You may not have the opportunity to take your summer reading group camping, but you can give them information, skills, and an interest. This has always been a fascinating topic for some kids, and not just boys!

Information:
Create a book list. There is a whole survival genre of fiction and nonfiction that has enthralled generation after generation of readers. (See below for other libraries lists.)

Bring in a speaker. Find out about your state's DNR (Department of Natural Resources). They often have programming ready for children and teens about responsible camping and survival.

You could talk about local and national programs like Outward Bound that provide incredible camping and survival experiences for teens.

Often, there are conservancy or independent nature groups that would be more than happy to speak to your group. Another resource would be the local scout troop leaders.

Skills:
Maps and orienteering go together well, and help feature a typically lesser-used portion of the library. This might also be a good use of the DNR, if you're not comfortable with a compass. You can set up an orienteering course either in the library or outside. Making maps can also be done using a compass. You'll need compasses for both these ideas.

Food preparation is a big part of camping. A recipe handout or description of how to dehydrate food, or what to pack for camping (see below). You could make trail mix (or G.O.R.P.) as an activity.

Safety:
Fire safety, campsite safety, hiking safety, survival methods - these are all serious things that teens should know. The Red Cross has a page dedicated to this.

More information:

Reference Books:
Woodall's North American campground directory
Parks directory of the United States
Official guide to America's national parks

Camping/Survival book lists:
Deschutes Public Library
Boston Public Library

Kentucky's Summer Reading Program "Wild about Reading" synopsis, featuring fishing, camping, survival, wildlife and photography (contact information on page).

Texas State Library's "Are You a Survivor? Surviving the Texas Outback", a 50 minute program outline about camping.

How to Use a Compass, from learnorienteering.org

GORP.com's GORP Food, featuring many trail mix recipes (GORP.com is a site dedicated to outdoor activities)

eSsortment's Camping Food List - this gives an overview of what kinds of foods are good to bring camping, and are available at regular grocery stores.

Weather safety from a meteorology research scientist