Hey Blog! Last weekend, I was on this year’s annual Scouts Chilly Challenge camp, so I thought I’d discuss camping with you!
I should think that most of you like camping. Even if it’s often cold, or always wet, or even snows, or the fire refuses to light until you’ve decided not to bother, it’s still all part of the fun. The basic outline of every Scout or Explorer Scout camp is more or less similar: put up tents, activities, dinner, campfire, supper and bed; then next morning wake up, get the fire going again, tidy up, have breakfast, strike tents, and back to activities or on the march. But every camp is unique, as you never pitch your tent in exactly the same place twice, or lie on the same awkwardly-positioned rocks two nights running. And it is always a fantastic experience.
However, since I have related camping before, today I will be discussing camping more broadly, in terms of equipment, safety and sites. Have a go at listing some camping equipment. The first thing will most likely be “tent”; the second will probably be sleeping bag. The third is usually either food, lighting, or warm clothes. There are actually loads to get ready in preparation for a camp, even if you’re only getting ready personal equipment. I do not have a my own one- or two-man tent, though it is something I would like to get some day. I do however have a sleeping bag – the warmer the better with these things, as you can always take a layer off, but you can’t get more layers if you’re already wearing them. While I didn’t take one this time, a knife is one of the handiest tools to have, as you can carve items like tent pegs that you’ve forgotten besides having multiple attachments for various purposes if you’ve got a good one (a knife is also the ultimate thing to have once you’re shipwrecked on a desert island). A good torch is essential, as you can use it for signalling, games, finding your pyjamas, and locating your tent after coming back from the toilet block. Then of course there’s a bowl/plate for dinner and mug for water and hot chocolate. Depending on how long you’re going for, you could also need a washbag, because you do get very smoky and sweaty by the time you come home. However, it is unlikely you will need one on a one-night camp!
For safety on a camp, the most dangerous things are campfires, cooking knives, and perhaps rivers, if you’re near them. Disclaimer: I do not pretend to be a safety instructor, so please listen to them not me. This is just what I know and some common sense. However, do try to stay uninjured!
For fires, remember: the fire triangle (oxygen, fuel, ignition); what goes on the fire stays on the fire; anything on/in the fire is hot enough to burn you; no pranks, scuffles, or silly antics around the fire; put it out afterwards; and basically just be careful! With knives, the most important thing to know is that you should always cut away from yourself. Besides that, you shouldn’t have too much issue, so long as you are careful and stay clear of anyone else using one. And with water, don’t go close unless you have to, and then be aware of the banks, distance from, and depth and speed of the water. Thankfully that isn’t a problem at the local Scout campsite, but it’s good to know if you go camping elsewhere.
If you do camp on your own or with family, then the places are limited. Only a few locations are available for wild camping nowadays, which is a pity, but does keep you safe. Know your site, pick somewhere uphill of your toilet unless it is plumbed in, and not near water. Ideally, you never go on your own, but if you do, tell someone where you are going and when you will return. In other countries, you might need to keep yourself safe from bears, etc., but in the UK, this is not an issue so don’t worry that one might enter your tent!
I think camping makes you appreciate our Mesolithic ancestors who camped every day of their lives, and brings you closer to the wild you wake up with. This is where we came from – waking with dawn, walking on fresh dew, and watching the birds and the stars. It also is an immensely valuable skill, which has proved lifesaving in the past, and everyone should have the chance to try camping!