Cub Scout Camping Policy

And Approved Campsite Locations

Page updated July 31, 2023

To learn about and register for camping opportunities beyond the Pack Overnighters below, see Day Camps (3-5 days in June and July) or Webelos Resident Camps (4 days in July/August).

To make reservations on council properties at other times, see Year Round Camping or more directly, our reservation system.

Click here for important policy changes

Safety comes first

[(Effective September 1, 2023) Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting activities, including all meetings. There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth or female adult program participants.

Notwithstanding the minimum leader requirements, age and program-appropriate supervision must always be provided.

All adults staying overnight in connection with a Scouting activity must be currently registered in an adult fee required position as listed or as an adult program participant. Limited exception below for Cub Scout overnight Programs.]

Source: Click here to access the on-line Guide to Safe Scouting and pay special attention to reference to accommodation requirements.

See FAQ for list of adult fee required positions. Registration as a Merit Badge Counselor does not meet this requirement.

Don't forget to collect permission slips. Here is a form you can use: Activity Consent Forms.

Pack Camping

Cub Packs may camp up to two nights

Effective Sept. 1, 2023, Cub Scout packs who are conducting their own overnight camping activity may now camp up to two consecutive nights. Cub Scout packs who are conducting their own overnight camping activities must continue to have at least one registered adult leader who is trained in Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO), oversees the planning and is in attendance for the pack campout. This updated policy also applies to Webelos and Arrow of Light dens who may conduct den coordinated campouts. The policy will be updated in the Guide to Safe Scouting and other resources on Sept. 1. An updated version of the BALOO training will also be released at this time.

At Approved Locations

The location must be a site that is approved by the local council using the Pack Overnight Campout Appraisal Form.

Before you complete a form, check below to see locations currently approved. if where you want to camp is not listed, you must request a site appraisal by the Great Trail Council. Contact Phil Kuestner at philip.kuestner@scouting.org 90 days before the event date with name and address of facility and a contact name and number. GTC will verify the location meets Cub Scout Overnight standards and will notify the Pack leadership.

Our camps, Manatoc Scout Reservation (Camp Butler and Camp Manatoc) and Camp Stambaugh are approved locations for Cub Scout overnights.

With Trained Leaders

In order to conduct a pack overnight campout, at least one registered adult leader who is attending the campout must complete Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) training.

Hazardous Weather Training is also required of all adult leaders who take their pack camping and can be accessed at my.scouting.org. At least one adult present has this training.

All adults attending the campout as leaders must have a paid adult registration in the BSA. The only exception is a Cub Scout parent or legal guardian with no leadership responsibilities over any other youth. (link to the Guide to Safe Scouting).

Keeping Safety in mind

All activities must be age-appropriate. ( see the list of age-appropriate activities here PDF)

You must follow guidelines specifically for Cub Scout Unit-Coordinated Camping (see the Guide for Safe Scouting).

Leaders are to provide a risk assessment for all unit-coordinated camping and activities following the S.A.F.E. checklist. The Great Trail Council recommends Cub Scout tent camping not occur in less than 32-degree weather.

Only Webelos and Arrow of Light Dens may conduct den-coordinated campouts.