Scout Leadership Course Session Activity Notes

Session activity

Patrol Camp: Non Residential Course Page 1 Page 2

Time to allocate for this activity

120 minutes

Resources required

Handouts, some camping equipment, one presenter per group, meal preparation equipment and food.

Activity Notes

As this course does not offer opportunities to demonstrate practical camping skills, this longer session is designed to cover the basics and improve confidence in Patrol Camping.

There are four components to the session:

• Planning - where to go, when, who with, how, why and what you will do when you get there.
• Equipment - list, preparing, taking care of and returning.
• Menu - planning, budgeting, shopping list, storage and preparation.
• Health & Hygiene - including safety considerations and rules/regulations.

NOTE: The intention here is to instruct the Scouts to become LEADERS of Patrol Camps, not to instruct them in the basic camping skills. Ensure the sessions always refer to the role of the Patrol Leader in planning and managing a camp situation.

The activities can be run as four 30 minute bases, rotated through by the Scouts in their Patrols.

Planning

This is a practical session that will see the Patrols planning a camp. Using the framework provided on the Patrol Camp - Planning handout, work through with the Patrol to complete all of the boxes. Discuss the importance of the information being gathered. Highlight the relevant activity notification procedures that are in place in your State. Discuss the importance of a well planned and balanced program.

Equipment

This is a practical session for the Patrols to get hands on with the equipment they would need to take to camp. Ideally, a collection of the equipment will be available to look at and handle. The session should be led by a competent adult who can advise on matters such as: Types of tent to take, care of tents, use of cooking equipment, fire and safety equipment, cooking gear, campsite layout and lighting systems.

One or more of the following activities might be possible if time allows:

• Pitch and strike a tent and pack it away properly. Discuss how to care for the tent.
• Connect and light a gas stove. Discuss the care and safety precautions needed.
• Construct a simple Patrol dining fly from tarpaulin, ropes and/or poles.
• Prepare a kitchen area for meal preparation. Discuss the safety and hygiene precautions needed.