Camping tips - Sponsored by Blacks of Greenock

Pitching a tent:

• When picking your spot to pitch up, always clear any debris such as branches or twigs, as these are uncomfortable to sleep on.
• When pegging out your tent, make sure the whole of the flysheet is taut, otherwise the water will soak through to the inner of your tent.
• If your campsite is on an incline, make sure your tent door is facing downhill, as if it is facing up the hill, rainwater will run into it.
• If you are going out camping and it is going to be really cold out, place a emergency foil blanket on the floor of your tent, this will keep the heat in so you won't get a cold back while you are sleeping.
• If you are not sure about the waterproof capabilities of your tent, buy a groundsheet, and place it underneath your tent, and tuck the sides upwards inbetween the inner and the flysheet. This will stop any water soaking in from below your inner tent.

Things to do on camp:

• Book some activities for your group to do, we have plenty on site.
• Go out to Southend for the day, and visit some of the attractions such as Adventure Island or the Sealife Centre.
• Take your group out on a hike, we are right next to Hockley Woods, where there are many routes to walk, or if you have a Scout or Explorer group, you could set them the challenge of the Roach Valley Way hike, which can be found in the local OS map.
• Play some silly mind games with your group, there are many to choose from, but the number one rule is if you know, then don't tell anyone else! These games will keep your group entertained for hours trying to work out how each game works.
• Get your group to do some pioneering, spend an afternoon working on an old project, or even trying a new idea. We can hire out pioneering equipment to groups staying on site.

Ideas for food:

• Breakfasts on camp should always have something warm included in them to kick start the day.
• Put out some cereals for everyone to start eating while the last few bits of the hot food are just about to be ready to be served.
• Good things for breakfast are meats such as bacon and sausage, eggy bread, hash browns, and beans.
• Lunch should consist of something a bit lighter, such as sandwiches or wraps.
• It's always good to have a bit of salad served with lunch.
• Dinners need to be filling and need to be able to be made easily on gas stoves.
• Meals that can be made well this way are chilli con carne, spaghetti bolognese, curry etc.
• When it gets to the late evening, leave out some snacks such as biscuits, cake or fruit for anyone to take and eat before bed.
• Always cook enough so there can be seconds for nearly everyone, as all of the group should be very hungry on camp.

Scouts & Guides camping tips sponsored by Blacks of Greenock who support our events. You can get some great deals! Group discounts, special offers, buy direct, save money by visiting their website at http://www.blacksofgreenock.co.uk