Letting Us Know
It's very important for the wellbeing of the camp that you let us know once you've read this page to confirm you have understood any actions you may need to take. Please note that this is a guide to what we expect. If any of this causes you concern, please, please talk to us to see what we can do. Email links are at the bottom of the page.
Special Kit Needs
Other than having a properly kitted out bike, a few more inexpensive items are important to make the camp run smoothly. These are highlighted in the sections below on the following.
- Water Carrying
- Plastic Food Boxes
Additionally, there are recommendations on kit considered for cycling and the FSC style of camping. Please note that there are links to more expensive kit. None of this is necessary, just if you feel it's the time for it.
- Rainwear
- Footwear
- Clothes
- Carrying Bags
- Plastic Bags
Whilst looking through some of this, please have in mind the standard camping equipment list FSC recommends for campers. This is on pages 34-37 of the current FSC programme and repeated here on this webpage. This is the basis for our kit as we will be doing standing camp activities, along with a few adjustments needed for our cycling.
Water Carrying
A good plastic bottle, that won't leak and will be carried in a pannier is also important. Bidons that fit onto a bike frame are likely to get very dirty making it awkward to drink from.
If you have a hydration sack, please do bring it along. Again, this is not necessary. If you think this is a good time to buy one, the Platypus range does come with an extensive warranty support. Alternatively a bladder that fits into a current rucksack will save some money.
Plastic Food Boxes
This is one of the important things needed. The idea is that we will all carry our own lunch in a plastic food box. We are expecting to eat salad style lunches mainly, although not all the time. With that in mind the klip-lock plastic boxes are needed, of a size that will hold a reasonable amount of food. Klip-lock is required as others will open in the bag. and 1.2 to 2 litres is a good size, unless very hungry!
Rainwear
Please review the standard FSC notes here. We will take normal raingear to camp. Of course, the lighter the better, as it'll make it easier to use on bikes should that be needed.
Footwear
Please review the standard FSC notes here. Boots are required, but also some lighter shoes for when on the bike. They should still be tough. Strong trainers would be effective. Expensive specialist cycling shoes are not worth bringing as they will likely be ruined by our other daily camp activity.
Clothes
Other that the standard clothes listed in the programme here, a couple more tee-shirts are advised. These are for cycling in and can be any type, preferably hard wearing. If you have the wherewithall a wicking top, for example from the Peter Storm, Patagonia, North Face, or Helly Hensen ranges. This is not necessary, but useful.
An extra pair of durable shorts are worthwhile bringing. Padded or lycra shorts are not necessary as we won't be doing very long journeys, but if you already have these and can risk the wear and tear, do feel free to bring them along. Again, this is not necessary.
If you have gloves, cycling or any other type (preferably not too thick), please bring them along. If you don't have any gloves, please pack an pair of worn out socks in which we can cut thumb holes. Sometimes it's worthwhile covering very cold hands when needing to ride.
Carrying Bags
Please review the standard FSC notes on rucksacks here. Bear in mind that a rucksack is not necessary for our camp, as whilst out on hike everything is expected to fit in pannier bags and on the bike pannier rack as discussed in the bike kit needs. However, to get kit to camp is likely to take a some more space, and a rucksack or similar size holdall bag will be necessary. Do feel free to bring an extra bag and maybe align this with smaller bag designed for hydration sacks as discussed above.
If your child is travelling all or part of the journey alone (for example train to escort) it is essential that they are able to handle their bike and carry their bags without assistance.
Plastic Bags
Strong clear plastic bags (bin bag size) make useful storage for clothes in tents and in rucksacks and panniers. Never assume your main bags are waterproof. Additionally, standard supermarket bags make useful temporary waterproofing for feet. This saves on buying expensive waterproof socks for cycling in rainy conditions.
And the Rest
Don't forget the sun cream (preferably protection factor 20 or above), insect repellent, and torch. Please make sure that your camper knows all of his or her own equipment, best done by packing with them. Please make sure that equipment is securely packed and, if it won't fit in one rucksack/holdall, bring another bag rather than tying on items which inevitably become detached and lost. A few hints or reminders on equipment.
- If bringing a tent, please check it before leaving to make sure that there are enough pegs, poles and other bits. If it's new, please try to put it up in the dry at home before having to put it up in a storm on the first afternoon! Spare guy-ropes and string often come in handy with a tent.
- Torch batteries mysteriously go flat when no one is looking. It is sensible to pack your torch without the battery in it, and to bring spare batteries. Do consider newer LED lights.
- Please make sure all clothing and equipment is labelled. With something upward of 2000 items of clothing on a camp, it is not enough to assume something is ‘personal’ enough to be easily identifiable by a camper or their staff.
- We intend to have as much fun on the run as we would on a normal camp. If you can, please bring musical instruments and ‘dressing up’ clothes. We do want to see a rider wearing a pink tutu, safely of course!
Summary Check List
Here is a check list of all that is written above.
- Check the standard FSC kit list
- Light shoes for cycling
- Extra tee shirts and shorts
- Something to carry water in
- Locking plastic box to carry food in
- Clear plastic bags for tent and lining bags
- Check and label your equipment
- Fun things/clothes as well
- Let us know you understand all of this!
Other Kit Queries
If there are any more questions, please feel free to email us at Rushall2010Chiefs@FensReunited.org.
Please confirm that you have read and understood this webpage by emailing us at Rushall2010Chiefs@FensReunited.org.
Blue Sky
Rad and Craig
Rushall2010Chiefs@FensReunited.org
