun when a scout or leader has to unpack their entire bag because they can’t find their flashlight.
Your scout is required to have a sleeping bag to participate in overnight trips and camps! Their sleeping bag should be kept in its own bag and can either be placed inside your scout’s duffel bag or attached to the outside of it. Any sleeping bag rated for 30° F (0° C) or below should work. Since a scout will ideally be using the same sleeping bag for their entire scouting career, we strongly recommend investing in a high-quality one.
While mostly for comfort, sleeping on a mat also helps keep your scout warm at night by separating them from the cold floor. For summer camps, even a yoga mat will do. But for winter camps, a proper, thermally-rated sleeping mat may be required for safety.
Canteen/Refillable Water Bottle:
It is important to stay hydrated! Make sure your scout has a canteen, hydroflask, or any other refillable water bottle. Do not send them up with plastic water bottles (filled or unfilled).
Reusable Plates and Utensils:
Unless otherwise specified, scouts are expected to carry their own reusable plates and utensils. This mostly applies to weekend camping trips and sleepovers, but has been required for summer camps in the past. If possible, we recommend purchasing a lightweight plastic set specifically for camping, but anything light and non-fragile will do. To minimize waste, please do not send your scout up with paper plates and plastic utensils.
*REUSABLE PLATES AND UTENSILS ARE NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS YEAR’S SUMER CAMP!
The scout motto is “Be Prepared!” Leaders always carry a full first kid, but it doesn’t hurt to have a couple band-aids and tissues on hand. Older scouts may be allowed to carry more complete first aid kits that include ointments or some over-the-counter medication such as Advil, but we ask that you do not include these for younger scouts for their own safety. Any specific medication for your scout (prescription or otherwise) should be handed to their leaders so that the camp medics can keep track and administer it.
Bag/Ziploc for Toiletries:
We ask that you pack toiletries in their own smaller bag before putting them in your scout’s duffel bag. First, this helps fight against spills. Second, this allows us to collect everyone’s toiletries at night and store them somewhere animals can’t get to. Not only does this help keep everyone safer, it is how we as leaders can make sure a scout is using their own toiletries and not someone else’s.