There are many different ways of running a camp. Below is a list of some of the things you will need to do during the week. Also included are tasks relevant to most camps that are easily forgotten by a busy leader!
 

DAY ONE

1) Arrive! If possible, get there early – Check site (Are materials and plant where they’re supposed to be?) – If you don’t have a cook, go shopping. Or help the cook with shopping if they need it.
2) Make sure you have all station pick-ups covered.
3) Welcome volunteers as they arrive – make sure there’s a pot of tea!
4) Check kit (tools and catering) – try to mix up the volunteers.
5) Unpack accommodation kit with cook’s input.
6) Sort tools ready to go on site.
7) Check all your volunteers have arrived.
8) Go on a site tour if you have time – take ‘before’ photos.
9) Safety induction
o Welcome the volunteers – thank them for coming – explain the purpose of the week.
o Safety talk
o Safety video
o Distribute PPE
o Get them to sign the sheet to say they’ve had the induction
o At the end – ask them to tell you after the talk if they are on any medication or have any special food requirements.
10) Evening – dinner followed by group outing/activity (doesn’t have to be the pub!)
 

DAYS 2-6

Covered in the ‘general ongoing’ part.
 

DAY 7 (normally Friday)

1) Confirm van and kit movements with leaders of next camp.
2) Shop for presents (e.g. for cook, assistant, new volunteers)
3) Make sure tools are cleaned thoroughly at the end of the day.
4) Take photos – ‘after’ photo and group photo.
5) Have a bit of a party! Most camps have a BBQ on the last night.
6) Invite the locals to join you (if the cook doesn’t mind extras).
7) Thank everyone for their work – congratulate them!
8) Thank the locals.
 

DAY 8 (last day)

1) Make sure everyone can get home safely – check train times, station runs etc.
2) Wash vans and trailer
3) Check kit. Make sure it’s clean. Pack it tidily.
4) Sign D of E books and give them back.
5) If you can – make a CD of the photos and give everyone a copy. Send copy to Martin Ludgate, Jen and anyone else who might find it useful.
6) Accounts – pay back any outstanding debts – send to head office when done (along with any other paperwork – e.g. list of signatures from safety talk)
7) Send camera cards to head office.
8) Clean accommodation.
9) Tea towels – send to appropriate person for laundering.
10)  Left over food – try ringing cook/leader of next camp to see if they want it. Otherwise, give to students or throw away!
11)  Return accommodation keys.
12)  Go home and collapse!