The Basics

The Location

We have booked a campsite near the town of Audinghen which is in the Cape Gris-Nez area of France. We have been allocated a field adjoining a campsite with access to all of the usual facilities. The site is 900 metres from the sea.

Click to view a map of the route, which shows the area of France where we shall be staying. Click here for a browsable map of the area.

Preparation - An introduction

Explorers, you will need to bring various items when you go camping with us. Remember, the way we camp in the Explorer unit is different to how it was done when you were in the Scouts / Guides. What do we mean by that? Well, we mean that once we have got you there, you will be expected to be largely self sufficient. Therefore you will need to think carefully and prepare the equipment you'll need, because we won't be doing it for you!

If it helps to set the expectations, here is a rough guide.....

Get the idea? Excellent!

If we arrive in France and you come to one of the leaders and say "I forgot my tent", the answer is likely to be along the lines of "Well, that was stupid wasn't it? You'd better go and build a bivouac"

That said, we will always be there to help and we will be only too happy to offer support, words of wisdom, guidance and advice. You are called Explorers for a reason though, and the clue is in the title.

Preparation - Essentials

As mentioned above, we will be making arrangements to get you to the campsite and back again. However, from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, please be sure that you are able to survive without constant help. Camping is all about teamwork, so please get together with others in the unit who are also going, and PREPARE! We have provided a list of the essentials for your reference. Some of the equipment below can obviously be shared, so please start to think about with who you plan to camp / cook.

• A valid passport, valid for the entire time we will be in France.
• A valid European Health Insurance Card (The E111 is no longer valid).
• A tent. We will be camping in lightweight tents, and therefore patrol tents will not be taken / used.
• A camping stove. The Scout Group has a small collection of camping stoves available, so if you don't have one then please arrange with the leaders to borrow one. (Don't forget your matches / lighter)
• Camping stove fuel. Find out what burns in your stove, and then bring it!
• Pots and pans. Again, the group has some available if you wish to borrow them. However, if you are the sort of person that can't live without your morning cup of Italian espresso, then you'd better have your own plan to make one on a camping stove.
• A sleeping bag. Don't go overboard and buy the latest 4-seasons bag which is suitable for camping at the North Pole. It'll be August and we'll be in France. A sense of proportionality is required please.
• A waterproof jacket. Anyone who has ever been camping with the Explorer unit before will know that we have the most uncanny ability to summon bad weather. You have been warned.
• Some money. The currency in France is the Euro. Click to view the current exchange rate.
• Clothing. What will the weather do? Who knows! Please prepare for all eventualities. We will most probably go swimming at some point, so please bring something to wear in the pool. Also please remember to bring a towel, because you're unlikely to find one hanging on the rail in the bathroom, and even if you do then it will most likely belong to someone else.
• Eating equipment. Plate, bowl, mug, cutlery, etc. (Yes, someone did forget last year)
• Any medication that you will require when you are away. There are no specific issues with vaccinations in the area that we will be visiting, but we recommend that you are up to date with your Tetanus jabs, etc.

Please remember that we do NOT have infinite space in the mini-buses, so you will need to take compact camping equipment. Please also consider the weight of the items that you bring. Remember; if you bring it then you will have to carry it!

Preparation - Optional Extras

Camping can be as basic or as advanced as you want to make it. You don't specifically need any of the following items, but here is a list of optional extras that you might want to consider:

• A torch. It may come as no surprise, but it does get dark at night! You'll struggle to find a light switch on the inside wall of your tent, so a compact torch is useful.
• Insect repellent. It will be summer and irritating buzzing insects can often be present when camping. The only substance on the planet that has been proven to be effective against mosquitoes is DEET. Please check the packaging to find the active ingredient. If you choose to bring the latest whizzy formula that will gently discourage mosquitoes using a subtle blend of aromatic herbs, then that's fine. Just don't say that we didn't warn you when they are feasting on your blood.
• A small bag / rucksack. We will spend a lot of our time away from the campsite, so you might want to carry some useful items in a small shoulder bag or rucksack when we are our and about.
• A folding camping stool. We'll get straight to the point... A stool is a lot more comfortable than sitting on the floor. (Especially if it has been weeing it down with rain all day long - which is traditional when Explorers go camping). In the evenings we will generally end up sitting around in a group, drinking "cocoa" and discussing all of the most important topics; the weather, the French word for "marmalade", who's got the shower tokens, the price of fish, etc. Frankly, it's more fun if you're comfortable. Please DON'T bring a large folding chair - we don't have room in the minibus.
• A water bottle. When we are away from the campsite, you may find it useful to pack a small bottle of water in your bag.
• A French phrase book. We will be cooking and eating in small groups / teams, and that means that you'll be buying your own supplies / ingredients. If your French is not that great, then you might want to have a few choice phrases on standby.
• A compact camera. If you'd like to take some photos whilst you are away then please consider taking a small camera with you. Photos from previous Explorer camps can be found in the gallery.

Camp Planning

There are two evenings scheduled in our programme to help you prepare for camp. Tuesday 12th June, and Tuesday 7th August. Please make sure that you attend.