Thurston Outdoor Education Centre: Camping, huts, bothies and bivouacking policy

Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Venue
  3. Staffing
  4. Equipment
  5. Operating considerations

Revised: January 2022

Introduction

These procedures cover camping in the centre grounds and out on the hill. They include tents, mountain huts, bothies or bivouacking - making your own shelter.

It could also be as part of a journey, which may use boats, bikes, canoes or walking.

Venue

Any suitable location. To be agreed with Head of Centre or Instructor in Charge.

Staffing

  • Ratio: The normal instructor / student ratio.
  • Staff should be trained and experienced to the level set out in the guidelines for the particular activity of which the camp forms a part. In addition they should be experienced in camp craft.
  • DofE Groups operate in accordance with DofE Guidelines.
  • Camping on the centre grounds as part of an introduction to lightweight camping needs the same staff ratios available as normal overnights in the centre.

Equipment

  • Tents and equipment should be checked before leaving for camp.
  • Centre uses trangia stoves - staff should be familiar with them before use, or any other stove used.
  • Fuel is carried in appropriate containers and clearly marked.
  • All specialist equipment is available from the centre.
  • Any equipment brought by students is to be encouraged, but checked for suitability before leaving centre.
  • If using centre sleeping bags, liners are issued.

Operating considerations

  • If tents are used the group leader should check that they have been erected adequately to withstand prevailing and anticipated conditions.
  • With the exception of specialist expeditions no cooking is done inside the tents and staff must supervise the filling and lighting of stoves for inexperienced students.
  • Students must receive thorough training in stove safety if they are to camp cook.
  • Students should be fully briefed on how to cook their food. The group instructor should make sure that students intake of food is adequate.
  • Students should be made aware of how to deal with waste and rubbish, camp hygiene and its impact on the environment.
  • Students should be encouraged to camp in a tidy and organised way and respect the campsite. The intention should be to leave it as you found it.
  • Safeguard water supplies and hygienic toilet arrangements should be ensured.
  • Either a nearby vehicle or method of communication to a reliable contact must be arranged before departure.
  • Feminine hygiene briefing, to be given by appropriate person.