I receive all sorts of questions and challenges via email from fellow Leaders around the world. Recently, I had a query that was completely new to me – how to deal with a Scout who struggles with sleepwalking during camp. Touchwood, I’ve never had to deal with this situation myself, but I knew it deserved proper attention and research.

After consulting with district leaders and gathering wisdom from experienced Scout Leaders who have faced this challenge, I’ve compiled six essential strategies that have worked in practice. These aren’t theoretical solutions – they come from leaders who’ve been there, done that, and successfully managed sleepwalking Scouts on camp.

1. Consult the Parents First – Your Best Resource

The most important first step is speaking directly with the young person and their parents. Parents are your goldmine of information – they’ve been dealing with this at home, on holidays, during sleepovers at grandparents’ houses. They’ll have tried and tested tips and tricks that work specifically for their child.

Don’t reinvent the wheel when the family has already figured out what works. They might have simple solutions like a specific bedtime routine, avoiding certain foods, or particular ways to calm anxiety that triggers the sleepwalking episodes.

2. The Strategic Tent Buddy System

Assign a tent buddy to the sleepwalker – but not just any random Scout. This should be someone who knows the young person well, perhaps a sibling, close friend, or someone who’s been on camp with them before. The tent buddy becomes your first line of gentle intervention.

The crucial rule every tent buddy must understand: never wake a sleepwalker. Never shake them or startle them. Instead, they should gently guide them back to their sleeping spot, whether that’s a bunk bed, tent, or even if you’re sleeping on a bus during an expedition.

The tent buddy should also recognize the signs and triggers – perhaps the Scout becomes restless when anxious, or there are particular warning signs before an episode occurs.

3. Strategic Tent Placement

Don’t position the sleepwalker’s tent at the far end of the camping field where they could wander off unnoticed. Instead, place them strategically:

  • Next to the leaders’ tent
  • Near young leaders or patrol leaders
  • In a high-traffic area where movement would be noticed
  • Away from potential hazards like cliffs, water, or main roads

Think of it as creating a natural safety net through smart positioning rather than restrictions.

4. The Sleeping Bag Zip Trick (Plus Bell System!)

Here’s a brilliant practical tip: use a sleeping bag with a zipper, but position the zipper on the inside. This makes it more difficult and time-consuming to get out, plus the zip movement creates noise that might wake tent mates.

Take it a step further by attaching a small bell to the tent zip. When someone tries to leave, the gentle “ding-a-ling” sound alerts others in nearby tents or leaders who might be doing their rounds.

Important Safety Note: We briefly considered padlocks but quickly dismissed this idea – it creates a serious fire hazard if young people need to evacuate quickly in an emergency. Always prioritize safety over security.

5. Modern Tech Solutions: Apple Tags and GPS Trackers

This might sound controversial, but it’s actually brilliant for peace of mind – consider using Apple AirTags, Tile trackers, or similar GPS devices. Attach one discretely to the sleepwalker (perhaps on a belt or sewn into clothing, maybe even in a sock).

Set up a virtual boundary around your campsite. If the young person moves beyond this zone, it sends an immediate alert to the leader’s phone. This gives you that crucial early warning system without being intrusive or embarrassing for the Scout.

6. Address the Root Cause: Anxiety and Communication

Often, sleepwalking episodes increase when young people are anxious about new places or situations. A Scout might sleepwalk more frequently when they’re worried, overtired, or overwhelmed by the camping environment.

Take time to talk through the camp experience with them:

  • Explain the daily routine and what to expect
  • Show them where the toilets are located
  • Point out which tent has the leaders if they need help
  • Let them know it’s okay to wake a leader if they’re worried or having nightmares

Sometimes a midnight hot chocolate and a calm chat in the leaders’ area is all it takes to settle anxiety and prevent further episodes. Remember, when Scouts get overtired or overworked, that’s often when sleepwalking happens.

Risk Assessment and Practical Considerations

As Scout Leaders, we need to risk assess everything (yes, even in this hot shed I’m writing from!). But don’t overcomplicate things. Start with step one – talk to the parents. You might be overthinking a situation where the solution is as simple as:

  • A toilet visit before bed
  • A calming hot chocolate routine
  • Proper tucking in to the sleeping bag
  • Ensuring they’re not overtired before bedtime

The Bottom Line

Dealing with a sleepwalking Scout might seem tricky at first, but with proper preparation, communication, and support systems, it’s absolutely manageable. The key is preparation, understanding the individual Scout’s needs, and creating multiple safety nets rather than restrictions.

Remember, we want every young person to enjoy the magic of Scout camp, regardless of any challenges they might face. With these strategies from experienced leaders who’ve successfully managed sleepwalkers, you can provide a safe, inclusive camping experience for everyone.

Watch the Full Discussion: For more detailed insights and tips, check out my video where I dive deeper into each of these strategies: Dealing with Sleepwalkers at Scout Camp

Have You Dealt with Sleepwalking Scouts? I’d love to hear from leaders who’ve faced this challenge. What worked for your group? What would you add to this list? Share your experiences in the comments – your insights could help fellow leaders provide better, safer camps for all our young people.

Scout Leaders, take care and happy camping!

Mark
Big Man in the Woods