Learn how to pitch a tent correctly and safely, including choosing a suitable site, positioning, securing the tent and protecting your shelter from the weather.
Activity Overview Difficulty: EasyTime: 15–20 minutes to learn; ongoing during campingLocation: Campsites, woodland, hills and other outdoor camping areasBest for: Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Patrol Leaders, campers and outdoor enthusiastsSkills: Tent pitching, knots, tensioning, campsite organisation and weather awareness Tent guy lines are cords attached to a tent to help stabilise and tension the structure. They…
Activity Overview Difficulty: EasyTime: 10–15 minutes to learn; ongoing during campLocation: Campsites, woodland, hills and other outdoor camping areasBest for: Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Patrol Leaders, campers and outdoor enthusiastsSkills: Tent pitching, campsite management, weather awareness and outdoor problem-solving Tent condensation happens when moisture in the air inside your tent meets a colder surface, such as…
A little preparation before pitching a tent can make the whole process easier. Instead of immediately spreading the tent out and putting the poles together, take a few moments to check the equipment and make sure you’ve chosen a suitable location. For Scouts, this is a useful habit to develop because good tent pitching starts…
Tent guy lines are an important part of many tents. They help keep the tent stable, improve the shape of the fabric and provide extra support when conditions become windy. For Scouts, learning how to use guy lines properly is a useful part of understanding how a tent works rather than simply following the pitching…
Tent pegs might be small, but they play an important part in keeping a tent secure. Using the right peg, putting it into the ground correctly and checking it after pitching can make a big difference, especially when the weather changes. Learning how to use tent pegs properly is a simple camping skill that Scouts…
Choosing the right place to pitch a tent is one of the simplest camping skills to learn, but it can make a big difference to comfort, safety and how well the tent performs. A good campsite isn’t always the flattest-looking patch of grass. Scouts should learn to look at the whole area before unpacking the…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST A leaking tent is inconvenient, but severe weather can become a genuine safety issue. If conditions include strong winds, flooding, lightning or other dangerous weather, don’t stay in an unsafe location simply because you want to keep the tent dry. Follow your group’s emergency procedures and move to a safer shelter if…
