Kit
Essential Kit
In addition to their uniform, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts will all need a decent, lightweight waterproof jacket and a pair of wellies or strong shoes/boots. We rarely cancel activities because of the weather and are often outside in the winter months.
For hikes and outings, a small daysack will be needed - just large enough to hold lunch & a waterproof - not a huge rucksack.
For Cubs and Scouts strong shoes/walking boots are useful for hikes but by no means essential - trainers will usually suffice but routes are often muddy even in the summer months. Wellies are not appropriate for hikes.
For camps/sleepovers, the main item that is needed is a sleeping bag. Ideally this should be a 3 or 4 season bag with compression sack for Cubs and Scouts as night time temperatures can fall close to zero at the ends of the main camping season. A bag of this quality will last your child right through to Explorers and is well worth the investment - being cold at night on camp is not fun.
In addition Cubs and Scouts will also need a sleeping mat - these can be bought for around £5.
A torch is the only other item that is essential for camps and sleepovers - the ideal one would be an LED head torch with red as well as white bulbs (makes a good Christmas present). "Novelty" torches are fine for indoor sleepovers but not suitable for tents.
Please, please, please speak to a leader before buying a "camp pack" from The Scout Shop as some of their recommendations are not suitable for the activities that we, at 1st Weald Brook, get up to!
Useful but certainly NOT essential (or expected!) and ideal for birthday/Christmas presents
- Self inflating sleeping mat (from £15)
- Inflatable pillow or self inflating pillow (from £5)
- Micro fibre towel (small from £6, swimming from £10). Really good for camp as they dry very quickly (if used!) and take a fraction of the space and weight of a conventional towel.
- Camp blanket - see details under the "Resources" tab
- Thermal top - good if you feel the cold or for chillier nights, a long sleeved thermal top worn under your pyjamas is a great way to stay warm (it's what the leaders tend to wear!)
- Sleeping bag liner (from £15) - although they can be fiddly for Cubs to use,
a good option if you feel the cold as this adds an extra "layer" whilst being lighter and smaller than a blanket.
Commonly available in cotton and silk (expensive!). Fleece liners are also available although these are naturally bulkier. - Dry bag (from £10) - a "step up" from a bin liner for your wet/dirty clothes!
Decathlon and Go Outdoors have knowledgeable staff and reasonable prices, although Decathlon's ranges are subject to greater seasonal variations than is the case at Go Outdoors.
Many of the leaders have bought their personal kit from these outlets.