Are You Ready for Our Fall 2023 Campout?

Most Scouts will tell you that their favorite part of the program is the camping. This fall, Pack 751 Richardson is headed to Camp James Ray for two nights of outdoor fun, Friday, Sept. 29 – Sunday, Oct. 1. The location, 2026 Mill Creek Rd., Pottsboro, TX 75076, is about 75 miles northeast of ACM and sits on Lake Texoma. Camp James Ray has lots to offer and we will be playing field games, hiking, canoeing, and if you like to fish, bring your fishing pole!

This is a pack-wide event, from Lions to Arrow of Light, and a family event, so all parents and siblings are encouraged to attend. Arrival time is anytime after 3PM on Friday with departure no later than 11 AM on Sunday. There is no fee to attend.

The paperwork – oh, the paperwork! Every family must fill out the Pack 751 Fall Campout Registration Form so we have an accurate headcount. As mentioned in that form, we must have three other forms from you, too. Please complete, don’t date them so we can use them all year, and send to your den leader before the campout:

  1. Medical forms A & B are required for every adult and child (please don’t date)
  2. Commitment to Transport is required for each minor (please don’t date)
  3. Photo Release is optional but makes our lives easier as we snap pics of Scouts having fun (please don’t date)

IMPORTANT: Please also read our updated document, Camping Rules, Packing Checklist, and Campfire Safety. (Excerpt is below!)

In an upcoming den meeting or call, your den leader will cover specific planning items, like den meals, activities, and to answer your questions. If you need anything else, please reach out to our outdoor activities chair, Sam Mettauer. A lack of camping equipment should not be a deterrent from attending any event. The Pack has a limited supply of gear, if you need to borrow something let him know.

Here’s a good roundup of what to pack, excerpted from Camping Rules, Packing Checklist, and Campfire Safety:

Camping equipment:

* Tent with stakes (in case it is windy)
* Waterproof ground cloth or plastic tarp for under tent
* Sleep bag and pillow (cot or thermarest, if desired)
* Cup, bowl, plate, and silverware

Clothes:

* Class A uniform and Class B shirt
* Poncho or raincoat
* Warm jacket or coat
* Warm PJs or sweatshirt and sweatpants
* Underwear and socks (bring extras!)
* Durable shoes (hiking shoes if you have them. If not, just make sure they have good tread on them)
* Hat offering sun protection
* Shirts and shorts/pants. Bring some items to layer in the event your Scout gets cold in the evening/night
* Swimsuit /clothes and shoes to get wet while canoeing (just in case!)

Family gear:

* Chairs to sit in
* Cooler
* Cooking equipment – don’t forget items like Pam to make sure your food doesn’t stick and cooking utensils

Toiletries:

* Toothpaste, toothbrush, and comb
* Washcloth and towel
* Soap in container
* Toilet paper
* Extra bag for wet/soiled clothes

First aid:

* There will be a first aid kit for the Pack, but each den and individual should have one as well
* Reusable water bottle filled with water
* Flashlight with extra batteries
* Sunscreen
* Insect repellent
* Whistle

Extras:

* Garbage bags
* Towels (or paper towels) to clean up around campsite/dry dishes
* Hand sanitizer
* Gallons of water (we will have access to water, but it’s always best to be prepared)
* Snacks – we don’t want to get hangry 🙂