Going to camp

Where do we go?

The first thing you need to do is to decide where you want to go. Somewhere in the county, somewhere further afield or even going abroad. If its the first camp you've organised, or those going have never camped before, then it is best to stay closer to home. If you camp regularly, then its often better to try new campsites further afield. But if your an experienced camper, you could go abroad. This will involve a lot more organisation and paperwork.

So you have decided roughly how far you would to go. But before looking at the specifics of what makes a good site, you must make sure that the following things apply:

1. Is the area you are considering for a camp one of those in which Scout camping is restricted or prohibited?

2. The local District Commissioner or District Secretary will have details of local sites, so a letter or e-mail to them may well help you.

3. A preliminary visit to the site is the best way of making sure that you have enough information about the site.

1. Safe drinking water must be available nearby

2. Well-drained land unlikely to flood in wet weather

3. Sufficient fairly level ground to accommodate the camp

4. Activities.

So you found a site you interested in. Now get in touch with camp warden and find out about booking, deposits, costs, activities, instructors, local amenities and places of interests. Get booked up as soon as possible as this avoids dissappointment. Don't forget if you take younger members, to fill in your PC Forms, usually 3 months before the camp.

Coming soon 100 tips for planning and running camps.

Site Selection Factors

When you are using a campsite for an overnight stop on a hike, you need don't need to worry too much about the layout. In fact you will probably only have one or two small hike tents! On longer camps though, it is worth taking time to decide where everything should go. Every site is unique, so it is impossible to say how an ideal site should be set out, but here are some things to think about.

Sleeping tents

Find a flat piece of land not too near any overhanging trees, especially ones which drop sticky resin which could ruin the tent. Make sure it is an area which would not become a stream or flood in heavy rain and that the ground is solid enough to hold the pegs securely. Back your tent into the prevailing wind, making sure that the wind is not blowing into the doors. Tents for youths should be kept together and separate from the leader tents.

Fire and Chopping Area

These need to be reasonably close together, perhaps with the wood pile in between the two, but far enough away that the flames could never blow across the wood pile. Remember to keep a safe distance (approx. 3m) all around the chopping block.

Dining Shelter & Store Tent

Keep them close to the cooking area, but not so close that there are any risks of setting light to the canvas. Try to make sure that the smoke from the fire will not blow towards the dining shelter. If possible, make sure that water containers are used in an area where any spilt water can easily drain away.

Toilets

Make sure that they are down-wind from the main camping area. Provide some sort of lamp and ensure that there is water, soap and a towel so people can wash their hands.

What kit should I take to camp?

Camp Kit List

Uniform, - worn to the event

Campfire Blanket(Come on don't let this tradition die out)

Groundsheet

Sleeping Bag

Foam Sleeping Mat.

Pyjamas

T-Shirts

Shorts

Trousers (No Jeans, as they are heavy and take longer to dry.)

Sweaters

Socks & Underwear

Trainers or Plimsolls

Walking Boots (See note below)

Waterproof coat & Trousers

Swim wear

Towel

Wash Kit

Knife, fork, spoon. 1 plastic plate & 1 plastic bowl, & 1 plastic mug

Tea towel

Torch and spare batteries

Plastic bags for dirty clothes

Coat Hanger

Additional Kit for Canoeing and Sailing

Lightweight Kagoule

Old trainers/ plimsolls

Additional Kit for activities in Exposed or Mountainous Areas

Warm Long Trousers (NOT demin)

Extra Sweater

Kagoule

Waterproof overtrousers

Hiking Boots

Gloves and Woolly Hat

If you are taking NEW walking boots to camp please ensure that they are "Broken in" before long periods of use. If this is unavoidable then bring an alternative as a precaution against blisters.

All clothing and kit should be clearly labeled with the owner's name. Pack all kit into a Rucksack, do not take kit to camp in carrier bags or bin liners. Don't take any electrical items or items of personal value.

The amount of kit you take will vary on how long you are camping for.