Cleaning Camp Equipment

THE SCOUT SHOULD CLEAN ALL EQUIPMENT, NOT THE PARENT.

This page describes how to properly clean camping gear, so that the Troop’s outdoor equipment can last and stay fresh for years.

Tents:

  • Dry tent immediately after camp (if it gets mold, it has to be thrown out = $300 loss).
    • If good weather, set up tent outside to allow it to dry; hang up fly, dry tent/pole/stake bags too.
    • If it’s raining (or snowing), hang tent and fly on clothesline in garage or basement until dry (tent/pole/stake bags too).
  • Sweep out leaves and dirt.
  • Roll up tent for return on Tuesday at the beginning* of meeting.
    • Fold tent in thirds.
    • Lay pole/stake/”hot dog” bags across short end and roll tent/fly tightly around bags.
    • Put in tent bag.
  • Return on Tuesday at the beginning* of meeting.

Cook Kits:

  • Empty cook kit completely.
  • Clean ALL stuck on food before washing.
  • Put all dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, knives, cutting. boards, pots/pans in dishwasher.
  • Wipe out cook kit thoroughly.
  • When dishwasher finishes, return all supplies to the cook kit.
  • Return on Tuesday at the beginning* of meeting.

Wash Basins:

  • Scrub each basin with soap/water (these are used to clean dishes, so they need to be clean for the next camp) and rinse.
  • Once scrubbed, put 1 teaspoon of bleach in one basin, add 2 inches of water to the bottom, swirl briefly, then pour into next basin and repeat for each basin.
  • Dry.
  • Return on Tuesday at the beginning* of meeting.

Dutch Ovens:

  • Soak to remove debris.
  • Wash with soap/water (ALUMINUM/SILVER ONLY – NO SOAP IN CAST IRON/BLACK).
  • Dry.
  • Return on Tuesday at the beginning* of meeting.

Coolers:

  • Wash with soap/water.
  • Rinse.
  • Bleach with 1 teaspoon bleach to 2 inches water.
  • Dry.
  • Return on Tuesday at the beginning* of meeting.

*Bring equipment back at beginning of Tuesday meeting after camp so that Quartermasters can check gear.  They will send back gear that has not been fully cleaned for the scout to finish. Clean gear is taken to the storage locker during the meeting.  This is why it’s important to bring gear at the start of the meeting rather than the end of the meeting.
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