Camping is an experience of living in the outdoors usually in cooperation with others in tents, or in cabins, or in huts, or in improvised shelters, or in the open without shelter, away from the usual conveniences of home.

Scouting considers camping as a major activity of the Troop Program, functioning by Patrols and Troops. To the boy it is adventurous joyful living in the open, and should be planned so as to give practice in self-reliance, initiative, resourcefulness, helpful cooperation, and should result in love and appreciation of the out-of-doors.

Scouting encourages camping for each Troop and Patrol to be enjoyed under their own leaders - Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, and Patrol Leaders, who with training and experience then aia the Troop and Patrols in the joint planning and year-round enjoyment of camping trips into the out-of-doors. As a result, Troop and Patrol loyalties are strengthened and training in camping becomes a natural part of each Troop's own program.

The first use of the material is for Local Council Courses in Troop Camping and it is so arranged that when you fill in the information gained from the experience in the course it will serve as a practical guide to all your camping thereafter. Keep it and use it in the planning and managing of the Troop's program of camping. Add to it as the years' camping experiences roll along and soon you will have your own camper's manual that will be highly prized and will be of great value to you.

As goes camping in your Troop, so will go your Troop. This volume is to help you "Be Prepared" for the great outdoor adventures. The following pages will provide many practical hints for a happy camping experience for your Troop.

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA