Nights away planning toolkit

Camps build friendships, instil independence and develop confidence. They also open up a whole range of opportunities to enjoy an outdoor adventure that you can’t always access at your local scout hall.

We've gathered some resources and information to help you plan a successful summer camp, whatever type of event you're planning.

While young people don't  necessarily join scouting for, camping or nights away experiences, they are undoubtely a key part of the appeal. When asked about their favourite activities , young people repeatedly list camping in the top three activities that we offer!

This toolkit is designed to assist you with the planning of a camping or residential experience. It brings together all the necessary forms to help you plan and provide a successful, exciting, stress free Pack Holiday or Camp.

Activity planning guidance

A list of available guidance on activities is contained in the a-z directory of activities available at:

scouts.org.uk/A-Z.

Useful forms and planning toolsUseful forms and planning toolsNights away notifiction (Form NAN) Camp information template Personal kit list / Visual version Shooting permission form Permission to camp and health information form Emergancy contact (In touch) contac…>
Nights away notification processNights away notification processYour District Commissiner or the County Commissioner or their nominee, as appropriate, must be informed before any nights away event takes place. It is best practice for at least 14 days notice to be given. The n…>
Nights away responsibilitiesNights away responsibilitiesA Leader or other adult leading a camp or residential experience involving young people under 18 years old must: hold a valid nights away permit have the prior agreement of the young person’s section leader…>
Camping skills training (Module 16 & 38)Camping skills training (Module 16 & 38)>
What are nights away?What are nights awayWhat are nights away?A night away or ‘residential experience' is any event that takes young people way from home that involves them sleeping somewhere overnight. Whether it takes place in your regular meeting place, at a Scout Camp Site…>
The Nights Away Permit SchemeThe Nights Away Permit SchemeThe Nights Away Permit Scheme promotes quality residential and camping experiences. It shows that all those leading nights away events for young people within Scouting have the skills, experience and personal suitabili…>
Nights Away Event PassportsNights Away Event PassportsNights away event passports exist to encourage young people to lead residential events, such as patrol camps or explorer scout expeditions. They can be issued to young people under 18 years old. It will allow the young…>
Camp fire songsCamp fire songsClick here for agreat web site full of campfire songs>
Nights away FAQsNights away FAQsIf I have a nights away permit does this allow me to camp in prohibited camping areas? No. The prohibited camping areas, as defined at scouts.org.uk/prohibited, are out-of-bounds regardless of the fact that you hold a…>
Minibus permitsMinibus permitsALL Scout Groups, Districts and Counties who operate (own, borrow or hire), a minibus require a Standard Bus Permit so that voluntary groups can charge or accept a form of remuneration for providing transport for their…>
Scouting and camping skills guidanceScouting and camping skills guidance>