Meerkat Camping License

In SCOUTS South Africa, a camping license theory course is an adult leader training module.

It covers the essential policies, safety rules, and administrative frameworks required before a volunteer leader can legally take young children or youth members on overnight outdoor adventures.

Core Topics Covered in Camping License Theory

• Scouting Policies & Governance: Understanding national rules for youth camping, ratios of adults to children, and legal compliance.
• Safe Scouting & Risk Management: Protocols for emergency preparedness, health and safety, and keeping youth safe from harm.
• Camp Planning & Logistics: Site selection, structuring age-appropriate programs, and managing consent or permit paperwork.
• Catering & Cost Efficiency: Planning nutritional, budget-friendly camp menus and managing group food supplies.
• Practical Survival & Management: Strategies tailored to specific age groups (such as surviving a 24-hour camp with very young children).

License Requirements & Maintenance

• Practical Follow-up: Theoretical training is normally paired with or followed by a practical, monitored camp assessment before the official license is granted.
• Validity & Renewal: Licenses typically require active for 5 years, providing you practice — such as running or assisting on a branch camp at least once every two years.

Keeping a File

You need to compile a file for your theory. Amongst other things it must include:

• Permit

• Invite
• Communication
  • first letter to parents
  • second letter to parents
  • any other communication to parents
• Program
  • Including detailed instructions for every activity.
  • a few copies, incl printable program to stick up
  • Inclement weather program
• Campfire Program
• Meerkats Own Program

• Emergency contact info
• Full safety plan for every eventuality.
  • list of possible hazards
  • cooking safety plan
  • safety procedures
  • evacuation point printable sign
• Map and directions to nearest private hospital

• Consent forms for each meerkat and sibling
• Adult consent forms for each parent and helper
• Attendance list
• Delegates List - which adult helper is doing what (timekeeper, cook, activities, observer, etc)
• Water activity license certificate

• Meerkat kit list (picture and written)
• Family kit list (written)
• Mess kit list

• Full menu (picture and written)
  • dietary requirements
• Recipes and detailed instructions and for all meals

• Campsite Plan
• Rules for camp

• Printable numbers for boxes, and detailed contents lists for each box

• First Aid area kit list
• First Aid box Kit list
• First Aid Incident report log form
• Medication log form
• Scouts Incident report forms
• First Aid certificate

• Equipment list
  • Camping
  • Catering
  • Activities
  • Name Tags \ Printables
  • Cleaning
  • Badges

• Logistics details

• Venue info
  • weather
  • ablutions
  • safety
  • cell reception
  • pool \ river \ ponds \ other bodies of water
  • drinking water
  • costs
  • address
  • contact info (office hours and after hours)
  • venue layout

• Budget
  • spreadsheet
    • Venue
    • catering
    • crafting
    • badges
    • admin\printing

• Accountability

• Feedback forms

• Logbook start

Program details

• Consider venue suitability and costs
  • Duration and timing and free time
  • Theme integration
  • Parent Involvement
  • Safety Consideration

• Arrival at camp
  • Registration and assign burrows for weekends
  • Give burrow buffs or nametags

• Camp rules and opening

• Tent and campfire setup

• Activity sessions
  • steam release games
  • wide games
  • quiet games
  • theme based crafts

• Cooking time, meals and cleanups

• Outdoor exploration
  • scavenger hunts
  • obstacle course

• Supervised free time \ free play

• Evening activities
  • camp fire
  • night walk with torches
  • star gazing
  • themed games
  • hygiene time

• Morning routine
  • wakeup and hygiene
  • breakfast

• Meerkats Own

• Closing game

• Packup and cleanup

• Consider time of day and heat

• Elements of balanced program
  • Physical activities
  • creative activities
  • learning elements
  • free play
  • rest
  • parent child bonding
  • water breaks
  • sunblock breaks
  • toilet breaks
  • meals

• Meerkats Own (10-15 min)
  • based in nature
    • Non denominational
    • thought provoking reading
    • song
    • story with moral
    • discussion on camp