Family Camp 2026 – It’s A Washout!
We’re looking forward to welcoming over 150+ members, families, volunteers and siblings from across the 41st for another huge Family Camp weekend. This year’s theme is “It’s a Washout!” – expect challenges, wide games, camp cooking, sub camps, evening campfires and plenty of Scouting fun.
📍 Location: Branchet Lodge, Gilwell Park, Gilwell Ln, London E4 7QW
📅 Dates: Friday 5 June – Sunday 7 June 2026
Whether it’s your first Family Camp or your tenth, the weekend is all about bringing the 41st together for a proper shared Scouting experience. Throughout the weekend everyone will be split into one of our four Family Camp sub camps taking on challenges and working together across the weekend.
- 🦌 Stag (Pink)
- 🦅 Eagle (Green)
- 🦁 Lion (Red)
- 🐺 Wolf (Black)
The weekend is designed to be relaxed, welcoming and suitable for both experienced campers and families attending for the first time. Leaders and volunteers will be on hand throughout the weekend to help everyone settle in and enjoy the activities.
First Time Camping?
If this is your family’s first camp experience, don’t worry! Family Camp is designed to be friendly and relaxed. Many families attending will be camping for the first time and there will always be volunteers around to help with:
- pitching tents
- where to camp
- what kit is needed (see list below)
- camp routines
- any questions over the weekend
If you are unsure about anything before camp, please speak to the leadership team.
Kit List
Pack in rucksacks or duffel bags rather than hard suitcases – there is a walk from the car park to camp. Label everything, especially water bottles, hoodies and sleeping bags. Tents will be provided for Cubs, Scouts and Explorers only.
Kit List
- 41st T-shirt/Hoodie
- 41st necker (you will be loaned a sub-camp necker for the weekend — please return it; this applies to adults and siblings too)
- Sleeping mat (unless indoors)
- Sleeping bag
- Torch + spare batteries
- Cup and water bottle with your name on — we do not supply these!
- Tea towel (for washing up duties)
- Wash kit + towel
- Warm clothing
- Waterproof coat and over-trousers
- Walking boots/old trainers
- A full change of wet-activity clothing (including shoes that can get wet — no open toes)
- A separate towel for after wet activities
- Bag with all kit labelled
- Tent (families only — young people tents provided for Cubs/Scouts/Explorers)
- Adults 18+: drinks/snacks for the later campfire
- Cake for Saturday afternoon tea — hand in on arrival, labelled with allergens
- Personal first aid kit
To help us manage allergies, catering and food safety, please do not bring additional food for young people onto site unless agreed in advance with the camp team.
Drop-off, Arrivals & Collection
With over 150+ people arriving on site across the weekend, please allow extra time when arriving and follow the parking instructions carefully to help us keep everything running smoothly.
Arrivals & Parking
When you arrive, please enter through the main gate and follow the drive up to the main car park on the right-hand side. Once parked, follow the path across the field towards Wilson Way and then onwards to Branch Lodge on the right-hand side.
Please be prepared for a short walk from the car park to the campsite area. A limited number of wheelbarrows will be available to help transport kit; however, where possible, please pack belongings in rucksacks or duffel bags to make carrying equipment easier.
Arrival Times
- Friday arrivals: From 6:00pm onwards
- Saturday arrivals: From 8:30am
On arrival, all participants must report to the 41st reception desk, book in with the camp team before setting up tents. At reception, please:
- Hand in any medication
- Confirm any dietary requirements
- Book in with the camp team
Collection & Departure
For Saturday, camp will finish following the campfire on Saturday evening, expected to be around 8:00pm.
For Sunday, collection and site departure must be completed by 12:30 noon.
Site Information & Map
This map is not an exact scale drawing, but it should give everyone a good idea of the general campsite layout, where different sections are camping and how the weekend will be organised.
Camp Itinerary
Friday 5 June – Arrival & Camp Setup
| Time | Activity |
| 18:00–19:15 | Family arrivals, check-in and tent pitching |
| 19:15–20:15 | Team crafts and sub-camp activities |
| 20:15–20:30 | Opening welcome and safety |
| 20:30–21:30 | Hot dogs, popcorn, marshmallows and campfire |
| 21:30–22:30 | Evening wide game |
| 23:00–23:30 | Lights out |
Saturday 6 June – Activities & Full Activity Day
| Time | Activity |
| 07:30–09:30 | Breakfast and optional morning dance! |
| 10:00–12:30 | Activity bases |
| 12:30–13:30 | Lunch |
| 13:30–15:00 | Scout Wipeout / It’s a Knockout – Part 1 |
| 15:00–15:30 | Afternoon tea and cakes |
| 15:30–17:00 | Scout Wipeout / It’s a Knockout – Main event |
| 17:00–18:00 | Free time and free time around camp |
| 17:45–18:45 | Dinner |
| 19:00–20:30 | Gilwell campfire |
| 20:30–22:30 | Wide game and outdoor cinema |
| 23:00–23:30 | Lights out |
Sunday 7 June – Pack Down & Departure
| Time | Activity |
| 07:30–09:00 | Full English breakfast |
| 09:00–10:30 | Pack down camp and clean-up |
| 10:30–11:00 | Closing ceremony and awards |
| 11:00–12:30 | Final Gilwell activities |
| 12:30 onwards | Depart site |
Parent Helpers & Camp Jobs
A parent helper rota will be available during the weekend covering things such as washing up, activity support, meal service and general camp tasks. Please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the rota and volunteer for slots where you can help.
Family Camp 2026 – Parent Rota
Many hands make light work — and it helps make the weekend possible for everyone.
Safety, Welfare & Expectations
The safety and wellbeing of everyone attending Family Camp remains our priority throughout the weekend. A First Aid and Welfare Point will be located alongside Reception next to the kitchen area. Any accidents or welfare concerns should be reported there as soon as possible, where Jo will be based throughout the weekend. James will act as the event Safeguarding Lead for the weekend.
Behaviour & Camp Expectations
- Gilwell Park is an enclosed site; however, everyone must remain within the immediate campsite area unless taking part in a supervised activity.
- Please respect other campers, volunteers, equipment and the campsite facilities at all times.
- Any damage, breakages or welfare concerns should be reported to leaders immediately.
- Quiet hours operate between 10:30pm and 7:30am to help everyone rest.
- No adult should ever be alone one-to-one with a young person.
- Adults should not enter Cub, Scout or Explorer tents unless required for safety or welfare reasons. If there is an issue or concern, please speak to a member of the leadership team.
- Young people should not enter adult tents unless with a parent/carer or as part of an authorised activity.
- All adults attending are expected to follow the Scouts Yellow Card and national safeguarding guidance at all times.
- Adults aged 18+ may gather socially around the campfire once young people are settled for the evening. Alcohol may be consumed responsibly and in moderation and in line with Scouts Yellow Card and Green Card guidance.
Before attending camp, all adults should ensure they have read and understood current Scouts safeguarding and alcohol guidance.
