Levels of Camping

Troop 98 provides a variety of Scouting outings and activities for our Scouts, including different levels of camping for the brand new camper, to the grizzled experienced High Adventure camper! 

We rate each of our camping trips with a Troop 98 Level of Camping using the information below.  

For guidance on what to pack for each campout, visit our Packing Lists pages.

Troop 98's Levels of Camping 

Level 1: Platform and Cabin Camping

• About: Scouts will share pre-built platform tents or stay in cabins. Scouts will pack and carry their own personal gear a short distance.  Backpacks are recommended but not required.  Level 1 trips are appropriate for all Scouts without prior approval.

• Campout Example: Goshen Scout Reservation's Camp Olmsted, Camp Bowman, Camp Marriott; cabin camping at Camp Snyder.

Level 2: Car Camping

• About: Scouts will camp at a car accessible site in Troop provided tents, which they will share with 1-2 assigned tent mates.  Scouts will pack and carry their own personal gear a short distance.  Backpacks are recommended but not required.  Level 2 trips are appropriate for all Scouts without prior approval.

• Campout Example: Troop campouts to car accessible sites; most Washington, DC District Camporees; BSA National Jamborees*.

Level 3: Short Backpacking

• About: Scouts will hike to a campsite with no immediate access to cars or bathroom facilities; access to potable water may vary. Scouts will carry packs containing personal and patrol gear up to five miles per day. Day hikes (without weight) may be longer. Terrain is moderate and accessible for most Scouts. Level 3 trips are appropriate for all Scouts without prior approval, but Scouts should successfully complete a Level 1 or 2 trip first. Basic backpacking gear is necessary.

• Camping Example: Troop backpacking campout on Marsden Tract; Canoe trip camping.

Level 4: Mid-Length Backpacking 

• About: Scouts will embark on a true backpacking trip, including daily hikes of 5-10 miles carrying personal and patrol gear; access to potable water may vary. Terrain may be rough and may include significant elevation changes. Scouts should successfully complete at least one Level 3 trip first and must have good physical conditioning. Appropriate gear is necessary, and weight is a factor. Prior approval is required. 

• Campout Example: High Adventure shakedown campouts; Goshen Scout Reservation's Lenhok'sin High Adventure.

Level 5: High Adventure Backpacking

• About: Scouts will embark on a long-haul backpacking trip, including trips of 5+ days, with daily distances that can exceed 10 miles. Scouts must have successfully completed multiple Level 4 trips and have excellent physical conditioning. Appropriate gear is necessary. Prior approval is required. 

• Campout Example: Philmont Scout Ranch, Northern Tier.

* Special Note About Eligibility for BSA High Adventure Treks, BSA National Jamboree, and World Scout Jamboree

Each of BSA's four High Adventure Bases (and even specific treks/adventures), the BSA National Jamboree, and World Scout Jamboree have their own eligibility requirements.