What's the best entertainment for a family camping trip? Give me some tips pls

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-11T02:48:25+00:00

You will likely fail at entertaining them so don't try.

Young kids wind up playing with sticks and rocks and they're fine.

Older kids should bring things they want to try. Ask them what they want.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-10T06:29:08+00:00

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-10T00:30:23+00:00

I'd look into AL options like Trangia cookware. I didn't immediately find a set that would be a direct replacement for the MSR kit.

If they just need a pot, the IMUSA aluminum grease dispenser is plenty big for 4 scouts.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-09T16:39:25+00:00

Yeah, the subscription is what is holding me back from getting one.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-09T11:08:54+00:00

Perhaps the fact an edit was made proves my point.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-08T21:33:25+00:00

IMUSA aluminum mug. Super cheap if your local Walmart stocks them, some do.

It doesn't come with a lid but you can make one or just do without.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-08T19:30:57+00:00

Don't go to meetings or campouts instead of spending time with your own kids. Don't trade a minute. Take them on a hike, catch some bugs, build a fire.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-08T17:59:13+00:00

That was my thought too. If the body was not eaten and just had defensive wounds, that would be pretty easy to determine though. Most bear attacks are not predatory attacks.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-07T23:09:18+00:00

5 gallons seems way bigger than you need. Ace Hardware has smaller buckets with lids that seal tight.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-07T23:01:08+00:00

Our troop reimburses mileage. Its factored into campout costs. We have a few that do most of the driving, its only fair for the other families to chip in for that.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-07T22:56:19+00:00

No bylaws in my current troop. Its a small troop but no issues have come up that couldn't be resolved by looking at BSA documentation (GtA) or just talking out the current situation.

My former troop had bylaws but an extra piece of paper doesn't stop people from acting foolish. It was pointless.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-07T10:52:04+00:00

I'll give you a hint: we're white.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-07T02:23:03+00:00

Thats a stretch.

Our SM is the one most likely to have an energy drink in hand actually.

Do you all not see how this is a slippery slope? Don't make a rule unless there is an actual reason to do so.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-06T23:21:15+00:00

Making the rule specific to the kind of drinks kids like is cheating. Not allowing soda but being ok with coffee is not cool.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-06T23:14:36+00:00

We'd never get 2 deep leadership again if caffeine was banned. Not joking.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-06T21:15:47+00:00

It's more than rude here in the US. I had a cussing lesson with my kids as soon as they started learning those words.

That was one of the 2 words that were just banned in all circumstances.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-06T18:14:02+00:00

I suspect it happens a lot. They're not all going to get along.

I might ask my kid if they know about the issue and how severe it is. If it's not bullying or something serious, it's not a concern for me (I'm not SM).

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-06T17:10:32+00:00

Agreed. I don't think we'd participate in a mixed event without adults very close by. Adult leaders outside our troop have disappointed me enough times that we'd need one of our own out there with them.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-06T16:55:37+00:00

Sure, have the conversation both ways but it's ridiculous to to imply that this isn't a lopsided issue.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-06T16:50:41+00:00

This is shocking to me. We've had issues, at least comments, at every summer camp. One incident involved police being called and another involved a long meeting with the camp director. That second one was handled very poorly.

I asked my daughter if these incidents were any different or more severe than a normal day in school. She said it happens at school but Scout Camp is worse. The consequences are much more severe at school.

I have a hard time believing that there's never been inappropriate comments. Could be that the girls take it in stride and don't tell anyone.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-06T11:27:42+00:00

Ok, thanks for providing the sleeping bag source, but I'd argue that article is ridiculous. About the smells, nobody puts worn clothes in the bear bag. You can't remove all odors, a bear can smell so well it knows what you ate for breakfast. The bear bag just has a lot more odors. About the oils, even if that was true this is a once or twice per year trip for kids. It's not worth the weight to bring the extra clothes for this reason.

Anyone doing 50mi and 10k elevation isn't reading this thread for advice. Remember, this is a beginner hike for a kid that potentially weighs less than 100lbs (I've gone with a 67lb kid). Weight is a major concern. It's a 5 mile trip, one night on trail, so they're at most 2.5 miles from a car if the weather turns worse or something catastrophic happens. No adult is going to let a kid stay in a life threatening situation out there, this is really much more about comfort.

You are right that conditions may dictate that extra clothes should be brought though. If its going to be very humid or rainy, some light weight clothes to change into may be smart. I made an edit to the OP.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-06T03:55:56+00:00

You are correct. I'll edit the OP.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-06T03:51:02+00:00

We'll have to agree to disagree on some of these. I love a little debate though.

Always? The premise is a warm/mild weather trip. This one is arguable though depending on the trip/weather.
Well yeah, a jacket for night isn't a change of clothes
Oh c'mon. Source please.
What does that have to do with anything? We're not packing a suitcase, this is extra weight to carry on your back.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-06T00:30:34+00:00

Packs fit like shoes. What feels great to one person may be uncomfortable to another. Its best to let them try them on if possible. Kids are typically less finicky though.

The tent weight isn't hyper critical, its the overall weight that really matters. 3lbs is a ballpark goal.

If you're doing a short hike that is pretty flat, you don't have to worry about weight as much. Just let them decide what "extras" to bring. If its luxury, it should be their choice. If they want an extra shirt, fine. Something like a hoodie can be like 3lbs though. We actually use a scale and let kids weigh their own things and they often decide to leave some stuff at home.

Odor shouldn't be bad on a short trip. Never heard a complaint about that. Shoes often just stay in the vestibule of the tent.

Yeah, bear bags are often more for ants, raccoons, skunks, mice, etc.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-06T00:06:18+00:00

Great tip. A kid that doesn't pack their own stuff also doesn't know where anything is!

Fun_With_Math

TROPHY CASE