We’ve had a few questions about family camp and we thought it might be useful to share the answers, particularly with people joining us for the first time. Still feel free to email us at family.camp@bartonscouts.co.uk if you have any other questions and we might add them to this page.
Can we arrive before 8pm?
Yes. The 8pm start time is the point where we will break the flag, introduce you to the team for the weekend and let you know how the rest of the camp is going to work. We will be on site all afternoon, and you are welcome to come and set your tent up any time from around 3pm. Bear in mind we are not providing food on Friday evening, so plan to eat before you arrive.
Can I borrow a tent?
Yes. We have a good stock of family sized tents we can loan out for the weekend. Just ask us in advance so we can put one on the trailer for you.
Can you help me put my tent up?
Probably. By the time participants start arriving there will likely be some spare hands to help you putting your tent up.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Sorry. The site does not allow dogs.
Can I bring my camper van or caravan?
There is no access into the camping field for campers or caravans, and due to limited parking capacity we cannot have them in the car park either, so we’re afraid we can’t accept campers or caravans.
Can I smoke on site?
This is a no smoking/vaping site. Please leave the field to smoke.
Can I bring alcohol?
This is a family camp, so all young people on site (except some Explorer staff members) are the responsibility of their parents, and therefore our staff are likely to enjoy a drink as they unwind at the end of the day. You are welcome to join them. Please note that there is a busy programme of activities on Saturday and Sunday mornings with an early breakfast to get us going. Based on previous family camps we would advise that you drink in moderation. Anyone whose behaviour under the influence of alcohol is found to be unacceptable will be asked to leave the camp as soon as they are fit to do so. There will be no refund.
Do you need to know about dietary requirements and allergies?
We do. We’ll send out a form to complete for participants with specific requirements in the coming weeks.
Can I charge my phone anywhere?
While there is electricity in the hut on site, this tends to be tied up with important things like running fridges, charging site radios and keeping emergency phones topped up. In an emergency we may be able to help you out, but we don’t have the capacity to keep 70 phone charged all weekend. Please come prepared to sort out your own phone charging needs. We recommend a battery bank or 6.
Is there anything I need to bring?
We’ll send out a recommended kit list nearer the time, but there are a few (unusual) specifics for our camp:
- A few 2 litre pop bottles
- A few pounds to buy a duck in our Dilston duck race
- If you want to enter our new open category in the Dilston boat race, you can make a boat of your own design. It must fit within an area of 35cmx25cm. It must not have any form of mechanical propulsion. It must contain no liquids. It must have no parts which could become detached during the race. It must not be painted in a way that would pollute the river.
