FAQ's
Got a Question? Hopefully you'll find the answers here..
What accessible facilities are there on site? Facilities for those less able are not extensive, but we will endeavour to assist participants with any additional requirements. There will be accessible toilets, (those designed to be used by people with disabilities and long-term health conditions) available, but please contact us prior to arrival (ASAP after booking) to discuss any additional needs. Please bear in mind that the Challenge itself involves walking on uneven ground and is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Can I bring a campfire alter? Fires and naked flames of any kind are not permitted on site.
Are there toilets & showers on site? The venue is not equipped with washing facilities other than providing hand washing at toilets and hand wipes in food areas. We suggest that you bring wet wipes for a quick bedtime/morning freshen up. You may want to set up your own washing area but please bear in mind that the camping space does not allow for a separate tent. We provide 'portaloo' style toilets, including accessible toilets
Who does the washing up? We provide a designated area to be used for washing up. Whilst we run a centralised catering system over the weekend, we expect each Unit to ensure their individual washing up is dealt with after each meal, and that the campsite is therefore kept clean and tidy. We therefore provide a designated area for washing up.
What if my Scouts or Guides need first aid during the Challenge? During the Challenge event, participants will be briefed to do one of the following if requiring first aid: •deal with minor injuries themselves using their team first aid kit and report the incident to an adult at the earliest opportunity •walk on to the next activity base (or back to the previous one depending on their location) if possible, and report the incident •stay where they are and send at least two of their team to the next activity base (or back to the previous one depending on their location), to report the incident immediately. They should NOT leave the injured person alone. While walking to the next base, they may see one of the safety vehicles or one of the teams of marshals walking the course. Any of these will be able to assist.
What first aid provision will there be? You’ll be responsible for providing first aid cover for your group, so you’ll need your own first aid kit. There will be a central First Aider on site who will support you if this is necessary. During the Challenge, teams will need to carry their own ‘hike’ first aid kit and be prepared to use it for minor injuries only. Minor incidents should be dealt with by leaders. Please record any minor incidents you tend to on the back of the individual’s A5 copy of the Health Form which must be carried at all times. Leaders may wish to check the health forms carried by their teams at the end of the event, to check any first aid that has been given. The central First Aid team will be located in the First Aid tent for more serious incidents. Use the Site Plan to locate this. During the Saturday Challenge, first aiders will be located at each base and others will also be moving around the course.
What if my Scout/Guide has dietary requirements? You’ll be asked to accurately submit details of the dietary requirements of your group in advance of the event. These requirements will be passed to our caterers who will do their best to provide food meeting those requirements. We’ll contact you in advance of the event to discuss any specialist dietary requirements, if necessary. Please also ensure that this information is included in the Hurdlestone Health Form. We’re unlikely to be able to provide alternative food over the weekend if the information submitted does not accurately reflect the needs of your whole group. All food provided by the event will be nut free. We insist that leaders ensure that no nuts are brought to site.
Do I need to provide drinks for my Scouts & Guides? Outside of meal times, there will be hot drinks available for all from the Hot Water Emporium. Cold drinks can be purchased from the tuck shop. Water is available for all at any time.
How are meals served? Everyone is asked to queue in an orderly manner for meals ensuring they are wearing their Health Form. There is plenty of food for everyone, so don't worry if you are at the back of the queue. Bear in mind that some adult leaders and/or Service Crew will need to be at the front of the queue to eat early, so don't think that they are 'pushing in'. The marquee, or your own designated area, should be used for dining. Self-catering is not allowed.
What meals are catered for within the cost of attending? All meals will be provided during the event. The first supper provided will be soup and bread on Friday, followed by breakfast Saturday morning. The last meal will be a packed lunch on Sunday.
Do I need to arrange insurance to attend? The event is covered by the usual Scouting and Girlguiding insurance but this does not cover personal possessions or Troop/Unit equipment. Leaders should check their car insurance to ensure they are covered to use their vehicle for volunteering, before carrying any passengers at the Hurdlestone Challenge event. Remember, children under 12 or under 135cm tall must sit in the rear and use an adult seat belt. Children aged 12 years or more, or over 135cm tall, may travel the front, but must wear the seat belt
What will Leaders do over the weekend? Although the event organisers, Campsite Crew and Service Crew are on hand to do many of the jobs required during the weekend, they can't do everything! It's really important that leaders help out too. During the booking process, you'll be asked to volunteer for a wide range of jobs. You’ll be told which jobs you have been allocated, as soon as we have allocated the jobs in advance of the event. If you swap a job with another adult, or you're not able to undertake your allocated job, please let us know immediately. It's important that all the jobs are covered, and we know where you are in the event of an emergency.
What happens on Saturday evening? There will be a disco on the Saturday of the event with prizes for fancy dress. The theme this year will be ‘Back to School!’ You’ll be able to enter for the following competitions: •Best dressed Scout and Guide •Best dressed team/group •Best dressed Service Crew member/Young Leader •Best dressed leader. For adult leaders, the main marquee will be available for socialising once the evening entertainment has finished. The Committee can be found relaxing here, once all their duties are completed. Please feel free to join them.
I’ve heard about Neckerchief bunting, what is this?! The Hurdlestone Challenge is collecting neckerchiefs from Troops/Units attending the event. if you haven’t already provided yours, bring two neckerchiefs with you to the event. Next year, you should see them form part of our ever-growing neckerchief bunting.
Will I need to complete a risk assessment? Yes, you do. Hurdlestone will complete an event risk assessment which will be approved by both Scouting and Girlguiding Commissioners. We suggest you send this with your troop/unit risk assessment when you send your permission to camp.
Can Scouts & Guides bring spending money? The Hurdlestone event will feature tuck, souvenir, and merchandise shops on site.
What do I if I loose something over the weekend? The 'Reception tent' is where you can return or collect lost items. If your lost item hasn’t been returned, we'll inform you when it’s been handed in.
Can I smoke or vape on site? No, However we have a designated are for smoking outside the main gateway. we ask the adults follow Scouting and Girlguiding's code of practice, avoiding smoking in front of participants and be considerate. Please take care if the ground is dry and dispose of cigarette ends safely in the container provided.
Can not find the answers to your question here? Please email us on info@hurdlestone.org.uk