Camp Blankets

A camp blanket is individual to YOU - it is part of YOUR scouting history.

A camp blanket has two purposes -
1. to keep you warm at camp
2. it's a place to sew on all those badges that don't belong on your current uniform!
These include badges from a previous section, badges that are only worn for a prescribed period of time and "blanket badges" or swapped badges that have never been on your uniform.

The blanket is "worn" around the camp fire to keep warm and is then used as a normal blanket at night over or under a sleeping bag.
A camp blanket is (usually) dark in colour and woollen.
Fleece blankets are starting to make an appearance BUT although they are lighter they are also far more likely to melt with sparks from the fire than traditional wool blankets (just look at all the tiny holes in Rikki's fleece blanket!). They are also more likely to loose their shape when lots of badges are sewn on!

Obtaining Your Camp Blanket

Old blankets can be found in your grandparents' attic or in charity shops. Some army surplus stores also stock them.
You can buy fleece fabric from most material shops.
If all else fails, you can buy a new badge blanket or a fleece poncho from Scout Shops Ltd - either on-line or from the Brentwood Scout Shop.

Making Your Camp Blanket

A camp blanket is usually made by taking a standard blanket and cutting a hole in the middle so that it can be worn like a poncho.
The "hole" needs to be reinforced by blanket stitch or by sewing on some binding tape.
A blanket can also be made by hemming one end and threading a cord through so that it can be worn like a cape.
A third option is just to throw it over your shoulders with no holes or fastenings at all - it really is up to you!

Some people sew their badges on in "pretty patterns", others prefer a more random look.
Similarly some people start at the edge of the blanket and "work in", others at the neck or the middle of one side and "work out".
Occasionally people also sew scarves or neckers from special events or camps onto their blankets as well.

A camp blanket is an "evolving" thing - as you add more badges, the look of the blanket changes and this is part of its charm. REMEMBER - THERE IS NO "RIGHT" OR "WRONG" WAY TO DESIGN YOUR CAMP BLANKET