The Boy Scouts of America believes that family camping, in addition to being fun, provides families with an opportunity for quality time together and family life enrichment. This program is seen as a recreational opportunity and is not conducted on a tight time schedule. This leadership might be relinquished from time to time as the family elects to participate in selected activities, such as swimming, where specific camp policies must be followed to ensure safety and proper operation. The BSA considers it very important to help Scouting families become better informed and better prepared for family camping. Currently, many local council camps have family camping areas that can be used by BSA families.
Some councils have camping equipment for rent and conduct training in the skills of family camping.
There are a variety of family camps now in use. Some are designed for use by senior camp staff members and some for use by the families of Scoutmasters in camp. Another variety is the type of camp operated at the Philmont Scout Ranch for conference participants at the Volunteer Training Center. Yet another type is the complete campground with its own water, electricity, and sanitation facilities. These campgrounds can accommodate tent camping as well as recreational vehicle camping, and often will have a program of family activities that are separate from the Scout camp program.