Six Essentials

As AOL Scouts get ready to cross over into a Scouts BSA Troop, it's time to level up their outdoor skills. The Cub Scout Six Essentials have been a great foundation, but now they'll begin transitioning to the Scouts BSA Ten Essential. It's the standard gear used by older Scouts on hikes and campouts.

Just like before, these items should be packed in a day bag or backpack and carried by the Scout themselves. At this stage, it's less about reminders and more about ownership. In a troop, Scouts are expected to be prepared without being prompted, so now's the time to build those habits. Carrying their own gear isn't just practice...it's the real deal.