Stepping up to lead your first Scout Summer Camp is a massive milestone – incredibly rewarding, a bit nerve-wracking, and absolutely unforgettable! As a Scout Leader myself, I often chat with newer Leaders looking for those golden nuggets of advice to make the week run smoothly. It’s less about “hacks” for me, and more about solid, experience-backed tips and tricks.

Recently, a newer Leader asked for advice on surviving (and enjoying!) her first big summer camp. So, I thought, who better to ask than our amazing, wider Scouting family? I reached out, and the response was fantastic.

Before we dive into the brilliant insights shared by experienced Scouters from around the globe, here are two foundational pieces of advice from my own camp experiences – consider these your personal leader non-negotiables:

  1. My Tip: Carve Out “You” Time Daily. Amidst the whirlwind of activities, young people, and logistics, find a few moments each day for yourself. A quiet cuppa, a short walk, five minutes with a book – it’s crucial for recharging.
  2. My Tip: Hydration is Key! It sounds so simple, but when you’re busy ensuring everyone else is okay, activities are on time, and camp life is buzzing, it’s incredibly easy to forget to drink enough water. Keep a bottle handy and sip regularly.

Now, let’s get to the collective wisdom! Here’s what seasoned Scout Leaders recommend to help you navigate your first summer camp with confidence:

Wisdom from the Campfire Circle: Tips from Experienced Leaders

  • James Says: Keep Your Tent Tidy. “It’s easy to just chuck things in as you run around looking after the others, and then you can’t find that pair of socks you need when you’re desperate!” A tidy personal space can be a surprising sanity-saver!
  • Donna’s Reminder: Sun Cream for Leaders Too! “Sun cream yourself as well as the young people.” So easy to forget when you’re focused on them, but leader-burnout (and sunburn!) is real.
  • Fiona on Leader Fuel: Don’t Forget to Eat. “For me, don’t forget to eat. It’s too easy to not eat, as you are involved with feeding the kids.” You can’t pour from an empty cup – keep your energy up!
  • Wayne’s Wisdom: Have Fun & Join In! “Have fun and try to join in with some activities. It helps build up the bond with your group.” They’ll love seeing you get involved, and it’s great for team morale.
  • James’s (and his ex-Guider Wife’s) Quirky Tip: Wellies Upside Down! “My wife (ex-Guider) says put your wellies upside down before going to bed!???” Keeps the creepy crawlies and morning dew out – genius!
  • Nik’s Essential Packing Item: Bring a Sense of Humour! 🙂 Honestly, this might be the most crucial tip of all. Things will go sideways; laugh it off!
  • James on Leader Sleep: Early Nights are Allowed! “There is no requirement to stay up later than the kids – when they are asleep, get your head down.” Rest is vital for staying effective and patient.
  • Gemma with a Comfort Tip: Pack a Luxury Item. “Whether it’s something as simple as your own loo roll or special tea bags. I’ve had assistant leaders who can be brought back from the brink with Earl Grey tea when on camp!” That little touch of home can make a big difference.
  • A Hugely Popular Piece of Advice, Echoed by Karen (Newly appointed Skip of 42nd Ormskirk Scouts!): Don’t Be Afraid to Ask! “Don’t be afraid to ask… for help, advice, clarification etc. I always ask other more experienced leaders if I’m on camp.” Scouting is a team effort. No Leader is an island, especially on camp!
  • John’s Reality Check: Breathe… “Breathe… sometimes dealing with Scouts is like ‘Herding cats 🐑 in a potato 🥔 sack.'” Deep breaths will be your friend. Many times.
  • Mark on Connecting: Don’t Be Afraid to Interact with the Kids! “This is my fav pic from my last camp, I’m the one wearing glasses!” (The blog Post Photo!) These are the moments that make it all worthwhile.
  • Roger’s Holistic View: Enjoy, Sleep, Eat, Chat, Repeat! “Enjoy and have fun, ensure you have sleep, and eat, time out, chat among your colleagues at end of day, with a drink, and above all enjoy.” A perfect summary of leader well-being.
  • Sarah from 40th Leicester Scouts on Comfort: A Good Bed is Non-Negotiable! “Make sure you have a comfortable bed. My leadership team think I’m camping for a month, but I have to be warm and get my sleep??” A good night’s sleep makes for a much happier and more effective leader!
  • Olga’s Pro Tip for Setup: Arrive Early for Your Own Tent! “Try and get to camp ground earlier than kids and put your own tent up first. That way after helping all the kids and light has faded, you’re not putting your own tent up in the dark.” Excellent practical advice!
  • And a Final Gem from Sunita: Embrace the Fun (and a Little Mischief!). “Have a good time. Have a laugh and a joke with the kids, just remember they will get their own back if you play any tricks on them!” It’s all about creating those fun, lasting memories.

Making it YOUR Best Camp Yet

Hopefully, this collective wisdom from Leaders who’ve been there, done that, and got the (slightly muddy) t-shirt gives you a boost of confidence for your first summer camp. Remember, every camp is a learning experience. Embrace the chaos, cherish the good moments, and don’t forget that your fellow leaders are your best resource.

Have I missed any indispensable tips that you swear by for Scout summer camps? Pop them in the comments below – let’s keep the wisdom flowing!

Yours in Scouting!
Mark
Big Man in the Woods