

Equipment
The most important essential is not on a list, "Common Sense". Having the right gear is one thing, knowing how and when to use it is quite another. Most often, it's not a person's equipment that saves their bacon it's their experience, know-how, and good judgment.
Conversely, it is generally inexperience and lack of good judgment that gets people into trouble. Not only must we have the proper equipment -- including the ten essentials -- and know how to use them, but we must also cultivate knowledge and wisdom related to the backcountry activities that we engage in--thru self-study, courses, and leveraging off the experiences of others.
Below is a BSA's Ten Essentials along with basic camping supplies. Be sure to check out the "Camping" section on the Forms & Downloads page for a more comprehensive list.

The kids may want to have all kinds of neat, exotic, and often expensive outdoor gear.
Here are the initial essentials (with a full detailed list HERE with more camping resources on our Forms & Downloads page):
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Backpack / Daypack to keep your 10 essentials, mess kit and water bottle in
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10 Essentials
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Mess kit (Plate, Bowl, Knife, Fork, Spook and Cup)
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Water bottle
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Sleeping bag and pad
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Waterproof hiking boots (that have been worn a few time prior to camping or hiking trip)
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Wool Socks
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Gloves & Hat (beanie)