{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E(FS120083) Published October 2024, replacing January 2018.\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPlease note: Family Camps are residential events that are held for the purpose of inviting families to take part in Scouting activities. Residential events where parents and carers are invited to be a part of the\u0026nbsp;leadership team are different and should be planned and managed according to the general Nights Away guidance.\u003C/em\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3 class=\u0022ScoutSubHead\u0022\u003EPurpose\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFamily camps are events arranged by a Group or District for youth members accompanied by their parents/carers and siblings. The purpose of the family camp is to help to strengthen the bonds within individual families, while introducing parents, and siblings to the Methods of Scouting. Family camps also serve to strengthen the links between the different Sections of the Group.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDistrict and County/Area family camps may have advantages as the scale can make them more exciting and you can provide a wider range of programme opportunities. However the scale of District and County family camps means that you can lose out in the creation of a Group family, so careful planning is required. Sectional Family camps can be held, but they are limited in their potential to build links between the sections.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EParticipation\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u0027re planning a family camp, it\u0027s important that every effort is made to extend the invitation to attend to all Members of the Scout Group, their parents and any brothers or sisters who may wish to join the family.\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003EIf the family camp is to foster the links between the Sections it\u0027s important that all Sections are represented.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EVetting and Disclosure Checks\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022ScoutSubHead\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAll adults must have completed the appropriate internal checks and vetting and disclosure checks before attending a Family Camp. Internal checks and vetting and disclosure checks should be submitted at least 3 months before the proposed date of the family camp in order to allow for sufficient time for processing. Consider planning for this sooner if possible.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022ScoutSubHead\u0022\u003EExplorer Scouts could also attend the family camp, especially if it is a District or County camp, however some thought is needed into whether they are attending with their families, or part of the camp team. This is also the case for members of the Scout Network or programme and support team members. They could provide a positive input into the camp organisation, like running programme activities or supporting the leadership team. Remember that as volunteers they will need to have the appropriate appointments and internal checks and vetting and disclosure checks in place.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EInsurance\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EMembers of the Movement are covered by The Scout Association\u2019s general insurance policies. These policies include Personal Accident Insurance and Legal Liability Insurance. Non-members, such as helpers, parents and carers, are not provided with the same automatic Personal Accident Insurance cover.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EWhilst there is no requirement to provide such insurance for parents and carers, you may wish to consider doing so and a number of Insurance Brokers will offer suitable facilities, for example,\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.unityinsuranceservices.co.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Unity Insurance Services\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EUnity Insurance Services\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E. Whatever decision you make with regard to the provision of such cover, it would be good practice to inform parents and carers of the facts.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EInTouch\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs with any other Scout activity that takes young people away from home it is important that an\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/intouch/\u0022 title=\u0022InTouch\u0022\u003EInTouch\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003Esystem is put in place. (POR 9a.1.1.2) as there is always the possibility that relatives or other family members may have to be contacted.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3 class=\u0022ScoutSubHead\u0022\u003EPreparation\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFamily camps, by their very nature, must cater for a wide range of Members and their parents/carers.\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003EBefore inviting families to take part it is essential that the appropriate Lead Volunteer / Nights Away Approver (District for Group and District Family Camps and County/Area for County/Area Family Camps) is aware of the intention to hold a family camp and has approved the event.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHaving obtained the approval of the appropriate Lead Volunteer / Nights Away Approver, now is the time to canvass the support of parents/carers and Group Team Members.\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003ERemember many families have busy schedules so give as much notice as possible.\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003EIf the camp proves popular, you could make it an annual event on a specific weekend each year.\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003ERemember to keep parents informed of developments. A notice of intent followed up regularly is much better than an original note followed by nothing until a week before the event.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESelect and confirm the key members of the leadership team as soon as outline approval has been given by the Lead Volunteer / Nights Away Approver. At the very least the following would be required:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EA Nights Away Permit holder;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EA first aider;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EA caterer;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EA programme coordinator;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EAn equipment coordinator.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThese should be responsible for recruiting their own teams based on the numbers and programme of the camp.\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003ERegular contact to monitor progress will be essential. Members of the team should visit the site to familiarise themselves and ensure that all facilities meet the requirements of the event.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3 class=\u0022ScoutSubHead\u0022\u003EHealth and hygiene\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor some of the parents/carers and possibly their children it will be the first time that they have been involved in a camp, so try to make it an enjoyable experience by using a site with good quality facilities which won\u2019t be too different from what the families are used to, it might be advisable to avoid back to basics camps for these events. Remember that the impressions that are left with the parents/carers are those that will stay with them for many years.\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003EIf the facilities are not adequate it is less likely that they will offer their support in future.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u0027s essential that there is a first aider present.\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003EIf at all possible they should have no other duties and be made known to all participants in the camp.\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003ESmall incidents are always possible in a camp situation and competent, sympathetic first aid will reassure families. A well-equipped first aid kit should be available.\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003EThe name, address and telephone numbers of a local doctor and the nearest A\u0026amp;E Department should be known by both the first aider and Leader in Charge.\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003EIf a permanent campsite is being used, the Camp Warden will be able to provide this information.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ECatering\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA good caterer can make a family camp,\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003Ea bad caterer can spoil the experience.\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003EThe caterer will need to know a week or so in advance the numbers attending and any special diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, religious, and so on).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECaterers should be selected for their previous knowledge and experience.\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003ETheir word is law in the kitchen area.\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003EA decision will need to be made at an early stage as to whether a fixed kitchen in a building or a camp kitchen is used. Remember that different skills are needed in each case.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFood storage requirements will be different in camp or in a building.\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003EGas refrigeration for the camp based kitchen should be considered. Food hygiene must be understood by all and the kitchen area should be out of bounds to all but the catering staff.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDepending on the weather and the programme, a regular supply of drinks, hot or cold may be required by the campers.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA barbecue is a good way of allowing parents and children to get involved and may also help to mix up the campers in a social manner.\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003EA campfire can be used in a similar way. Programme\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are benefits in giving advance notification of the proposed programme to all families.\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003EThis is so that they can be aware of the type of activities that will be on offer and prepare accordingly, eg information on suitable clothing might be\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003Ean important consideration.\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003EA programme of fun, energetic items and skillful activities should be balanced by periods of quiet relaxation.\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003EA programme needs to be developed to build on the particular opportunities of the site and should be suitable for a wide range of participants from the youngest to the oldest.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs mentioned earlier, a barbecue followed by a campfire would make an enjoyable evening\u2019s entertainment.\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003EAt some point there could be a \u2018Scouts Own\u2019 giving all participants the opportunity to reflect upon their experience at camp.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3 class=\u0022ScoutSubHead\u0022\u003EAccommodation\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAt an early stage it will be necessary to decide whether the camp is going to use tents or be based in an indoor/residential centre.\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003EWhere possible, individual tents or rooms should be provided for each family.\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003EIt\u0027s not appropriate at a family camp to segregate the participants into age groups.\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003EThe working unit is the family and families should live and work together at all times.\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003EOrganisers should be sympathetic to the needs of the family, offering support for those with little experience of this type of activity.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3 class=\u0022ScoutSubHead\u0022\u003ESafety and Safeguarding\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022ScoutSubHead\u0022\u003EAny activity should be carried out in accordance with the rules of the Association,\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E(Policy, Organisation\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003Eand Rules,\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003EChapter 9).\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003ERemember that a high proportion of accidents occur to adults playing games and carrying out activities for which their bodies are not accustomed.\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003EAny programme activity must be equally suitable for all ages to enjoy.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlways remember to plan your activity following the guidance in the yellow card. Making the parents aware of this will help your event to run smoothly, this could be done through a pre camp briefing meeting or document.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3 class=\u0022ScoutSubHead\u0022\u003EReview\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAfter the camp it is important to organise a systematic review. By looking closely at what you did this time, you may well be able to make improvements to the planning and Programme next time.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u0027s important that everyone should be involved in the review process.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGroup Leadership Team meeting agrees to hold a family camp.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EMake sure that all adults attending have completed the appropriate criminal records check in advance of the camp (start planning this as soon as possible).\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EVisit possible sites.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESet date and venue.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003ENotify all parents.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EConfirm personnel for leadership team \u2013 Nights Away Permit holder, first aider, caterer and so on.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EPlan programme with wet weather alternatives.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003ECaterer sets menu around programme.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003ENotify parents of outline programme and costs.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003ESubmit Nights Away Notification to your respective Lead Volunteer or Nights Away Approver.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EArrange suitable additional insurance (if required).\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003ECheck and prepare equipment.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EFinalise programme and catering needs.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003ECarry out a pre-camp briefing event for parents and young people \u2013 to set expectations for all.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003ECollect and bank all camp fees.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EPut in place a suitable InTouch system.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003ECarry out Family Camp.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003ESettle all accounts.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EInitial review with parents.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EProduce income and expenditure account.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EDetailed Leadership review.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EThank all those involved for their efforts and contributions.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Checklist for Organisers of Family Camps"}]}]},{"items":[{"type":"Promo","cta":"POR Chapter 9a: Activities","body":"","link":{"name":"POR 9a Activities","id":null,"url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9a-activities/","newWindow":false,"target":"_blank"},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Associated reading","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Family Camps are residential events that are held for the purpose of inviting families to take part in Scouting activities.","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"15 July 2023","reviewDate":"02/11/2020","redirectUrl":"","id":46695,"nodeName":"Family Camps","title":"Family Camps","type":"contentPage","image":{"url":"/media/6191/three-female-cubs-in-tent-with-campfire-jpg.jpg?cc=0,0,0,0.24999999999999997\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dae1a5fbb02750","caption":"Three young people sat in tent campfire behind","type":"jpg","size":97287,"width":1000,"height":750,"altText":"Three Cubs sat inside a tent in the dark whilst people gather in the background around a campfire"},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Family Camps","headerSubTitle":"","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"ffe627","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[]},"subHeader":"Family Camps are residential events that are held for the purpose of inviting families to take part in Scouting activities.","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80NjY5NSJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/planning-your-programme/nights-away-and-camping/nights-away-resources/family-camps/"}