Pack 343 -- 45 yearscampfire


National Capital Area Council
Cub Scout Pack 343

Family Camping

Twice a year, Pack 343 has a Family Campout.  The Fall Campout was October (20-22) at Watkins Regional Park, MD, and included the October Pack Meeting.  The Spring Campout is 18 – 20 May at Cedarville State Forest , MD , and includes the May Pack Meeting and graduation.  The campout begins Friday after work for families that want to enjoy a casual, do-as-you-please night.  The main activities occur on Saturday, centered on a mid-day cookout funded by the Pack and hosted by Pack volunteers.  Optional activities include hiking, fishing, and a water-bottle rocket challenge.  The Pack meeting is Saturday evening around a bonfire.  Sunday is breakfast, clean-up and a short service before leaving camp.  Family camping is about the family, with the Scout, parents and siblings camping out in their own tent in two youth group campsites rented by the Pack.  Except for the Saturday cookout, each family provides their own meals and drinks.  However, Den leaders are encouraged to bring their dens together with shared meals according to each den’s preference.

Year-end Campout, May Pack Meeting and Graduation

When and Where

Equipment

Schedule

Pack Meeting

Activities

  • Hiking:  Cedarville has 4 trails ranging from 2 to 5 miles long.  Trails are easy to moderate with very few rocks or steep hills.  The orange trail wanders through damp and marshy areas lined with holly, magnolia and assorted marsh plants and flowers. The blue trail is hilly with several streams and springs. The brown trail is pretty level and dry. It circles through a pine plantation and around the 4-acre fishing pond. The green trail starts by the pond and then loops through the forest and headwaters of the Zekiah Swamp .  This forest is home to two unique species of carnivorous plants, the roundleaf sundew and the northern pitcher plant. Trails are shared with bikes and horses. Protect yourself from chiggers, ticks and spiders as well as poison ivy and sumac.
  • Fishing:  The 4-acre fishing pond is stocked with bluegill, catfish, sunfish and bass. It is open for bank fishing only.  A Maryland non-tidal license required for persons 16 years old and over.  Bring you own gear.
  • Rendezvous Games:  Dedicated to the preservation of the traditions and ways of our nation's greatest, most daring explorers and pioneers; to the actual conservation of our nation's remaining natural wilderness and wildlife; and to the ability of our members to survive using only what nature has to offer.
  • Water Bottle Rockets
    • Each Scout should bring empty 1-liter, 2-liter, 20-ounce plastic bottles for building water rockets (ensure a standard 2-liter bottle cap will screw on)
    • Dave Berthe uses his homemade water rocket launcher to see how high they will launch into the air. 
    • Expect your Scouts to get  a little wet
  • Dessert Competition:  Each den or family can enter the dessert competition for the sheer fun of it.  Make your favorite camp-fired or fireside dessert to be judged by our panel of tasters

Important Notes

  • Potable water is available at pavillions, camping area and the restrooms
  • Campout Safety Checklist (PDF)
  • What to bring checklist (example)
  • What not to bring: Televisions, radios, electronic games, skateboards, scooters, bikes, alcoholic beverages, liquid fuels, axes, chainsaws, fireworks, or weapons. Also, no pets are allowed.

Last updated: May 15, 2007