25 fun activities to get ready for Scout camp
Going on your first (or second, or third!) Scout camp is an exciting adventure. You’ll get to explore the outdoors, learn new skills, and have loads of fun with friends. But before you go, it’s a great idea to get prepared with some fun activities that will help you feel ready for the big trip. Here are 25 exciting activities to help you get ready for camp:
1. Make a duct tape wallet
Keep your camp money safe by crafting your own sturdy wallet from duct tape. It’s waterproof and super durable – perfect for outdoor adventures! Try it.
2. Practice building campfires with chocolate biscuits
Learn the basics of fire-building by creating a tasty model with biscuits, chocolate, and mini marshmallows. A sweet way to remember the key skills for making a real campfire! Check it out.
3. Make a tote bag from a t-shirt
Turn an old t-shirt into a handy bag for carrying your gear around camp. No sewing required! Find out how.
4. Play musical sleeping bags
Just like musical chairs, but with sleeping bags! Set up one less sleeping bag than the number of players. Play some music, and when it stops, everyone must dive into a sleeping bag as fast as they can. The person left without one is out. Keep removing a sleeping bag each round until only one person remains!
5. Have a tent building race
Practice putting up a tent before camp and see who can do it the fastest. This will help you be a pro when you get there! Try this activity.
6. Carve a wooden toasting fork
Whittle your own toasting fork for roasting marshmallows over the campfire. Just be sure to have an adult help you with the carving! Learn how.
7. Make some tasty trail mix
Mix together nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips for the perfect camping snack that will keep you energised on hikes. Create your own mix.
8. Create a camp blanket
Decorate a special blanket with badges and patches to take on all your camping adventures. Get started.
9. Practice lighting a candle
Fire safety is important at camp. Learn how to safely light a candle to get ready for lighting campfires. Give it a go.
10. Make and try different firelighters
Discover which materials make the best fire starters so you’ll be ready to build a campfire like a pro. Give it a try.
11. Practice some campfire songs
Warm up your voices with some fun songs to sing around the fire so you’ll be ready to join in at camp. Start singing!
12. Try knot-tying with strawberry laces
Learn useful knots by practicing with tasty strawberry laces. It’s a fun and delicious way to remember them! Learn the knots.
13. Pack your bag challenge
Race to see who can pack their backpack with all the essentials the fastest. This quick game will help you remember what you need to take to camp - you could even have to find hidden items around the meeting place too! Try this activity.
14. Try campfire storytelling
Throw a ball around the circle, getting each person to add a sentence to make a spooky or fun story.
15. Make DIY paracord bracelets
Make a survival bracelet that can be useful for lots of things, from emergency shoelaces to tying things to your bag.
16. Have a sleeping bag rolling race
Rolling up a sleeping bag is an essential camping skill, but it doesn’t have to be boring! Make it a fun challenge by racing your friends to see who can roll theirs up the fastest. Or, for even more laughs, climb inside and have a ‘wiggling worm’ race across the room! Join the fun.
17. Learn to use a compass
Practice basic compass skills so you can find your way around camp and go on exciting hikes.
18. Make a DIY lantern
Make a simple lantern using a plastic jar and a small battery-powered light.
19. Try a map reading challenge
Grab a map and see if you can find different landmarks around your home or park.
20. Learn basic first aid
Practice simple first aid skills, like bandaging a wound or treating a minor burn. Try our Emergency Aid badges.
21. Go stargazing
Get familiar with the night sky by spotting constellations before you go camping. Give this a go.
22. Play Guess the Camping Gear
Put camping items in a box, and guess what they are by feeling them. Play this game.
23. Practice sorting firewood
Learn how to separate tinder, kindling, and logs. Try this activity.
24. Get used to using a torch
Hide a teddy around the meeting place, then let everyone try searching for it in low-light using torches - who can find the teddy first? Make sure the area is free of tripping hazards and clearly define boundaries. Find out more about playing active games safely.
25. Test your camp cooking skills
Try cooking an easy camping recipe, such as bannock bread or campfire banana boats.
Staying safe
All Scout activities must be safely managed. You need to complete a risk assessment. You can use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.