Thanks to all who have replied so far. I have been a Cub Scout leader for the past year. Our Pack "camps out" twice a year. Families are invited and it is definitely car camping. Pull up the largest SUV you can find and dump as much equipment as you can on the campsite.

At this point the Packs mentallity is to make it as comfortable and fun as possible to encourage the boys to stick with the camping and encourage the families to participate. If the families are involved, then the Pack will grow and prosper.

Being a gearhead, I tend to bring a rather extensive list of equipment. Not all of the equipment leaves the vehicle but I have it in reserve if needed. Last time I brought splitting wedges and a sledge hammer in case someone brought logs instead of firewood. Sure enough, the first hour I was in camp, some one dumped a load of well seasoned logs next to the fire. I broke out the wedges and hammer. After splitting one log, I had a line of scouts wanting to give it a try. Handed the tools and leather gloves over to a dad. Put him in charge of safety. Within no time, all the wood was split. The wedges and hammer were put back in the vehicle to reduce potential missue.

This discussion has made me evaulate what gear I will pack and what I should be packing. I think I will trim back on the gew gaws and concentrate more on safety.