CAMPING SEASON
This is a major part of the programme. Our aim is to get all children and young people to participate in camping. We participate in national and international events such as the international camp and this gives the young people a chance to meet people from all over the world.
There is a number of items which the children take to camp. Can you help Colin pack for camp
All groups within the District of Harrow participate in the camps. If you are undecided as to what to pack for camp then please have a look at the link below to see whether you need to pack for a dry or wet camp. For those who are camping. Find out the weather for the weekend. It's an up to date service. Clck on the below link
In Harrow we go on district camps four times a year. These camps are for members only of the Harrow Woodcraft Folk. This page is designed to give people interested in joining the Harrow branch of Woodcraft Folk and less experienced already existing members, an insight into the fun to be had at camp.
Camp Fire Camp Programme Eating Arrangements Other Camps Kit List
The physical layout of the campsite that we use looks a little something like my sketch below:
Camp Fire
At all district camps (one weekend in length) we build a fire which becomes the focus for activities on the Saturday evening. All though (for safety reasons) only Venturers and DFs, supervised by leaders of course, build the fire elfins and pioneers are all involved in gathering the wood needed for the fire.
We build a 5-7 layer 'pagoda fire' which as well as burning with lots of heat and for a long time has been used in the Harrow district since are begging's in 1932. In using it now we ensure that this long running tradition stays alive for future Woodcrafters and it also creates a sense of pride and unity with are Folk predecessors when we gather round it.
The fire is lit by the Fire Keeper as the words of the fire ceremony are recited. The words of the ceremony are deeply meaningful and convey important teachings which are integral to the Folk beliefs.
Songs such as Bob Dylan's 'Blowing in the Wind' and others like 'Streets of London' and 'The H-Bomb Thunder' can be heard resonating through the woods that surround the site. Not only do the songs bear relevant meanings to the teachings of Woodcraft but also give a real sense of togetherness when we are all singing them. There are some guitarists among the district which give a more harmonious feel to the slightly erratic keys in which the songs are sung. Hot chocolate and biscuits are also served before the elfins and pioneers either go to bed or to participate in other activities. Leaders and DFs then stay up till whenever talking and joking which is a great laugh.
The camp fire really makes a camp, bringing all the different age groups together and creating a real feeling of unity and happiness.
Kit List
Sleeping Bag
Carrymat (thin role of foam which keeps out the cold.)
Torch
Wash Kit (Toothbrush/Flannel/Toothpaste/Soap)
Eating Kit (Plate/Bowl/Mug/KFS)
Pyjamas
Towel
Anorak
Wellington Boots
Water Proof Trousers
Sun Cream/Sun Hat/ Sun Glasses
Shorts
Swimming Costume
T-Shirt
Warm Jumper
Trousers
Change of Underwear
Trainers or Sandals
(Please note this is only a guide and other items can be packed. But please ensure that mobile phones, radios, walkmans, Discmans and electronic games are not permitted.)
Eating Arrangements
In the Woodcraft folk we believe strongly in equality and this is especially apparent in the cooking arrangements. On a typical weekend camp children are expected to bring their own pack lunches but from their on in all the meals are provided for. As you may expect it's not easy to cook for 30-40 people by ones self and so each meal is prepared by a team of people ranging from Elfins (the youngest) who serve and help to wash up although the way through to Venturers and DFs who cook as well as washing up. Each rota team is lead by a couple of adults who ensure safety at all times.
The Harrow district has a top range of cooking gear which allows us to provide a range of appetising and varied meals for both vegetarians and non vegetarians alike, (ok, so maybe I am being slightly to generous in my description, but for those who have camped you have to admit it's not bad.)
Other Camps
At Harrow we do not just limit the children to camping at one site but offer to take them to other sites around the country and abroad. Every year the DF's and Venturers go on a 'base camp'. This style of camping involves a fair bit of walking and consequently its usually only offered to the older members. Unlike 'lite-weight' camping you do not have to carry all your gear on your back but instead set up camp at one site and all the walks are circular and end up back at the camp. Last year we went to Wiltshire and the Lake District, which I can tell you from personal experience, were really fun and very different from normal district camps. Firstly we spend most of the weekend walking and of an evening cook our food on trangias (small portable stoves) rather than big gas stoves.
The Pioneer group (10-13 years old) have recently started going Youth Hostelling in France which has been very popular and you can find full reports on the Pioneer page.
We also camps with other districts but this is on a less regular basis as they can be difficult to organise. For example this year (2001) 3500 Woodcrafters from all districts including Harrow camped together as part of the Woodcraft Folk International Camp that is held every three years (next one being 2003 in Greenland). DF's also have their own annual camp in which a couple of hundred people meet up and go on a camp organised and run purely by DF's (be afraid, be very afraid!) On a smaller scale we have started inviting other districts to our district camps in order to boost numbers and have the favour returned.
In addition to camping we also hold walks for all age groups and barbeques in the summer which are a real laugh as with any luck loads of people will turn up.
Camp Programme
The general course of events at a normal weekend, district camp are, as one would expect, dictated by the weather. However, rain never stops the fun on Harrow camps as our well prepared programme team (Folk Marshals) ensure there are contingency plans for wet weather.
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Usually children arrive from 12 o'clock on the Saturday.
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They eat their pack lunch and move all their gear into their tents.
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The opening circle is held in which people are informed about protocol forth coming rotas and so on.
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Then a game is held (usually a wide game which is one played in the woods involving hide and seek variants).
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Rota are called to begin preparing dinner while every one else goes 'wooding' (looking for fire wood).
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The Venturers and DFs build the fire while the Elfin and Pioneers have their own group activities.
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Dinner is called.
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Another circle is held after which a small game may occur.
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Everyone goes to the camp fire for several hours.
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Elfins and Pioneers then go on a night walk in the wood before washing and going to bed.
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Everyone else dose as they wish until whenever.
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Wake up to the sound of 'morning cry' at about 7:30 AM
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Wash
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Breakfast at about 8:30AM.
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Have circle in which people are told the days theoretical programme (theoretical being the optimum word).
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A wide game is held for all ages.
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Elfins, Pioneers and Venturers then have their own group activities.
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Lunch.
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Camp is broken and all the districts equipment is taken back up to the onsite storage shed.
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The whole camp the participates in a big game of rounders or something like that.
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Closing circle is held.
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Then a litter pick is carried out in which everyone goes round the site ensuring no rubbish is left.
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People then go home at 5:30 PM
You may have noticed that I have neglected to put many times in as a general rule nothing runs to schedule. Also this programme varies from camp to camp with a vast variety of wide games and so on in the Folk Marshals repertoire, so you will have to come to a camp if you have not already to find out how brilliant they are.
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