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Easter Hillcraft 2013 |
Registered Charity No 303399Gravesham District29 March – 3 April 2013 |
HILLCRAFT COURSE Friday 29th March to Wednesday 3rd April 2013
The District Easter Hillcraft Course is open to all Scouts (13 years or over by 31st August 2013 – those who are currently in year 8 or above), all Explorer Scouts, Scout Networkers and Leaders from all sections. This annual activity, run by experienced and qualified Leaders, begins with Winter Camp & ends with a challenging 5 night camp in the Lake District at the beginning of April.
The course is based at Rydal Hall (OS Map Ref: NY 365 063). This attractive campsite is in the heart of the Lake District, close to Rydal Water, and approx 2km northwest of Ambleside which is at the head of Lake Windermere. The site has its own small shop, drying-room and tearoom, there are many more shops in nearby Ambleside. Participants must be self-sufficient for the duration of the camp, providing all equipment (see list overleaf) and food and cooking for themselves.
An evening visit is made to the Mountain Rescue Service, and throughout the stay a series of challenging walks in the hills are undertaken. Many peaks of over 600m and some of over 900m are included, with more experienced parties having the chance to camp out overnight en-route.
Transport will be by mini-bus or vehicle sharing, final travel plans are made following the pre‑course meeting. Some participants may travel up on the evening of THURSDAY 28th March which enables participants to do their food shopping and final preparations for walking with their party leader at the start of the course on 29th March 2013, after a night’s sleep. This will be confirmed after the pre-course meeting.
Winter Camp + Training Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd February 2013
Training starts with this challenging 2 day camp. Basic tuition is given in First Aid, campcraft, cooking, emergency procedures, navigation, equipment, etc. You could use this camp to try out the equipment you intend to use in the Lakes as Kent in early February can be a little like Cumbria in early April! Attendance at Winter Camp is compulsory for all Scouts, first-time Explorer Scouts, Scout Networkers and Leaders who are intending to come to Hillcraft.
Pre-Course Meeting Sunday 3rd February 2013
Everyone attending Hillcraft should meet at Hopehill at 09.20 (Finish 12.45) for the Pre-Course Meeting. Candidates meet their Party Leaders and arrange further training. Applicants should wear full uniform and bring along a notebook and pencil, compass and OS Landranger Map 90 or Outdoor Leisure Maps 4, 5, 6 & 7 if available.
Equipment Presentation Sunday 3rd February 2013
Starting at 10.40 until 11.40 there will be a presentation on the range of equipment suitable for lightweight camping and hill walking in the Lake District. This presentation is for everyone attending Hillcraft, candidates’ parents are also welcome, especially those of first timers. We do have some spare second hand kit that first timers are able to borrow. This takes place in the Barns Wing.
Parents Briefing Sunday 3rd February 2013
Following on from the Equipment Presentation there will be a short briefing for parents of all first time Scouts and Explorer Scouts starting at 11.40am, straight after the equipment presentation. This takes place in the Lion’s Wing.
Shakedown Hike Arranged by Party Leaders
Party Leaders will arrange separate training sessions with the members of their walking parties, to include an all day hike, probably locally in the North Downs or possibly further afield, to check equipment, and develop navigational and hiking skills. Participants will get contact information for their party leader at Winter Camp.
Course Fees
Leaders & Candidates £85.00
Leaders using their own transport/minibus driver £50
Payment by cheque is preferable, cheques should be made payable to Gravesham District Scout Association, any surplus or deficit will be paid to or taken from General funds. Please note that Leader’s are required to drive minibuses, please indicate on the application form if you are able to do this.
Application forms
Please return course fees and completed application forms to: Pat Duncumb (County DoE Advisor), 47 Robinia Avenue, Northfleet, Kent, DA11 9QF or via Hopehill on a Tuesday evening to arrive not later than Tuesday 29th January 2013 for all applicants. Numbers may have to be limited based on the number of qualified leaders available. Applications will be on a first come first served basis.
Site Administration at Rydal Hall
Uniform must be worn to and from the Lake District. During the camp candidates and Party Leaders must inform Base Camp Staff of their movements and plans at all times (both on the fells and in town etc). Party Leaders are responsible for their Candidates. On site Scout-Camp rules apply. Everybody must remember that they are representing the Scout Movement, whether in uniform or not. Rubbish should be disposed of in the refuse/recycling bins on site. All candidates are to be self-supporting, using lightweight equipment for the duration of the course and should arrive with sufficient stores for at least the first 24 hours.
Hillcraft Kit List– this should be considered as the minimum.
| Rucksack (35 litre min) | Walking clothes | Cutlery, mug and dishes | Maps |
| Rucksack liner | Spare walking clothes | Food for first 2 days | Map case |
| Bivi bag (Survival Bag) | Hat-/Balaclava | Sleeping Bag | Compass (Silva Type) |
| First Aid Kit + blister kit | Gloves/mitts | Sleepmat | Watch |
| Emergency rations | Hike Boots + Nickwax | Wash kit & towel | Penknife |
| Drink bottle | Walking socks (3 pairs min) | Rubbish bags | Spending Money |
| Thermos | Gaiters | Torch and spares | Camera (optional) |
| Packed lunch in box | Overnight camping kit (if reqd) | Trainers (optional) | Personal medication |
| Fleece jacket | Tent (shared as required) | Whistle | Spare clothes |
| Waterproof jacketWaterproof trousers | Trangia/lightweight stove, pots & fuel | Pencil & pad | |
Mountain walks vary enormously and you and your party leader will decide exactly what you need to carry on the day of the walk. Parties camping out overnight en-route will require extra kit as advised by their Party Leader.
Getting Equipped
Good quality equipment will be required, as conditions in the Lake District can be the toughest that can be met in the UK. Birthdays and Christmas present a good opportunity to get some robust basic equipment. Most Scout Groups will be able to supply adequate tents and stoves etc, so priority should be given to obtaining personal equipment such as boots, waterproofs and rucksacks. Outdoor equipment shops such as Cotswold, Blacks and Milletts offer group discounts and reductions for Scouts. Ask Party Leaders for expert advice on what equipment to buy.
Further Information
If you require any further information telephone me on 07867673798 or email me on ctems@hotmail.com or Pat at pat.duncumb@kentscouts.org.uk
Christopher Tems ADC (Network)