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Packing for residential events and Nights Away

Whether you’re a first time camper or an experienced camper, putting together a kit list is one of the best ways you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable camping trip.

While Nights Away evens are all about having fun and trying new things,  it's important to have the right kits to do it with.

Making sure you have everything you need for your residential event, as well as the journey, is a great way to help settle any nerves too, making sure you can focus on making memories and trying out new activities.

Your Scout group will provide you with a kit list, so it’s always best to follow that as the volunteers running the trip will know where you’re staying and what you need.

Advice for writing a kit list

When it comes to preparing for a Night Away event, sleepover, expedition or residential, a thorough kit list is key.

Advice for writing a kit list >
An example kit list for individuals

Here are some ideas of things you may want or need on your kit list for each individual to bring on a night away event.

An example kit list for individuals >
What not to take on a Nights Away event

Depending on your group's kit list, there are some things that it may be best to leave at home.

What not to take on a Nights Away event >
Useful items to take as a trip leader for the whole group

Planning a Nights Away event, such as a camp, means having the right tools to keep everyone happy and comfortable.

Useful items for the whole group >
How to choose the right kit

Choosing the right kit is one of the best ways you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable camping trip. 

How to choose the right kit >
What if someone doesn’t have certain equipment or kit?

Not everyone will have camping or overnight equipment and that’s OK. Find out how you can make sure everyone has everything they need.

Take a look at our advice >
Looking after and storing your equipment

It's always important to make sure equipment is stored correctly. Here’s our advice on looking after camping equipment and tents.

Looking after and storing your equipment >
Making your kit more sustainable

Here are our top tips to encourage an eco-friendly kit list.

Making your kit more sustainable >
Insurance

It's important to make sure that there is adequate insurance in place for people, property and equipment, including anything hired or borrowed.

Insurance >
First Aid, accessibility and medicine

If you need to manage medication for young people on your trips, here's what you need to consider. Remember, all medical conditions and medications must be treated confidentially. Take a look at our guidance on medication, first aid kits, periods, and incidents and illnesses.

Learn about Safety in Scouts >
Taking part in adventurous activities

For adventurous activities, the person leading the trip as the permit holder will create a kit list and let you know if you need any specified kit.

Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme >
Practise packing with our activities

Take a look at the following activities to get you ready for packing for Nights Away events:

The DofE Award Expedition Kit List

Here are some things that you’ll need for your DofE expedition.

Expedition Kit List >
Top 10 packing tips for parents, carers and young people

Whether you're a seasoned camper or it’s your first trip, these top 10 tips are here to make sure you're ready for any adventure.

Check out the advice >