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Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Bronze - Camp Craft
WHAT IS CAMPCRAFT?
All the groups are expected to be organized and act as a team at all times, this includes at the campsite where they will continue to be assessed. Groups should enter the campsite TOGETHER not in a long straggly line. Once in the campsite everyone should know what they are going to do, e.g. one team erect tents while the other team puts on a brew, and it follows that in the morning one team takes down the tents while the other team cooks breakfast.
Tents should be begun to be erected as soon as the campsite is reached, especially when raining. When erecting tents try and pitch the tent the leeward side of a hill as it is more sheltered. Face the rear of the tent into the prevailing wind which is usually south westerly. This shelters the entrance to the tent. Pitch the tents close together for added protection, but allow enough space for guy ropes. Never pitch a tent under a tree [WHY?]. Ensure that the ground is free of anything that may puncture the ground sheet. Keep all tent bags, spare pegs and 'A' pieces in the bell of the tent they belong to.
Try and not empty your rucksack in the tent, three people doing this creates a mess, and leaves no room to sleep. Only get out what you need i.e.. trangia, food and sleeping bag.
Do NOT cook inside a tent. Cooking in the bell is OK, but ensure that the stove is level, that the tent flaps are tied back and that no one uses that entrance while the stove is still lit.
Keep all your litter in the bell of the tent, do not allow litter be blown around the campsite. Groups can and will be failed for leaving a messy camp site. Take all your litter with you, when leaving the campsite, you should only leave flatted grass behind. Do NOT burn or bury litter as it is unsightly and dangerous.
As while walking, in the campsite you should respect the other members of the public. In some campsites there will be other campers in the field, houses nearby or passing walkers. If there is, keep the noise to a minimum. It is expected that all groups are in their own tents by 10/10.30 and are quiet. Further, when leaving the campsite in the morning, groups should keep the noise to a minimum.
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