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Tanya, this Scouting lark has got a lot to answer for, but i wouldn't change it for the world. You get to work with a great bunch of people and it's also a good way of cribbing new ideas, bet there are a lot of posters on this site involved in some way.

Would suggest anyone with a bit of time to spare to give it a go, you will see young people in a different light, lets not tar them all with the same brush.

Quote: bet there are a lot of posters on this site involved in some way.

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Quote: Originally posted by vealmike on 07/9/2007

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Psuedo wisdom:

1/ Never pitch at the bottom of a hill.

2/ Try and arrive so that you can pitch in daylight.

3/ If you find good looking empty patch on a busy site, ask yourself "Why?" ( Especially if you've broken Rule 2. Well, how was I suppoised to know there was a railway 5ft away? It was dark!)

4/ Pitch upwind of the toilet block.

5/ Don't pitch under a tree. It rains for longer, you run the risk of lightening, the bird poo and sap will kill your tent, twigs will puncture your groundsheet and roots will make an uncomforatble bed.

6/ Do not, under any circumstances leave your sense of humour at home.

7/ If you intend to run lights from your car battery - pack jump leads.

8/ Get a big cardboard box. Write "camping" on it and fill it full of stuff youre likely to forget.

9/ Buy a cigarette lighter, tie it to your stove with string.

10/ When it rains, wear shorts.

11/ Ignore any words of psuedo wisdom offered. Part of the fun is rising to the challenge and gaining experience.

HTH
MV

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Just wanted to welcome you to the most addictive forum on the Net!

I still class myself as a novice camper and I can remeber the very first time we went away - I think I packed everything short of the kitchen sink and didn't use half of it!
Definately suggest you stay close to home on your first trip away just in case you leave stuff behind that you really need!

Our essentials list is:
* the tent, pegs, mallet, repair kit, spare bits!
* airbeds and sleeping bags
* stove and gas bottle
* plates, cups, bowls, cutlery
* 2 saucepans, frying pan, kettle
* tin opener (the one thing I forgot on our first trip!)
* EHU, electric heater (I'm a big wuss and hate being cold!) and light
* porta potti
* a few games/pack of cards for those wet days

All our camping gear is packed into plastic storage crates with lids (cost £10 for 5 from our local market) so that we're ready to go.
Our kids are 13, 10, 6 and 1 and they love camping.

We are now looking to invest in a fridge but that is a luxury rather than an essential!

Hope you have a good trip when you finally venture out.
Helen xx