Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned Scout, a new member of the unit, or the devoted Scouter who inspires them, finding the perfect holiday gift can be an adventure of its own.
As Scouts, we thrive on experiences, exploration, and tools that enhance our outdoor journey and personal growth. And truly – don’t we all love new camping gear? Whether your shopping for an outdoor enthusiast or an avid Scouter, here are some gift ideas that will, hopefully, inspire their next big adventure and create lasting memories.
(Click to read more on each gift down the page.)
- Sorel Boots
- Camping Quilt
- Camp Chef Pizza Oven
- Harmonica
- Camping Pillow
- Tyvek Tarp
- Satellite Communicator
- National Parks Pass
- Hipcamp
- Fitness Watch
SOREL BOOTS
I went to a Klondike this year with snow on the ground and temperatures hovering around 0 degrees. The wind was blowing too. Let’s say it was cold! Proper footwear is essential to keeping the toes warm. If the toes start to hurt then they are too cold. Through the years, I have seen Scouts wear all sorts of winter shoes, but the one brand that outlasts and outperforms is Sorel. These boots can be pricey when new and for youth changing boot sizes can add up. Used boots in youth sizes can easily be found on Facebook Marketplace and other online locations. Many local sporting goods stores also have great used or sale sections.
CAMPING QUILT
If you think someone might like more freedom while sleeping – rather than being fit in a tight mummy bag – a camping quilt might be the gift you’re looking for. Sleeping bags keep you warm with the insulation being fluffed and not compressed. When you lay on the bag and turn to a side, the part of the bag you were lying on can turn with you and possibly not be as warm. The restriction of movement can be something many people do not like. Rectangular sleeping bags do create space for more movement. However, even more movement is available when using a blanket and simply eliminating a sleeping bag. This philosophy has expanded in recent years. Using the same material as sleeping bags, some companies make quilts with a foot box and some can even attach to your sleeping pad. Quilts are also a good way to reduce the weight of a pack for hikes. Check out this article from Clever Hiker.
CAMP CHEF PIZZA OVEN
Ok … I know a pizza oven for camping sounds glampy. I contest that well-fed leaders make camping much more enjoyable. This Camp Chef Artisan Pizza Oven can bring an entirely new menu to your campouts. The possibilities don’t end with pizza. For once, you can cook volumes of cinnamon rolls or slide in your cast-iron skillets and bread pans. These ovens sit right on top of either one burner or two burners (depending on the oven size) of your current camp stove and will make a difference in bringing new fun to your campouts and cooking.
HARMONICA
Sometimes we need something to cheer us up around the campfire. Music can bring joy to the soul. Consider giving a harmonica. They are light and can fit in a backpack without giving up something else for space or weight. You can also consider these other light and great musical camping instruments.
CAMPING PILLOW
The real question is – do you use your home pillow or camping pillow? Have you found yourself without a pillow and cramming assorted jackets and clothing into a compression bag? Do you want a camp pillow that inflates or is compressible? There’s a lot to consider when choosing a camp pillow. They can be easy to pack, lightweight, give good head support, and are easier to clean than pillows from home Consider giving a great camping pillow as a gift by taking a look at Gear Lab’s review.
TYVEK TARP
Many of us have bought the blue tarps before. We’ve used them for dining flies and ground cloths. Polyester tarps are durable, but they are bulky. Other footprints made specifically for a tent wear out over time, can get damaged, and be costly to replace. Consider a cheaper alternative, especially if you are looking for something for several tents or dining flies by using Tyvek. You can buy it in precut sizes or get it on a role from Home Depot. Corners can be pinched with marbles and then tied off or you can install grommets.
SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR
Scouting requires us to venture outdoors. Some say that going beyond cell phone range is where the real adventure begins while others want to stick closer to home. For all of us, being prepared for incidents no matter where we recreate is of utmost importance. Technology with satellite communicators is expanding. Currently, separate devices are offered to help you be able to be located with an emergency beacon. You can also relay your location daily and even send text messages. Soon this technology is coming to our cell phones and our phones will expand into actual satellite phones. Consider acquiring one of these devices to “Be Prepared” by checking out Gear Labs recommendations.
NATIONAL PARKS PASS
We normally don’t consider gifting a National Parks Pass but this can be a great way to share a very special part of our country’s natural heritage and identity. Annual passes are great for multiple trips to one park but for the family who travels, the America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees and standard amenity fees at all Federal recreational sites and is great for visiting multiple parks. Help create adventure outdoors by encouraging visiting our public lands: National Parks.
HIPCAMP
Let’s get out camping! Find a unique camping experience through a rental with Hipcamp. If you have never used or heard of Hipcamp, it is a campsite rental website and mobile app, similar to Airbnb or VRBO for vacation rental homes, that allows users to book unique outdoor camping experiences. Private landlords list campsites, cabins, RV spaces, and glampsites for users to book. Users can search for listings based on location, landscape, amenities, and more. Some come stocked with everything you’ll need (and more) while others are primitive and rustic. You can share a camping experience by giving a gift card.
FITNESS WATCH
How far did you walk or hike today? Did you set a goal for how far to walk? How’s your heart rate during the exercise? Are you maintaining an Oxygen level higher than 90? There are all sorts of fitness watches out there that can track just about any form of exercise. They also track your location and can pair with your phone to geo-locate on a map where you have been. It’s fun to share goals and progress with friends too. Merit Badge counselors can use watches for personal fitness merit badges. You can spend as little or as much time as you like on a watch – it just matters what features you want and which brand you buy. Check out this article to consider a fitness watch for a gift. If it’s your first watch, it’s a good recommendation to not go all out. Get one, and then decide if it’s something you like, and then determine which features you wish you had. Amazfit watches from Amazon are a great place to begin.
Yours in Scouting,
Pat Dannenberg
Director of Field Services
