Making camping accessible to all
Camping is a great way to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, but for people with mobility issues or medical conditions it can make camping difficult.
However, with a little planning and preparation, camping is accessible to all.
If you are a leader
Plan your activities ahead of time. Consider everyones needs.
Communicate. Speak to your local outdoor advisor who can support your unit.
Take breaks. Don't try to do too much in one day. Take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge.
Choose wisely. Choose a campground that is accessible. When choosing a campground, be sure to check for accessibility features such as paths, accessible toilets, and flat ground.
Bring the right kit! There are a number of specialised camping equipment items available for all types of campers. This kit can make it easier to set up camp, get around the campground, and enjoy outdoor activities.
Getting comfy! Make sure to invest in a good camp bed. The best ones are ranked here
Ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask for help from other guiding members. Many people are more than happy to help out a fellow camper in need.
Be prepared. It is important to be prepared for anything when camping, especially if you have a disability. This means packing extra food, water, and medical supplies.Be flexible. Things don't always go according to plan when camping. Be prepared to change your plans if necessary.
Have fun! Camping is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Soak up the fresh air, enjoy the scenery, and make some memories that will last a lifetime.
Plenty of rest It's important to be rested. Camping is tiring. Make sure to sleep well and have a rota amongst your leaders for evenings and nights.
Advice. Check out this advice from the Camping and Caravan club here
Large scale camps. Remember to speak to the organising team to discuss the needs of your girl/s.
Making camping accessible to all girls
Ensure they bring kit that will support them. Kit can be brought that can make it easier to set up camp, get around the campground, and enjoy outdoor activities.
Plan your activities ahead of time. Consider any physical limitations and choose activities that they can enjoy.
Create a break out space. This will allow the girl to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge.
Be flexible. Things don't always go according to plan when camping. Be prepared to change your plans if necessary. This may be difficult for girls with ASD so it is important to chat to them beforehand.
Choose an accessible campsite. When choosing a site, be sure to check for accessibility features such as path, accessible toilets, and flat ground.
Charging ports. If you have a girl who has equipment that needs charging, it is important to ensure that a safe dry space is available for this.
Talk to the girl about what to expect. Let them know what camping is all about, and what they can expect to do and see.
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks. It's important to stay hydrated well fed especially when you're active outdoors. A change in surroundings can sometimes cause digestive issues so ensure to pack simple snacks such as crackers.
Plenty of rest It's important to be rested. Camping is tiring. Make sure to take this into account when choosing sleeping groups.
Be prepared for the weather. Check the forecast before you go, and pack accordingly. If a wheelchair user is attending, ensure that they have a cover for their chair.
Don't forget the sunscreen! Sun protection is important for everyone.
Have fun! Camping is a great way to spend time with your unit and create lasting memories.
Large scale camps. Remember to speak to the organising team to discuss the needs of your girl/s.
Top tips from Girlguiding Cymru members
“I have a foot disability but not in a wheechair. Uneven ground and bending is painful. Having one of those ikea ‘squishy’ green mats that folds really helps me as it folds to different heights and is a good extra ground mat.
I also bring a kids table with detachable legs for easy packing away so I don’t have to get on or reach the floor to do things.
Taking a boot jack to help get wellies off, makes life a lot easier in the tent.
When I went camping with my Guide unit (a long time ago!) part of the activities was to make things out of twigs and string and what ever we could find to make things like tables to hold toiletries that tied to the tent pole etc. Making gadgets like this was a huge help.
We also created gadgets to put wellies/bags on so they didnt get damp and I didn’t have to reach down. It was good fun!”
“My top tips to make camping accessible
1. To always place a foam mat or blanket under any thin inflatable mattress to stop the ground cold.
2. Place all your items in separate dry bags to make finding thing easy in a tight tent and also to stop the kit spread. I.e purple for underwear and socks, orange for t-shirt and so on.
3. Travel towels are better than larger towels.
4. Wet wipes are an essential for me! some camps are hot and sweaty and you may not get a shower. Wet wipes are a life saver. I use bamboo ones to be more environmentally friendly.
5. Dry bags stuffed with a jumper or two make excellent pillows
6. If you are taking snacks, place them in a sealable container. I.e lunchbox to stop the insects and other creatures.”
“1. As a wheelchair user, a tent with a porch or section to store the chair in the dry is vital.
2. A raised camp bed to make transferring slightly less difficult.
3. Grass is often difficult to navigate in the wet so some sort of hard standing or matting.
4. Access to a toilet facility is a must.
5. Often just people being patient and understanding that it may take slightly longer or require more effort, but that I can take part in most if not all even if it’s in a different way.”
“As someone with dyspraxia and other things. Not camping specific but a timetable of what to expect, what needs doing, when things are happening.
Patience and support where needed.
Ask what people may need to help them don’t make assumptions.”
“As a leader with ADHD, I find that a bit of time to myself to reset and recharge during camp is really beneficial.
Discuss your condition with your team and they will be able to support you.
Being organised is imperative. I can be really messy if not. I tend to pack all my belongings in separate bags to keep them organised. ”