Before you drag your parents out shopping here are a few pointers.

1.  Ask around your family and friends - are there any closet campers out there how can loan you some equipment?

2.  Read this page, the shopping advice page and the official kit list.

3.  There is more advice on using the kit the DofE way within the venture training pages.

4.  Ask last years' bunch about what they wish that they had taken and what they could have left at home.

5.  Check what is the weather expected to be like and then adjust your packing accordingly.  See weather prediction at the bottom of the page.

Remember you can take what you like - BUT you are carrying it.

Ready to camp!

A group equiped for July 2009 Practice camp (from Ms Reed)

 Jump to 'Equipment' page of Venture Training.

Hoadies Hints!

My personal suggestions are that a water bottle, a good quality waterproof top, good socks and wind proof fleece jumper are the main essential items for comfort and safety.

Whilst walking boots are a good idea to protect the ankles and keep your feet dry, they are often expensive.  In July good trainers which are high enough to support the ankle could be enough, then there are often bargains to be had in the summer sales.

We are very short of large rucksacks (50-65 litres) so please ask around your friends and family to see if you can borrow these before the kids drag you into the shops.  Please check that any borrowed rucksacks have chest and waste straps as these greatly improve comfort.

School has a stock of camping stoves.  If you have a lightweight camp stove that your son/daughter would like to use please bring it to school so that we can check that it meets safety requirements.  No hexamine or meths fuels please.

Luxury items.   Just like 'Desert Island Discs' you should take something to make life easier.  You could consider:

1.  An inflatable pillow (this gets my vote).

2.  A self-inflating sleeping mat.  No, I do not mean a matress and a foot pump!  There are thin sleeping mats which are more comfortable than the foam ones.  They are much more expensive (£25-£70 depending on the brand), so not really worth it unless you plan to do more camping.

3.  Flip-flops - yes the beach things.  Taking your boots off after a days walking is fantastic until you step on a rusty old tent peg.  So no bare feet in camp please.  There are cool alternative for the evenings.

Things which get forgotten!

Cutlery - you will need to eat!

Washing up liquid - we would like to avoid food poisoning if at all possible.

Tent components - if you bring your own tetn please check that it has enough tent pegs. Some tents have a ventilation flap so don't forget the piece which makes it water proof!

 What else will I need for a Silver expedition?

 Fleece

 Light weight food containers

 Larger water bottle(s)

 under construction