Beginners' Bushcraft and Survival

The beginners bushcraft and suvival camp is aimed at Scouts aged youth (and up). It is a weekend of activities that includes demonstrations, discussions and mentoring in the six survival priorities. The camp is designed to give participants some foundation skills that will allow them to develop skills for future activities that require less reliance on equipment and focus on using natural resources more, whilst carefully consdering human impact. 

Activities usually include building a latrine, building improvised shelters (using man-made items brought to camp), various firelighting methods, water procurement and treatment, useful plants, natural navigation and emergency signalling. 

This camp will be conducted at Wondalga Scout Camp (near Tumut/ Adelong) and there are natural hazards at the site. It is also known to be very cold so it is important to be suitably prepared for cold and wet conditions.

If conditions are suitable, one aim is to spend at least one night in an improvised shelter. Some hutiches will be made available for this, but please bring a small tarp as well. 

Any groups having youth members attending are also required to have a registered adult (current leader or adult helper) attending to help cover two adults present and suitable supervision for the activity.

The activity will involve using knives, and potentially other bush tools. Participants need to bring a folding blade knife. Knifework will include discussions about knife legislation and safety. 

Please see the attached equipment participant equipment list in documents for information about what you will need to bring. As part of the camp, one aim is to consider what meals you could potentially make in a survival situation. The event is a catered event, however participants will be required to prepare, cook and clean-up their own meals. Carefully read the menu advice and discuss with the activity leader if you have any questions or concerns. 

The activity will be led by Simon Smith "Hawk" (Scout Leader from 1st Tumut)