👉 From wet boots to Axe body spray disasters—this is your scratch-and-sniff guide to camp life

We need to have a tough conversation about scouting.

Let’s admit it…

Scouting Stinks.

We all know its true. Scouting, for all its fantastic memories of camaraderie, starlit skies and crackling campfires, has a decidedly less glamorous side: the collection of smells that permeate everything: your clothes, backpack, tent and gear. For better or worse, they are a major part of the Scout experience.

As a public service, we compiled a virtual scratch-and-sniff guide to the most infamous aromas of camp life.

5 unforgettable odors every Scout encounters.

1. The Wet Boot Bog

The sign of any great hike is how filthy you return to the tent. Reaching camp a little dusty is for the cub scouts. Real scouts come hobble back into camp as muddy as a pig in a pen. That’s the sign of true adventure.

But there’s a down side; boots that get wet on day one and never dry. By day four they smell like swamp monster’s ass. Dry em out or they’ll fester into a earthy, sour bouquet that stinks up the entire camp.

2. The Wool Sock Funk

The wool sock is one of the most important piece of gear a scout can carry. But if your haven’t changed them or washed them since Obama was president, then you deserve all the scorn your tent mates heap on you. Change the often and dry them out in the sun. Your tent mates will thank you.

3. Sleeping Bag Funk

We’ve all done it. On those cold nights it’s necessary to heat up your sleeping bag in a hurry. I’m talking about creating a Dutch Oven. But not the kind with cobbler and an open fire. When nylon traps three days of sweat, farts, and seeping foot odor, it transforms into a scent no scientist can identify. It’s less a sleeping bag and more a portable gas chamber. Get those bags open and aired out and into he sunlight, fast!

4. The Campfire Clothes Collection

On day one, this one feels cute. You’ve been hanging out by the campfire all night with friends. Yes, the memories. While the initial smoky scent is comforting, by day three day after day it builds into a pungent reminder of every burnt marshmallow and errant ember. Soon, you’re walking around camp smalling like a burnt log. Change clothes often and use a bucket and camp suds to wash out that summer camp t-shirt.

5. The AXE Cover All

This one is directed to you first year cross overs and middle school scouts. Axe body spray is not a substitute for a shower! Get in the shower and wash those pits and wash between those cheeks. Your fellow campers will thank you.

What’s the worst camp smell you ever survived? (Bonus points if it wasn’t even human.) Drop your stories in the comments below.