#ScoutsInTents
Camping in Scouts is where the skills and knowledge gained are put into, hopefully extensive, practice. From pitching, cooking, and planning their camps, Scouts should be encouraged to lead, with leaders supporting, as they head towards Explorers which brings with it the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Chief Scouts Platinum and Diamond, and Queen’s Scout Award.
Camping in the Scout Section should encourage, where able to, the use of Nights Away Passports to foster that independence, and leadership skills.
Frequently Asked Questions – Parents
Silver Badge Requirements
The Silver Badge is the reward badge for those who enable your Damboree to happen, and those who support you in going for Gold.
Complete 1 of the below:
– [ ] Mentor another leader through the Permit process
– [ ] Organise a Damboree camping event for your Colony, Pack or Group
– [ ] Take an active role in a larger District or County Damboree Event
– [ ] Be a non-Uniformed or Parent Helper on a Damboree Event
– [ ] Be a Young Leader on a Damboree Event
– [ ] Be a Uniformed Helper on a Damboree Event
– [ ] Be a Parent/Grandparent/Carer/Guardian Helper on a Damboree Event
Newbie Campers and What to Expect
Below is a web version of the Beaver Newbie Nights Away document created by Badger, there is also a Cubs version Cubs Newbie Nights Away the FAQ’s in the documents will become their own FAQ’s. Local variations may derive from this, but it’s a good starter for 10
We are very aware that for some this will be their first ever time camping, or camping as part of anything other than a Family Camp through scouting. Here’s some really basic information we thought we’d share with apprehensive Beavers and nervous parents alike! Whilst aimed at those new to nights away with scouting it might help a few more experienced campers too.
In Preparation
- If your child has not yet slept anywhere except with family then why not have some fun at “practice” events with fellow Scouters? One weekend at your home and another at theirs….
- For those booked to attend (and who have never camped before) maybe see if you can fit a practice in, any back garden is ideal!!
- Often Groups offer an indoor introduction before the outdoor events start.
Kit
- Unless otherwise stated it’s traditional that all members (adult and child) arrive and depart in uniform.
- Please, please, please,please resist the temptation to pack their bags for them! Believe it or not even at 6 years old most boys and girls are quite good at getting things together, even if they aren’t the neatest packers in the world. In letting them pack it helps them remember where things are when looking for them, and at the end of camp they will be expected to pack their own things anyway! Nothing to stop you checking it once they are asleep of course…
- All equipment and clothing must be clearly marked with the owner’s name, and we take no responsibility for loss or damage of any personal property.
- Electronic games, phones, radios, mp3 players etc are all banned items and not really needed (in Cubs and Scouts too) unless otherwise stated ~ the only thing they should bring with batteries is their torch!
- We do normally carry on in the rain, all be it with an amended programme, so please make sure footwear / clothing is appropriate if the forecast is soggy. When we say waterproof please note that’s what we mean—not “can cope with a shower on the walk to school” proof 🙂
- Suitable sleeping bags need to be provided. Please note that it is highly unlikely that the ones sold in supermarkets with characters on will be of sufficient warmth. If camping Sept -June then a 3 season, with a 2 season minimum for summer.
- Exact kit required will vary from camp to camp but please see the generic list at the end.
All About Tents
- Before bed time we do get them all to clean their teeth and pop to the toilet.
- Lights out varies from camp to camp, but we always make sure they know what time they have to be in their beds by, and what time they then have to be quiet by.
- Out of courtesy to other campers (especially the leaders) and any neighbouring residential properties we also explain what time they have to remain quite until, and what time they can leave their tents / get up. Some sites have specific rules covering this.
- If they need to go to the toilet during the night that’s fine (but a reason why they need to sleep with their torch close to hand). They don’t need to ask permission but are simply expected to try hard not to wake the others, and to make sure they do their tent up properly when leaving / getting back in (especially when it’s raining). Sometimes they will be going into a building and sometimes using toilet tents—but we always ensure they know.
- When pitching tents we arrange them so that the Beavers know exactly where the adults are, so that if they need to wake us during the night they can (although some of us don’t sleep much anyway).
- Leaders are normally up after / before the children so check all is ok before going to bed /on getting up. If an adult gets up during the night we do the same sort of walk round to check. We do not stay up all night (although sometimes it can feel like it!).
On Camp
- Respect for fellow campers is important. For example we do not walk through other people’s camping areas, we do not go into other people’s tents and we do not wake people up early by running round outside when we should at least be quiet if not asleep.
- Everyone is responsible for clearing up after themselves, from washing their own kit up after a meal to clearing up something they drop or spill.
- We always operate a “leave no trace” policy—the site should be left exactly as it was found. Any items moved (natural or man-made) should be returned to where they came from, all rubbish should be disposed of correctly.
- When catering for large numbers we do not factor in “likes” and “dislikes” (only food intolerance and allergies) as to do so would be impractical (we’re sure many of us also know that when on camp it’s amazing what young people will eat when they are hungry and away from parents…). Rest assured there will be something they will eat!
Communication
- If you do get a call from us during a Nights Away event please do not panic! Quite often it can be something as simple as your son or daughter can’t find something, and not because of any issue requiring them to be collected.
- Please do not contact any of the adults taking part during the event unless there is an emergency, such as a sudden medical problem with a close family member which means you will need to collect them, or “pop in” outside the times stated for the event. Both of these can distract the adults present from the children in their care.
And a final few words…….
- We give you advance warning now that they will probably come home tired, grubby and may say very little until they have had a good sleep. The question “What did you get up to?” will probably only be answered with the word “Stuff” for at least 24 hours……..
- A large number of adults taking part have children, so please believe us when we say that we will care for your child like our own, we know it’s often the parents who worry whilst the boys and girls have an absolute blast!
Why are Sleepovers / Camps offered?
They often give young people their first experience of a night away from home without their parents / guardians. They are the young person’s first taste of residential Scouting. They offer the fun and excitement of spending time with friends, more time for extended activities, completing part of the Outdoor Challenge, contributes towards the Nights Away Activity Badge, helps prepare them for further camps in older Sections and gives a sense of independence.
What happens about sleeping arrangements given there are boys and girls attending?
You hopefully all remember this bit—which is on the registration form you filled in when your child joined us—
“ Due to the accommodation arrangements and provision of facilities at some camp sites, or gender ratios of participants, it may be necessary for boys and girls to share tents / dormitories for reasons of practicality and/or safety. Where this option is required, young people will always have access to private washing and changing areas. Any concerns on this matter should be addressed with the section leader prior to the event.”.
In effect what this usually means is we, for example, may place two girls in one “room”of a tent and two boys in the other.
How do I know you will cope with the fact my child ….?
There are very few “issues” that we have not already dealt with whilst away. Examples include:
- Bed wetting
- Night terrors
- Sleep walking
- Home sickness
- Allergies
- Behavioural issues
- Sickness
and ……(not to mention some serious snoring!)
But we can only help if you tell us so when you fill in the form please list everything, no matter how minor it may seem.
What happens if they want to come home?
We have never made a child stay at sleepover if they really haven’t wanted to, although we have a wide range of tried and tested distraction techniques that normally work well anyway!
That’s why we always need an updated contact number for an adult available to drive, just in case we need you to come and collect your son or daughter at any time day or night.
My son or daughter would love to come but we just can’t afford the cost.
We are very aware that as Scouts we offer lots of opportunities and are keen for everyone to take part irrespective of parental ability to pay. Please discuss hardship options with your Group to help your child join in with their friends. Groups, Districts and Counties have financial accessibility funds for areas of deprivation and hardship, but they cannot help you if you don’t ask.
Nights Away Passports – Reasonable Adjustments
One of the questions that comes up is how to make Nights Away Event Passports inclusive for those who need additional support. So one of our team asked HQ InfoCentre the question, and this is what came back from them:
“In the case where a child with additional needs is to be partaking in an expedition under the Nights Away Passport scheme, here’s a few pointers on how to go about making sure the correct support is in place without jeopardising the purpose of the NA Passport Scheme (to encourage self-independence):
A conversation between the parents of the child, the Nights Away Permit holder (and passport issuer) and the District Commissioner should be had outlining the specific needs of the child and how much of these needs could be handled by the passport holder/the Scouters around him.In the same way that you would for any other Nights Away passport expedition, make sure there is a robust home contact system in place.
This means that the Nights Away Permit holder (and possible another Leader should a child need to be taken away from the expedition) should be in the general vicinity such that they can make it to the campsite on short notice.
It could be, due to the specific needs of one or more of the young people involved in the expedition, that it is agreed that the home contact should be more immediately available if needed.
In this case, it would be best practice for the young people to not be made aware of these adjustments.
This is because the purpose of the Nights Away Passport scheme is to instill a sense of self-reliance in the young people and, especially to those in the Group that do not have additional needs, the fact that a more immediate home contact system is in place could effect that.
With regards to the case where the Nights Away Permit holder (and Passport issuer) has their own child within the expedition, try and act in the same way as if there wasn’t. It would be best practice that this Nights Away Permit holder with a child in the expedition wouldn’t be a part of the Home Contact process (although I appreciate that it may be difficult to find another Nights Away Permit holder who is available) but would merely be a part of the conversation spoken about in point 1.”
(Edited to remove abbreviations)
Frequently Asked Questions – Scout Leaders, Supporters & Managers
2022 Occasional Approvals & Approved
How do I become a Nights Away Adviser?
First off, you need to think that Camping is best, ideally have camped lots, led camps etc. Have a chat to your relevant Commissioner and your Training Manager.
If you complete Mod25N validation using a Damboree event to assess someone for their Nights Away Camping Permit, then you can apply for one of our Gold Badges, which for the 2022 cycle are sponsored by Online Scout Manager
Does Damboree do Nights Away Assessments?
NO! We don’t. Not as active support unit members. We may have other roles in Counties or Districts that enable us to do assessments, however the ASU does not offer Assessment-As-A-Service.
This is often a common misconception of Damboree, we’re here to support and encourage, not deliver. We don’t organise Damboree events, we cheer from the sidelines, and help break down barriers to leaders taking young people camping.
What about Explorers and Young Leaders?
The Damboree Silver Badges are there for Young Leaders and Explorers who help deliver a Damboree event, in fact Damboree is a good first base for a Young Leader led event, supported by their section leaders.
The more Young Leaders can be involved in camp planning, the earlier they can get the camp leading experience to be assessed for a permit when they become an adult leader.
Also it is felt that if Explorers needed encouraging to camp using Damboree, then something has gone wrong elsewhere. We believe that Explorers should be working towards Event Passport Camping, in support of their Top Awards.
So what can Damboree do to help me promote nights away in my Group/District/County/Region/Country?
- Well, we have a cracking badge scheme that supports Beavers, Cubs & Scouts, broadly aligned to the Outdoor Challenge with some Damboree magic thrown in.
- We have Gold Badges for those who get their first Campsite Permit, so your leaders can join a prestigious alumnus of around 350 Gold Badge owners.
- Golds for those who step up to become Nights Away Advisers, and support you in your manager/supporter role ensure you’re delivering minimum standard with competent well mentored & supported permit holders.
- We have a network of Active Support Members to support and encourage engagement with Damboree & Nights Away Permits
- Our Active Support Members can challenge those out-of-date notions that some adults in your District/County may harbour without affecting your local dynamics. Allowing us to annoy your people instead of your team.
- Attend County Rallies, District Conferences to promote Nights Away Damboree Stylee
Adding Damboree Badges to your Section OSM

Our Head of Programming the OSM Bits, has added the 2020 badges, including Scouts, to Online Scout Manager, so you can now add the badge, and tick off the criteria and award it, just like any other badge in OSM.
These have also been made available to Scouts Australia for their Joeys, Cubs and Scouts.
This allows you to do preparation activities before or after your Damboree Event, and tick them off! Who doesn’t like a good ticking off….the to-do list.
As long as you have an OSM Gold Subscription (if your District or County isn’t paying for it for your group/section, badger them to do so as bulk licensing saves money and gives them a natty dashboard view of their County/District) you can add the Damboree 2020 Badges.
In order to do that please follow the instructions below:
# | Description | Image/link |
---|---|---|
1 | Log into OSM | https://www.onlinescoutmanager.co.uk/ |
2 | Select the Section you want to add the badge to | ![]() |
3 | Select Badges from the left hand Menu | ![]() |
4 | Select the area you would like the Damboree badge adding to. It’s possible to add the Damboree badge to: * Challenge * Staged * Core Which one you choose is upto you, as we suggest Core, but it is your choice. For our section we added it to the Core badges for 2019. | ![]() |
5 | Click “+Badge” in the top right of your OSM pane | ![]() |
6 | Type “Damboree” in the search box and you will see the Damboree badges configured in OSM | ![]() |
7 | Click on the badge you would like to add to your section, this will pop up the badge details, the requirements etc. | ![]() |
8 | Click “Add badge to my ‘Core’ Area” and it will pop it into your Core badges area of your OSM | ![]() |
9 | You can now manage requirements of this badge and attached it to your Programme or Events just like you would any other badge in OSM |
The badges themselves can be ordered from our online store, they are not available from Scout Shops, or through yoru Badge Secretaries.
If you need any help with configuring OSM there is now a Self Help group on Facebook that you can join to get crowdsupport:
Do we have to attend a specific camp?
No. The aim is to encourage each Colony/Pack/Troop/Unit to provide the opportunity for each young person to sleep outside in a tent. However some Groups are planning Group Damboree, including all three sections, and other Districts and Counties (Regions) are considering inviting Beavers to a larger events.
Is this an official Scout Association event?
Depends how you define official….We’re an Active Support Unit within Milton Keynes District, using social media to help spread the word, engage and support leaders, dispel myths, and make sure everyone knows the latest details with regards to Nights Away, in the UK, and ensuring that everyone who wants to, can camp, in tents.
We’ve been approached about becoming a National Active Support Unit, this is under consideration at this time.
What is the purpose of the Damboree
Originally the pupose was to support and encourage Beaver Leaders to gain their Campsite Nights Away Permit and to promote the fact Beavers in the UK are allowed to Camp. It is a way to dispel some of the myths surrounding Nights Away.
We’ve kinda scope creeped beyond that initial mandate to Cubs, and in 2020 Scouts, with programmes for to encourage their leaders to go for their Camping Permit.
Also other countries like Canada and Australia are going through a similar sitation to UK Scouting, albeit it a few years behind, where the younger sections are now able to camp without their parents being onsite, although having parents around to wash up etc is always encouraged.
We’ve now made the treasured Gold Badges available to any UK Member able to go for a Nights Away Campsite Permit, to encourage them and enable them to take their young people camping.
How do I purchase Damboree Occasional badges?
You can order Damboree badges from our store
Do I need a Nights Away Permit?
All qualifying camping and nights away events need to follow the appropriate National Scout Body rules.
Gold Badge Requirements (Scout Association (UK & BSO))
Complete 1 of the below:
– [ ] Succeed in achieving your first Campsite or Greenfield Nights Away Permit as part of a Damboree event, must be registered in the Damboree site in advance.
– [ ] Answer the Nights Away Advisers call and assess someone for their Campsite Permit as part of your Mod25 validation, where their event is a Damboree Event, must be registered in advance of the assessment.
It is not expected that you would get a permit, and become an Nights Away Adviser in the same Damboree cycle.
Upgrades from Campsite to Greenfield are not eligible for Gold, as you could already camp in tents.
Updated for 2022 Cycle, Gold badges are now available to all Scouting adults who go for their Nights Away Permit (Campsite or Greenfield. Lightweight Camping is not applicable.) as part of the Damboree Initiative, your event MUST be registered before the assessment date.
Silver Badge Requirements
The Silver Badge is the reward badge for those who enable your Damboree to happen, and those who support you in going for Gold.
Complete 1 of the below:
– [ ] Mentor another leader through the Permit process
– [ ] Organise a Damboree camping event for your Colony, Pack or Group
– [ ] Take an active role in a larger District or County Damboree Event
– [ ] Be a non-Uniformed or Parent Helper on a Damboree Event
– [ ] Be a Young Leader on a Damboree Event
– [ ] Be a Uniformed Helper on a Damboree Event
– [ ] Be a Parent/Grandparent/Carer/Guardian Helper on a Damboree Event
What are the basic rules about running Sleepovers / Camps?
- There is first aid and catering provision.
- There is a minimum ratio for children to adults at such events, and all those sleeping overnight have full scouting DBS clearance.
- The person responsible for the event must hold a valid Nights Away Permit.
- We follow the Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) of the Scout Association in all that we do.
- We do not plan anything we are not happy for our own children (if we had/have them) to do.
Teal Badge Requirements
Complete 5 OPTIONS & all of the ESSENTIALS section
OPTIONS
– [ ] With others, pitch and strike your tents on the event, including kitchen/storage as well as sleeping.
– [ ] Be part of a group of Scouts to arrange and set up a well-organised site. It should include sleeping tents, food and equipment stores, a fire or stove, kitchen and eating area.
– [ ] Explore the environment of your camp and make sure you know where everything is. Respect the environment you are in and, at the end of the camp, leave the site as you found it. Take steps to reduce any harm to the environment.
– [ ] Show how to use an axe, saw AND knife safely, setup an appropriate area for this activity.
– [ ] Build a bivouac and sleep in it for the entire event, ensure your creation is robust and secure enough to last.
– [ ] Paracord stuff; Be creative and teach others different techniques, eg woggles, bracelets, keyrings etc.
– [ ] Plan and run a wide game for the event, at least 2 hours of activity.
– [ ] Take an active part in a Campfire or other entertainment, including laying and tending to the fire and ensuring it is well controlled.
– [ ] Lead and run the cooking of an entire meal for the event. Understand the importance of food hygiene and a balanced diet and how that can work at camp.
– [ ] Invite Asst County Commissioner (Scouts), County Nights Away Adviser, or Damboree Team Member (Active Support Unit) to your Damboree Event.
ESSENTIALS – Do ALL of these
– Sleep 2+ nights as part of a Troop, Group, District or larger event or 1-night on a Nights Away Passport
– Create a free standing Damboree sign or camp gateway using pioneering skills and materials.
– Post pictures, or it didn’t happen, to Facebook using #DamboreeScouts, #ScoutsCamp, #EveryoneInTents, & #SkillsForLife_SucceedsWithScouts
Nights Away Passports – Reasonable Adjustments
One of the questions that comes up is how to make Nights Away Event Passports inclusive for those who need additional support. So one of our team asked HQ InfoCentre the question, and this is what came back from them:
“In the case where a child with additional needs is to be partaking in an expedition under the Nights Away Passport scheme, here’s a few pointers on how to go about making sure the correct support is in place without jeopardising the purpose of the NA Passport Scheme (to encourage self-independence):
A conversation between the parents of the child, the Nights Away Permit holder (and passport issuer) and the District Commissioner should be had outlining the specific needs of the child and how much of these needs could be handled by the passport holder/the Scouters around him.In the same way that you would for any other Nights Away passport expedition, make sure there is a robust home contact system in place.
This means that the Nights Away Permit holder (and possible another Leader should a child need to be taken away from the expedition) should be in the general vicinity such that they can make it to the campsite on short notice.
It could be, due to the specific needs of one or more of the young people involved in the expedition, that it is agreed that the home contact should be more immediately available if needed.
In this case, it would be best practice for the young people to not be made aware of these adjustments.
This is because the purpose of the Nights Away Passport scheme is to instill a sense of self-reliance in the young people and, especially to those in the Group that do not have additional needs, the fact that a more immediate home contact system is in place could effect that.
With regards to the case where the Nights Away Permit holder (and Passport issuer) has their own child within the expedition, try and act in the same way as if there wasn’t. It would be best practice that this Nights Away Permit holder with a child in the expedition wouldn’t be a part of the Home Contact process (although I appreciate that it may be difficult to find another Nights Away Permit holder who is available) but would merely be a part of the conversation spoken about in point 1.”
(Edited to remove abbreviations)
Latest News
- Damboree Finale
- June News!
- Badge Pre-Orders Open
- Launch of Damboree 2022!
- Everyone In Tents 2022? – hopefully including Squirrels
- Grass Roots Fund: August Update
Badges & Merchandise
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2020 Teal Badge£1.00
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2022 Damboree Teal Badge£1.00
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2023 Damboree Finale Media Pack£0.00
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2023 Damboree Participation Badge£1.00
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Badge Information Sheets£0.00
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Badge Passports£0.00
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Badge Swap BundlesFrom £10.00
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Blanket Badge£1.00
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Damboree 2022 Badge Core SetFrom £6.00