Borrowdale Summer Camp 2008

On camp we will be living in the elements. Being warm and dry on a wet day, or not suffering from sunburn after a hot one, can make a big difference to a child's enjoyment of camp. Please make sure your child is prepared for both. 

If you need to purchase any equipment feel free to contact us for advice before you buy anything.

Ultimate outdoors, Keswick has kindly provided all BSC campers with a 10-15% discount voucher on the equipment listed below (apart from the musical instrument).  Any personal equipment i.e. climbing harnesses etc may be brought to the camp.
 

Note 1: Rainwear

It is essential to have thoroughly waterproof rain wear. A PVC or heavy gauge proofed-nylon anorak or cagoule, with hood is recommended. Waterproof trousers are also useful and should be large enough to put on over boots. very lightweight proofed nylon is only shower-proof and both this and plastic macs have a very limited life under camp conditions Waterproofs should be tested under a shower or garden hose - if they leak your child will get wet every time it rains!

Note 2: Footwear

We do a lot of rough walking, so footwear must be comfortable. Children must have strong walking or at least training shoes. The heavier tread of walking boots gives better grip on wet grass. All campers will also need a pair of lightweight shoes for wearing around the camp. As it is often wet underfoot we recommend Wellington boots for all campers at the main camp.  Wellingtons should be large enough to accommodate thick socks. All footwear must be well walked-in before camp.

Note 3: Shirt/Top

At least one light top should be long sleeved With a collar to protect against sunburn.

Note 4: Tent

BSC holds a limited supply of small tents which we are prepared to lend to campers for the expedition camps. You are welcome to bring your own. Good deals are available from Ultimate outdoors, Keswick.

Note 5: Sleeping Mat

A separate sleeping mat is useful for sleeping on and sitting on. The best is thermorest but they are expensive. Other no-named brands are available and just as good.

Note 6: Sleeping Bag

The best bedding for camp is a sleeping bag which can be either natural (down and feather) or synthetic fibre filled. The latter is cheaper, can be washed, and is heavier and bulkier, but is adequate for our camps. All bags should be used with sheet linings. A blanket can provide extra warmth. Good insulation between sleeping bag and groundsheet can be provided by a sleeping mat as there is no room in small tents for camp beds or lilos. All bedding should be packed into a thick polythene bag.

Note 7: Rucsac

A rucsac does not have to be large enough to hold everything but must be able to hold a sleeping bag, jumper, waterproofs and some food on hike. It must be comfortable and get the load as high and as close to the back as possible. Young children rapidly outgrow a small rucsac and a cheap un-framed pack is a better start than a poorly fitting framed rucsac. For extra kit, a canvas or nylon kitbag or zipped holdall is good; a suitcase is not suitable. Line all luggage with thick polythene sacks.

Note 8: Torch

Good lightweight torches are widely available. Torches will need to be carried on hike so don't bring a massive searchlight, and remember the spare batteries.

Note 9: Penknife

A sheath knife or a single bladed penknife is useful; most other gadgets on a penknife will increase the price more than the usefulness. A lanyard, a chain or a length of string is strongly recommended for attaching the knife to a belt as a safeguard against loss.