What your child actually needs for cub camp

Every spring a steady stream of parents come through the door holding the same crumpled kit list, slightly wide-eyed. First Cub or Scout camp is a big moment — and the kit list can read like you need to remortgage. You don't. This is what your child actually needs, what you can borrow or skip, and how to pack it so they can find it without you there.

We've been kitting out Wirral Cubs, Beavers, Brownies and Scouts for decades, so bring the official list in and we'll go through it with you. In the meantime, here's the plain-English version.

The three golden rules

• Name everything. Every sock, every torch, every welly. Camps end in a mountain of unclaimed kit. A laundry marker is your best friend.
• Don't overbuy. They'll grow, they'll lose things, and most of it gets filthy. Buy sturdy and sensible, not premium.
• Borrow the big stuff first. Many packs have spare roll mats or bags. Check before you buy — and if you do buy, buy once and buy decent.

Sleeping

• Sleeping bag — a 2–3 season bag covers almost all UK camps from spring to early autumn. Kids feel the cold more than adults, so don't go too light. Our guide to season ratings explains what the numbers mean.
• Roll mat or self-inflating mat — the ground is colder and harder than they expect. A basic foam roll mat is fine; a self-inflating mat is a comfort upgrade that's worth it if they camp regularly.
• A small pillow or stuff sack — or just a fleece stuffed into a bag.

It all comes from our sleeping bags and camping ranges.

Clothes

The trick is layers and spares — camp is wet, muddy, and colder at night than the forecast suggests.

• Warm layers: fleece, jumper, a few long-sleeve tops
• Waterproof jacket and trousers — non-negotiable for a British camp (waterproofs)
• Wellies and a pair of trainers or boots — wet feet ruin a camp (footwear)
• Warm hat and gloves, even in summer
• Spare everything — socks and underwear for more days than the camp lasts
• Old clothes they can get filthy in, plus pyjamas

Mealtimes

• Unbreakable plate, bowl and cup
• Knife, fork and spoon (a camping cutlery set keeps them together)
• A sturdy water bottle
• A tea towel — they'll be washing up their own kit

The bits everyone forgets

• A torch — a head torch is far better than a hand torch for a child (hands free for tent zips and ladders). Pack spare batteries. (camping lighting)
• A small daysack for activity days and walks
• Sun cream and insect repellent
• A cheap watch (so they're not relying on a phone)
• A book or small game for downtime, and a bin bag for wet/dirty kit

What to leave at home

Phones, tablets, and anything valuable or irreplaceable — camp is no place for them, and most leaders discourage them. Aerosols (deodorants, sprays) are often banned for fire-safety reasons; send roll-on instead. And resist the urge to send the most expensive everything — it'll come back muddy regardless.

Packing it so they can cope

Pack with your child, not for them — so they know what's in there and where. One large holdall or rucksack for the main kit, plus a small daysack they carry themselves. Roll clothes into labelled bags by type, keep the waterproofs and torch near the top, and put a copy of the kit list inside the lid so nothing comes home missing.

Bring the list in

We do this every camp season, so we know the lists the local groups hand out and what they really mean. Bring it into 7 The Mount, Heswall, and we'll walk you down it, suggest where to save and where it's worth spending, and fit any boots or wellies properly. Start with our Scouts, Cubs, Brownies & Guides range, then call 0151 342 4538 or drop in, Mon–Sat 9–5:30.

FAQs

What season sleeping bag does my child need for cub camp?

A 2–3 season bag suits the vast majority of UK camps from spring through early autumn. Children lose heat faster than adults, so if the camp is early or late in the season, err towards the warmer end. Our season-ratings guide has the detail.

Does my child need a head torch or is a normal torch fine?

A head torch is much better for a child — it keeps their hands free for tent zips, ladders, and carrying things in the dark. Whatever you choose, pack spare batteries and write their name on it.

How big a rucksack does a child need for camp?

For most weekend and week-long camps, one large holdall or 45–65 litre rucksack for the main kit, plus a small 15–20 litre daysack for activity days. They don't need to carry the big bag far — leaders usually transport it — so durability matters more than a fancy harness.

Do they need walking boots for cub camp?

Wellies plus a sturdy pair of trainers or walking shoes cover most camps. If the programme includes proper hill walking, a supportive walking shoe or boot is worth it — pop in and we'll fit them.

What's usually banned at camp?

Aerosols are the big one (fire risk) — send roll-on deodorant. Phones, sweets, and penknives are often restricted too, so check your group's list. When in doubt, ask the leaders before camp.