Scouting for girls and boys is an opportunity to expose children of all ages to the outdoors as well as to learn about self-sufficiency and environmental responsibility. Scouts also learn basic skills to take care of themselves and one another in any environment. A first aid kit is an essential for any scout camper and should contain a basic variety of supplies to help them be prepared in the event of an emergency depending on location--whether at your scout house, on long-distance hikes or camping trips and depending how far away from civilization you'll be.
Bandages
No scout kit is complete without an assortment of bandages, large and small. From basis Band-Aids to sterile gauze pads of various sizes, bandages come in handy during any scouting adventure. A triangle bandage that can be converted into an arm sling and a roll of bandaging should also be included in any basic scout kit, suggests the Boy Scouts of America.
Lotions
Sun block or sunburn lotion should be included in a basic safety kit, as well as topical creams or lotions such as Calamine to deal with insect bites, poison ivy or poison oak exposure. A small tube of antibiotic ointment is essential, as well as alcohol prep pads. Application of lotions or creams may be easily performed with cotton balls, included in most first aid kits. Remember lip balm and a small plastic bottle of hand lotion to help soothe the skin after a long day outdoors.
Water Purification Tablets
You don't know whether a campsite destination has a freshwater source, so always include water purification or iodine tablets in your first aid kit to have access to clean, drinkable water.
Emergency Preparedness
Pack a flashlight and extra batteries into the first aid kit. You may even include an emergency flare or light stick if you have room, suggests the Scout Information Center. A roll of adhesive tape or Coban bandage dressing holds bandages in place. A few pairs of disposable plastic or surgical type gloves provides a clean, sterile method of caring for wounds and also helps prevent spread of poison ivy when applying salves or lotions, as well as protecting against blood contamination. Collapsible or inflatable arm or leg splints should also be part of any camping or hiking first aid kit in case of fractures.
Extra First Aid Kit Supplies
If you have room in your scouting first aid kit, include a few safety pins, which can be used to hold bandages in place or replace a lost button on shirts or pants. A sewing needle and thread may come in handy too, as can a small, collapsible pair of scissors. A small bottle of Ibuprofen or aspirin can also be included in your kit for minor aches and pains. A Swiss Army knife offers a variety of tools that may come in handy in any environment, as will tweezers to pluck out splinters. Don't forget to pack a basic first-aid manual and of course, a first aid case or box that you can easily carry with you or stow in a backpack.
