BIG Summer Camp 2024
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Join us on the South Coast over the August Bank Holiday Weekend for BIG Summer Camp!
Taking place over the August bank holiday weekend, we'll be enjoying great activities and entertainment, and while away the Summer days with a relaxed, chilled out vibe on site and great fun with friends, old and new.
Situated between Chichester and Brighton on the South coast, our BIG Summer Camp is the perfect way to spend your Bank Holiday Weekend. We don't just plan the outdoor activities - of which there will be a great variety, including cycling, water sports, and a range of walks - we also bring everything together for you in one place. So not only will there be plenty of daytime outdoor activities but also evening entertainment, and the comfortable clubhouse serves a range of meals, snacks, and of course, drinks!
You can be sure that everyone you meet is a member of OutdoorLads (or Rugby Club staff) as we have exclusive use of the site.
We've a range of activities in and around our the coastline and the South Downs, for you to do as much (or as little) as you desire! We will have a range of day walks and paid activities on offer, alongside which we also offer evening entertainment plus food and drink throughout the day.
In the evening, the bar is open until the early hours, and we'll have a themed disco Saturday and Sunday night!
Video of BIG Summer Camp 2023 >
Events
We'll have a series of walks, paddle sports, and depending on leader availability, possibly some cycling!
On Sunday, join us for Sports Day from late afternoon (5pm ish), on the main pitch by the outside bar! Expect lots of silly team games and game of rounders!
Extras
If you'd like to bring a small caravan, motorhome or campervan, you'll need to book a space for it. If there is more than one person staying in it, you each need to book a place on the event, but only one booking for the caravan / campervan needs to be made. Please note that as this venue is not ordinarily a campsite, these are not serviced pitches, and there's no chemical waste disposal on-site - it all needs to go home with you.
We have some tents available for hire too - again you'll need to book to reserve one!
Food
Food can be ordered at the bar all weekend, including packed lunches which will be available for pre-booking before the event.
New Members
New Members attending BIG Summer Camp alone are invited to join the New Member Camp, where one of our friendly Leaders will help you settle in on the first evening, and introduce you to other members. We'll message attendees when we're ready for people to sign up!
Campsite Information
The camp is at a rugby club just a couple of miles from the beach, and easily accessible by rail and road.
Camp Facilities
- Licensed Bar
- Food served every day
- Hot showers
- Toilets & wash rooms
- Changing areas
- Washing up area
- Drinking water taps
- Grass camping field & hardstanding caravan / campervan / motorhome area
- Floodlit camping area on Friday evening for late arrivals
- Site map
Camp Rules
- No glass policy. This is a rugby club with pitches - this rule will be strictly enforced.
- OutdoorLads has a strict zero tolerance approach to drugs. Anyone found with drugs, suspected of having taken drugs, or offering drugs will be asked to leave the site immediately, and without refund. This includes prescription drugs, other than those you have been prescribed for your own use (which are fine!)
- You must respect other campers and their property.
- Quiet camping between 23:00 and 07:00 - there are designated areas to socialise and talk away from peoples' tents.
- Please pitch tents at least 6 feet / 2 metres apart. Any closer and it represents a fire risk.
- Campervans, caravans or motorhomes only permitted if you have a booked and confirmed a campervan / caravan / motorhome place (available separately at additional cost) No awnings allowed. Maximum of 15 campervans / caravans / motorhomes, all of which must be on the designated hard standing area. You will NOT be able to arrive in such a vehicle and park it in the car park. Note - these rules are imposed by the venue.
- No dogs on site - this is a rugby club with pitches. This will be strictly enforced.
- No open fires or BBQs permitted on site.
- You are responsible for keeping your camping area clean and tidy - please ensure it is left in the state you found it when you leave.
All photos used with permission from OutdoorLads Members.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
What to bring
If you haven’t been camping since you were in the Scouts here is what you need. If it’s your first trip you are likely to want to get away with the bare minimum.
- Tents start off relatively cheap but as they say you get what you pay for. These tend to start from £10 upwards (‘festival tents’) that are light and do the job – but only just. You may find that they leak, break or blow away.
- A thin foam ‘carry mat’ is good to sleep on (under £10) and you can use your clothes to make a pillow. Or if you have the room places like Tesco often sell air beds that cost as little as a fiver.
- Don’t forget you will need something to sleep in. You can buy a sleeping bag from as little as a tenner. This will tend to be thin but will do the job at most summer camps. At camps later in the year you will want something warmer though.
- Some places such as Argos/ASDA sell camping sets where you can buy a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and a lamp for approx. £50-£60.
- If you have friends that camp you may find it beneficial to talk to them first and they may even lend you some kit.
- You can easily beg a cup of tea from more seasoned campers – but it helps if you have a cup, and don’t forget a plastic glass if you like your wine! If you are coming by car, a folding chair (£10) is great. As you may be sitting outside late into the evening. Some proper warm clothing always comes in handy – even in the summer. Don’t forget a torch, or you may never make it back to your tent. Finally, ear plugs are always a great idea.
Once you have been once or twice you will know what kit you need to be able to cook a full English breakfast and host a party for 8 in your tent. Until then the above basics will see you right.
The above information will help you with the camp its self, depending on the activities you choose to do you may need to bring further kit. However its worth noting that any of the activities where special kit is need it will be provided, in most cases all you will need is walking boots, clothes, and a small back-pack (bring a few changes of clothes and footwear).
Food & drink
We will be serving breakfast and dinner which is available for you to buy from the bar area, alongside a range of light snacks throughout the day.
We will also have packed lunches available to purchase in advance and collect at breakfast.
The bar (and maybe the outside bar too!) will be open throughout the day for your use. Alternatively, you can bring cooking equipment and cook for yourselves, but please NO BBQs.