That evening as we all sat around the fire, preparations where made for the next day, the Scouts parents were to pick them up at three thirty, so it was decided to have a big breakfast, and a quickly prepared meal for lunch of sandwiches, we would also finish off what was left of the biscuits and crisps etc, before lights out the usual wide games were played, followed by the infamous sausages and hot chocolate.

The next day the weather was fine and after breakfast the Scouts cleaned the pots and pans, packed their bags, and made ready to strike camp after lunch, they organised their own activities during the free time before lunch. The striking of camp went well with no problems, except the usual who’s taking the rubbish to the skip, returning the unused wood to the woodpile, and picking up the wood chips from the chopping area, why nobody ever wants to do these jobs I don’t know? And some Scouts even consider them as a form of punishment, but in ‘contrast’ everyone wants to sit and clean the tent pegs, when all the jobs had been done, site checked for litter, and grass raked, we invited the Warden to do his inspection to his surprise “we think” everything was all right and our fist camp came to an end. With the camp completed the only thing left to do for the Patrol Award was to gain a collective achievement badge, but I will deal with that later.

At the next Scout meeting we all discussed the camp, or as they say what went well, the weather, the organised activities, the food was it good, was there enough, the atmosphere, was it relaxed, was there enough to do, what was boring, what could have been better. The preparation for the cook badge was that ok, what can we learn from it to help the next Scouts, perhaps more thought for bad weather, possibly more equipment, but the lack of equipment, and the good weather, made the camp work but what if it had rained? All these things were discussed.

Verbal preparation before the camp e.g. who does what and why, I have found that explaining to the younger Scouts what to expect on there first camp,  is essential for them and their parents. things like Toilets, washing, being away from home, different food, sleeping on the floor, having to do things for themselves, and being part of a team, sharing a tent, and the dangers at camp. I have also prepared a kit list for them explaining what to pack and how to pack it.

Below is the letter I first used for the younger Scouts as explained doing a list helps them and their parents from forgetting things, and also stops those phone calls, its just a guide you may wish to add to it but I find it works for me, you can now get them off the internet but when I did this list you had to read a book, or learn from your mistakes

Packing a Rucksack.

If you do not have a rucksack do not worry any bag/bags will do of course what you take on each occasion will depend upon what you are doing and this list is a reminder of what to pack.

Before you start to pack, lay out all your equipment on the floor so that you can check of the items against the list. Most rucksacks are not waterproof so a large bin bag is useful to line your rucksack, put in first, the things you will need last (such as spare clothing etc) larger items can be put in early so you can pack smaller items around them, fold or roll clothes carefully this will ensure they are not creased.

What to pack. This list is for the summer months so during the winter, you will need additional warm clothing and a blanket, Sleeping bag, pyjamas, wash kit, (soap, flannel, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, hand towel) torch with spare batteries, unbreakable plate dish and mug, cutlery, tea towel.

Camp clothes.

Change of underwear, socks, trousers/shorts, t-shirts/shirts/sweatshirts etc, warm sweater, waterproof coat, trainers, and strong or comfortable shoes.

Miscellaneous.