All The Frequently Asked Questions

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 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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)

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!

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.

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’s this about more than one District Nights Away Adviser?

The Damboree Team believe in having a pool of NAA in a District, ideally one per Group to do the mentoring, coaching etc, and to lead on the ongoing training for nights away within that group setting.
Of course you would not asses your own group, that would be a conflict of interest, and marking your own homework is very much discouraged.

What resources are there out to help a Nights Away Adviser?

Your county should have a County Nights Away Adviser (CNAA), and your county might have a Supporter of the Nights Away Permit Scheme (SNAPS) who you can go to for help and advice, if your local network of NAA’s cannot help.

There is also a Facebook Group for Nights Away Advisers, supported by the Supporting Assessors National Active Support Unit. So if you are a Nights Away Adviser, get in touch with like-minded souls.

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

Can I assess someone from outside my District/County?

Yes, you can, it is a national permit scheme, and your assessment carries the same validity as if it was from within the assessees own District/County, however expect to be asked questions about your assessment.

If a District Commissioner/District Nights Away adviser rejects your assessment because they have trust issues, then there is little the assessee can do, as the permit is at the discretion of the issuing Commissioner. However rejecting someones assessment purely on the basis the assessor was “Not from round these parts”, (we’ve all heard the stories) then they need calling on it, to understand if it is just localism or whether there is a deeper concern.

What’s in it for me as a Group Scout Leader/Commissioner/Nights Away Adviser?

Ultimately more work, whether that’s approving NANs, asessing & mentoring more Leaders for permits, sourcing more kit for more campers, arranging more training for extended skills like bulk cooking, or more Mod38’s.

But the return is the investment you put into your leaders, and supporting them camping, is they stay longer, even if it’s a parent who choses to move through the sections with their young person.

Because Permits are non-sectional (unless the permit holder has asked for that restriction, it shouldn’t be forced on them) the Beaver Leader Parent who then becomes a Cub Leader Parent is permitted and ready to camp with the Pack.

More camping means more revenue for camp sites, your occupancy percentages go up, so your sites generate more revenue.

Best of all your young people get fantastic camping experiences, and the more confidence they get from starting earlier, in Beavers, the more competent they get as they progress, so long term the success of your Top Awards programme increases.

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