Since a scout will not get a merit badge for using a cot, there are two other alternatives to using a cot in a tent: get a tent without a floor, or replace the cot with a foam pad for your boyscout to sleep on. Some pads are made with spaceage materials that are thick and very comfortable. As a final note on this topic, a boyscout can spread a piece of heavy polyethylene or similar sheeting across the campground prior to setting up the tent. This will help prevent objects on the ground from tearing the floor. In all cases prior to setting up, scouts should perform a thorough inspection to remove stray sticks and stones from the ground. If he is planning to sleep in a sleeping bag spread on the floor, your boyscout will find the heavy sheet helps prevent being poked in the back all night long.



All tents, if improperly stored, will foment the growth of mold and mildew, turning it into a smelly, stinking mess. It will be nauseating to use and turn the next camping trip into an event memorable for nights spent inhaling the suffocating smell of mildew. Boyscouts should be taught early the responsibility of cleaning and thoroughly drying a tent upon arrival at home, and prior to storing. Failure to do this will result in a tent that could have lasted many years needing to be replaced way ahead of it's time.



Tent prices might range from about $50 for a limited function two-man tent, to over $350 for one that sleeps 8. In between, there are a variety of available price tags, but an average cost is around $150. Some have enough headroom to stand up. Others are much smaller and you have to crawl into them. Luckily, teenage boyscouts usually aren't very tall. Light tents might weigh only 4 or 5 pounds, a weight light enough for backpacking. Some will have multiple venting locations, with high/low venting to reduce condensation. Tents with an exoskeleton have the poles on the outside, making them fast and easy to setup. Many, especially domes, now come in this configuration. Some other things to consider when purchasing a tent for your boyscouts is availability of replacement hardware in the event a component gets lost or broken. The list includes stakes, spikes, extra poles, and repair adhesive sealer for repairing tears and leaky seams.

Don't be shy about asking questions when purchasing a tent for your boyscout. Learn as much as you can about makes quality, and your kids will be enjoying camping in their boyscout tents for a long time.