New Camper Guide

Your First Camp

No experience needed. Every scout started exactly where you are. Here is everything you need to know before day one.

Camping by Section

Expectations Vary by Section

Camping at 1st Glen Abbey grows with your child. A Beaver's first camp is gentle and close to home; a Scout carries their own gear on a backcountry weekend; a Venturer plans their own expedition. Choose a section below to see what to expect — then read on for shared guidance that applies to everyone.

Scouts Camping

Ages 11–14Real adventure camping

Carry your own gear in a backpack — pack weight matters
Wear the Scout uniform as directed by your leaders
Take part in meal preparation and camp cooking as a patrol
May use a pocket knife once they have earned the right (with supervision)
Greater independence and leadership expectations

The shared guidance below — sleeping gear, rain gear, labelling, water bottles, weather preparation and general packing — applies to every section. Section-specific details (like Scout uniform, knives and carrying your own gear) are noted where relevant.

The Experience

What to Expect

Arrival & Setup

Leaders greet you and show you where to set up your tent. Experienced scouts are always there to help newcomers.

Group Activities

Team-building games, nature exploration, and skills stations, designed to be fun and approachable for everyone.

Campfire & Meals

Cooking together over a fire is one of the best parts. Simple, hearty meals that scouts prepare themselves.

Night Hiking & Stargazing

Guided evening walks and sky observation. No experience needed, just curiosity and a headlamp!

Badge Activities

Optional skill stations where scouts can work toward badges in navigation, first aid, or fire craft.

Pack Up & Debrief

Leave No Trace cleanup, reflection circle, and a proud trek back to the vehicles.

Be Prepared

What to Pack

Cool weather, rain, cold nights

Important Notes

Everything must fit in a backpack or duffel bag the Scout can carry
Please NO luggage
Label all gear
Scouts should pack for wet and muddy conditions
Full Scout uniform required unless otherwise noted
NO JEANS

Clothing

Full Scout uniform
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Waterproof boots
Warm sweater or fleece
Long sleeve shirts (2)
T-shirts (1–2)
Warm pants (2)
Long underwear/base layer (optional but recommended)
4+ pairs of warm socks (2 wool preferred)
Underwear
Pyjamas or sweats
Warm hat/toque
Light gloves

Sleeping Gear

Warm sleeping bag
Sleeping mat (insulated preferred)
Pillow
Extra blanket

Mess Kit

Plastic only – no metal or paper

Plate
Bowl
Cup/mug
Fork, spoon, knife
Mesh drying bag (required)

Personal Items

Toothbrush & toothpaste
Towel
Soap/shampoo
Medication if required
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Kleenex

Outdoor Gear

Water bottle
Flashlight/headlamp
Extra batteries
Small backpack/day pack
Folding chair

Optional

Book
Deck of cards
Small camp game

Not Allowed

Candy/snacks
Electronic games
Aerosol sprays
Pocket knives unless approved

For Parents

Tips for a Great Start

Arrive Early

Getting there a few minutes before the meeting starts helps your child settle in and meet their patrol before things get busy.

Label Everything

Name labels on gear, water bottles, and bags save a lot of headaches at pickup time.

Trust the Process

It's normal for kids to be nervous at first. By week three, most scouts are excited to go every Monday.

"Bring way more socks than you think you need. Seriously."

Joseph, age 14

"Don't be nervous. By the first campfire, you'll feel like you've been here forever."

Alice, age 13

"Help out without being asked. That's how you become a real scout fast."

Clara, age 12

For Parents

Fun Ways to Prepare at Home

Try these easy family activities before the first camp, they're a great way to build excitement and confidence for first-time campers.

Living Room Fort Camp

Build a fort together using blankets, pillows, and chairs. Spend the night in sleeping bags inside, it's a fun way to get comfortable with the idea of sleeping somewhere new.

Cook a Simple Meal Together

Pick a simple recipe and make it together as a family. Scouts cook their own meals at camp, so even basic kitchen confidence goes a long way.

Backyard Night Navigation

Head outside after dark with just a flashlight and try to navigate your backyard or neighbourhood. It's a great intro to the kind of nighttime exploring scouts do at camp.

What to Buy