Bentley Copse - Site Guidelines

Arrival - Upon arrival the leader-in-charge MUST report to the warden.

Departure - Before departure from the site the leader-in-charge must invite the warden to inspect the site and/or buildings used by the group during their stay. Any money owing must be paid before departure. Please settle accounts between 9:00am and 10:00am on the day of departure.

Leader Provision - Groups of young people who are members of The Scout Association camping with adult supervision must be accompanied by a MINIMUM of two adults. Leaders should refer to the Association's document Young People First (The Yellow Card). Other rules may also apply. Hiking groups coming on to site must have a leader/staff ready to supervise their arrival and stay.

Unsupervised Minors (this applies to Scout groups only) - The warden welcomes groups of young people under the age of eighteen camping without adult supervision providing they have an event passport. The name and telephone number of a home contact must be provided prior to arrival. A list of camper's names, addresses and telephone numbers and programme must be provided before arrival. Only one patrol from the same troop at any one time unless Leaders are present for the duration of their visit.

Accidents - All personal injuries that necessitate treatment by a doctor, dentist or at a hospital must be reported to the warden. If an ambulance is called to the site please ensure that the warden is made aware prior to its arrival. Please report all other injuries to the warden as it may help to improve the safety of the camp site.

Alcohol - Alcohol is permitted at the discretion of the warden and always in moderation. Young people under the age of eighteen are not, under any circumstances, permitted to consume alcohol during their stay.

Drugs - Drugs are strictly prohibited other than those prescribed by a registered medical practitioner.

Aerial Runways/Pioneering - Construction of aerial runways must conform to the Aerial Runway Code published by The Scout Association (FS120006). Pioneering projects must be made safe or disabled when not in use.

Axes/Knives - Axes and knives should only be used after suitable training and preferably under adult supervision. Under no circumstances must axes or knives be taken off of the camping site, and when not in use should be stored in your equipment tent. Please remind your group that damage to trees by misuse is totally unacceptable.

Personal Air rifles and ammunition must not be brought onto the camp site without the prior written consent of the warden.

Personal Archery bows and arrows must not be brought onto the camp site without the prior written consent of the warden.

Bivouacs - The site has many locations ideal for bivouacking, please ensure that all shelters are dismantled and cleared away after use.

Dogs - Dogs, except guide dogs, are not permitted on to any part of the site, please inform all visitors and transportation personnel.

Fires - Fires may only be lit on altars or on the concrete bases located on some sites. Turfing is not permitted. Altar fires are available for use during your stay. Hot & cold ashes may be left in altar fires and will be removed by site staff.

Generators and Chain Saws - These are not permitted on the site.

Hiking - Route cards may be left with the warden. Please advise the warden if the site telephone number is to be used as an emergency contact number. Hound House Road can become extremely dangerous as the traffic travels very fast, under no circumstances should hikers arrive or leave the site from the main entrance. All pedestrians should arrive/leave via the top gate (OS Grid Reference TQ07604405) or from the bottom of the ravine (OS Grid Reference TQ07704435).

Lost Property - Any lost property handed to the warden will be kept for one month after which time it will be disposed of appropriately.

Night Activities - Plans for all off site night activities should be discussed with the warden in advance. If the Hurtwood is to be used for night activities the Ranger must be informed.

Quiet Time - Please reduce noise to a minimum between 2230hrs and 0730. Lights out at 2300hrs please.

Radios, etc. - Please only use radios and similar equipment for news, or as training aids. Enjoy the peace & quiet.

Rubbish - Weekend and short stay campers are expected to take their rubbish home with them. Alternative arrangements may be made for lightweight campers and camps of a longer duration. Rubbish in bags is to be placed in the dumpy bins in the corner of the car park and loose rubbish in the bins by the washing up sinks. Use the recycling point for plastic, tins and glass.

Toilets - Please ensure that campers respect the site toilet facilities and leave them clean and tidy after use, your co-operation will be appreciated. At busy times the warden may introduce a cleaning rota. Please inform the warden or site service crew of any faults, damage or lack of supplies.

Transport of Equipment - Hand trolleys are provided for the movement of equipment, please return them promptly as other groups will need to use them. Riding on the trolleys is strictly forbidden. The warden or site staff may be able to assist with the movement of heavy equipment or trailers.

Vehicular Access - Vehicles are not permitted onto any part of the camping sites and should be parked sensibly in the car parks provided. The site speed limit is 5MPH, please drive carefully at all times. This is for the safety of all on site. If you plan to arrive and depart by coach it is imperative that arrangements are discussed with the warden as access and turning space may cause problems for the driver.

During very busy weekends a certain amount of congestion may occur whilst children are arriving and departing, PLEASE arrange maximum use of all transportation to the site (ie more than one child per car!) This will save a great deal of delay and frustration. It may be an idea to stagger your arriving and departing times, this can be co-ordinated with the warden.

Water - All site water is metered, please ensure that taps are turned off when not in use. However, organised water activities are permitted.

Wet Pits - NO pits may be dug, please use alternatives.

Wood - During the main camping season the wood supplies can become limited, please use sparingly. Wood may not be collected from within the Hurtwood. Please return all un-burnt wood to the woodpile at the end of your stay.

At Bentley Copse we are always grateful for offers of help with projects, maintenance and activities on site, there are a number of ways in which groups or individuals can assist:

• A one off session during a camp.
• As a working party for a day or a weekend.
• Undertake the camp warden badge or the service section of the Venture Award, Queen's Scout Award, Duke of Edinburgh Award.
• Become a member of the site service team offering regular help at weekends or during the week.
• Help or instruct on the activities provided on site.

If you or your group would like to become involved please contact the warden who will be more than willing to offer tasks according to the number of people, time and expertise that you have available.