I'm Coming! How should I Prepare?

Complete Basic Training

You will best prepared if you complete online or in-person Cub Scout training for your position, including Safeguarding Youth training.

Training is available at my.scouting.org.

If you are a parent that helps when needed, register as a committee member in your child's pack.

Make a Doctor Appointment

For any event more than 72 hours, BSA requires not only parts A & B of your BSA health record, but also part C.

You'll need a basic physical for part C (mentioned above)

If you're generally healthy, it's probably time to do one of those preventative screenings anyway, so get it on the calendar and bring part C with you to your appointment to be filled out by the medical professional.

Share your Skills

Do you sing? Are you and artist? Do you write songs? Do you play the guitar or the ukelele? Do your kids roll their eyes at your Dad jokes? Do you have a knack for rhyming? Crafty creating? Akela's Council is a hands on experience and you will learn in a den. Some of your skills might come in handy. Don't bring your craft room since we have supplies; but you might bring along your instrument if you think it might help you feel confident around a campfire.

Bring your Questions

If you have questions, big or small, bring them. Powwow with your Pack before coming. If a friend can't make it, ask what information you should bring back for them. Let your pack know that you'll be coming home with new ideas.

Wear a Uniform

We wear uniforms at most meals, at flag ceremonies, and other times throughout the course. When you arrive, wear your best uniform.

If you don't have one, your pack or another in the area might have a collection of used uniform pieces that you can get at a fraction of the cost of new.

You might find uniform pieces at thrift stores. You can get a brand new uniform just for you at the Scout Shop in Orem or Ogden or online.

If you have Camp t-shirts or other BSA shirts, this is a great place to wear those when we're not in uniforms, but these are absolutely not required.

Bring a Friend

If you have another Cub Scout buddy who is ready to level-up their game with you, invite that person to come along with you.

When both of you catch the Spirit of Akela and come back to your pack with ideas, you can share a vision and encourage each other.

If you don't bring a friend, it's ok... You'll leave with lots of new friends.

What to Pack

After registering, you will get information about the accommodations for your specific course.

Some of this might not apply to your course, but this list will help you plan.

When you arrive, be ready with:

Scout Uniform (If you have enough, plan to wear every day)
Appropriate closed-toe shoes
Cub Scout Leader Book (available on Scouting.org as a pdf)
Scout Medical Forms part A,C,B with copy of Insurance card
pen and/or pencil
Water Bottle or canteen
Rain Gear
Sunscreen
Mosquito Repellent
Hat (If you have a Scout hat, that's best)

Be sure to Pack:

Clothing for 4 days (uniforms are always appropriate) & pajamas
Windbreaker or Jacket (Even in summer, nights can get chilly)
Sleeping Bag
Flashlight
Medication in labelled containers
Personal Toiletries
Shower things: Towel, shampoo, etc.
Ground pad or air mattress (Recommended)
Other things you need (CPAP, caffeine, knee brace, etc.)

Optional Gear:

Comfy Camp Chair
Tent (some courses optional, some courses required)
Pillow
Change of Shoes
Shower Shoes
Sunglasses
Religious Books
Skits
Pocket Knife
Camera
Musical Instrument
Earplugs
Charger for electronics: please be courteous and discreet with electronic use. Sometimes electrical outlets are limited in number and availability.
Note: cellular service is often unreliable; expect the possibility of no service at all

Let us Prepare for your Needs

If you need an electric source for your CPAP so you can sleep well...
If you have food allergies and want to avoid your individual poisons...
If your knees (back, hips, etc) just won't allow you to sleep in a tent...
If you are uncomfortable with something but you'd like to attend if only you could...
If you aren't sure you can get coffee with breakfast in Utah... (Yes! we'll have some.)

Whatever your individual specific needs, concerns, or questions,

email the Cubmaster at :

Prepare for weather

A few days before leaving home, check the weather. Frequently Akela's Council is held in mountain camps at elevations above the nearest town.

An extra coat or extra blanket or even pair of boots left in your car might make a big difference to your comfort. We've experienced snow in July.

The Cub Scout Motto is Do Your Best!

It's also good to borrow the Scouts BSA Motto: Be Prepared.