This area is currently under update process
Camping Guide
Camps and over night stays are a core part of the Scouting experience and at 1st Colchester all our sections have the opportunity to take part in these adventures. That give members a chance to both gain Scouting skills and life skills such as leadership and teamwork. Camp Kit is often built up over time, and can be found for all budgets. Feel free to speak to leader team members for advice if needed.
Camp Fees & Attendance
Camp fees are normally inclusive of various event costs such as site fee, food, activities and when necessary transport. We always aim to make camps as affordable as possible, they are budgeted in a way to ensure we can balance covering costs while making it affordable.
Camp fees are due before the event and some larger events require a deposit first to confirm booking a place/s.
Health & I.C.E Forms
Incase of Emergency forms are used for camps to ensure we have up to date information should it be needed, this form covers everything from dietary needs to medication and contacts for the period of the camp/event. For weekend camp, we may just ask you to update and check the parent portal.
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Rules & Conduct
To ensure our members all enjoy camps and we make them as safe as possible, each camp will have a reminder of the campsite rules normally on the first night.
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This is designed to ensure those attending all know what is expected to ensure they enjoy the camp.
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As our camps are run by experienced volunteers we do reserve the right to send members home if behaviour is severe and extremely disruptive.
Camp Admin
Patrols/Teams
During camps participants are normally placed in camp patrols (teams). These teams are used for activities and tasks during the week.
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During Summer Camp, each member and patrol will earn points, with the winning patrol earning a prize at the end of the week. Points can be earned by completing tasks well or achieving personal goals during the camp. They can also be lost, for bad conduct or breaking rules.
Accomidation
Generally our members will stay in tents of varying sizes. Our younger sections will stay in buildings during the colder seasons.
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On longer camps we generally use a mess and kitchen tent as well. These act as a base for the camp and become a home away from home.
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Sleeping tents are organised by age and gender. Then we try to make sure that all members share with others they get on with.
Rules & Conduct
To ensure our members all enjoy camps and we make them as safe as possible, each camp will have a reminder of the campsite rules normally on the first night.
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This is designed to ensure those attending all know what is expected to ensure they enjoy the camp.
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As our camps are run by experienced volunteers we do reserve the right to send members home if behaviour is severe and extremely disruptive.
Camp Setups
Main Kit Bags
Rucksacks
Probably the most useful form of luggage used, we normally suggest between 60 and 70 litres in size. This is normally suitable for both weekends and week long camps.
These can be purchased at varying levels of cost, and often can provide a great option as we often have to carry personal kit on arrival at a campsite.
Holdalls
Holdalls can provide another great option, specially for week long camps. With more options in regards to sizes, and costs.
Some members prefer this opton due to the style, that can offer easier access to belongings.
What to pack?
Clothing Layers
Although this seems obvious, a few bits of advice on this would probably be useful. Firstly, layers are important so a variety of layers would be vital and knowing British weather, it is important that members are ready for cold nights and wet days.
On a Second note these days actual camp clothing can be purchased although not particularly necessary , there are many options for different budgets. One of the best examples is camping trousers these are often light weight and dry quickly so can prove useful.
Sleeping Bag
This is probably the one area we would recommend a careful purchase. A sensible sleeping bag is important to ensure a comfortable and warm sleep.
We would recommend a 3 season these offer a good balance between cost and effectiveness. 4 seasons are great but often expensive and for most camps will likely be a bit over the top.
Bed Mat/Roll Mat
Several options, probably the most comfortable is the self-inflating mats, the general purpose of these is to bring sleeping bag up off the sometimes rough/stony ground where the tent is pitched.
Wash kit
Up to individuals on exact contents, but camp wash bag and towel is the rough setup normally. Camp liquid soap can be bought from camping stores and can be a good option. Also light weight micro fiber towels can prove useful as they tend to dry quickly, which one week long camps often proves helpful.
Torch
A small hand torch or head torch is a sensible item, if possible, we would recommend packing batteries separately as sometimes they can be turned on in bag and drain batteries.
Footwear
Suitable footwear is probably one of the most important pieces of clothing. Sturdy footwear can help prevent injuries and discomfort.
Walking boots are probably one of most suitable footwear items. Ankle support and tough footwear are used for hikes and often general camp use. However rough, trek or old trainers are often warn as well.
Week long Summer Camps often require several types of footwear. As a general guide, Summer camps often call for the following versions Hike/Walking boots, old or trek trainers (for general use) and old trainers or water shoes for wet activities.
Water Activity Clothing
Some camps see members take part in water activities.
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Although this is often a Summer activity the waters are normally cold so sensible clothing can help members enjoy the activity more.
Normally we would recommend old clothing, long sleeve t-shirts can be a good option. Swimming shorts are also advised. Old trainers or water shoes are also needed generally
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Specialized Clothing - there is a large variety of clothing available for water sports and activities. We would certainly recommend maybe over time building water activity clothing options.
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Items such as rash vests offer great protection from the cold conditions and water shoes can be a great option as well.
Electronics & Phones
We normally discourage bringing electronic devices on camps, for a number of reasons. They often become major distraction on events also causing issues between members.
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Mobile phones, we get asked about these alot. We do not allow mobile phones generally at Scouting events, this is mainly for the above reasons it has also been proven to increase home sickness issues while we are away.
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We do on some rare occasions permit mobile phones, normally with our Explorers members (who maybe expecting exam results). This is after a set of rules are set out which they are asked to agree to.
Waterproof Layer
Water proof layers are vital for camps, although we obviously hope that it does not rain on camp. Obviously it can not be guaranteed.
Water proof jackets are always useful to have on camp, take care when purchasing though as not all coats are fully waterproof. Those that are tend to refer to as Hardshell coats, rather than softshell that offer shower proof protection.
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Water proof trousers can prove useful although not strictly necassary on all camps, light weight or camping trousers often provide good rain protection and dry quickly.
Nightwear
Personal choice on this, just bear in mind if members need to get up in the night., it is normally a bit of walk to the facilities.
Some members do prefer to sleep in normal clothes and change in the morning. But completely up to individuals on this really.
Spending Money
Some of our camps do have opportunities for personal spending on mementoes, tuck shops and gifts. Generally this tends to be camps that are longer than a weekend or further away. If spending money is particularly advised then we will let everyone attending know.
Camp Blanket
A traditional item, often used to display badges and scarfs collected over the years. Very helpful of the colder nights and evenings.
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