Hillside scout campsite in Henfield Date 16th / 17th May 2026

This is also a great opportunity to find out more about the various activities that West Sussex Scouts offer, whether that is target sport permits, events, climbing, sailing or other opportunities.

We are running three types of activities:

Market style stalls

Experience Volunteer who can be on-hand to offer support and answer questions about specific activities/ areas of scouting for example:

  • Governance/trustee board/safety/safeguarding -for quick sense check or in-depth advice.
  • Top Awards & the Duke of Edinburgh advisors to help give advice on how to empower more Young People to succeed.
  • Growth & Development – how to attract new volunteers, be proactive and build sustainability for your sections/group/district. Or thinking about opening a new section? -then this is for you.
  • The Downsman team will be there to offer suggestions on preparing a team to enter the hike or talk about how to support a checkpoint.
  • Go Beavers – do you have questions around supporting Go Beavers as a volunteer or thinking about bringing your Young People for the first time.
  • We also have advisors who are skilled in: Sailing/Climbing/Archery/Shooting/Inclusion/Night’s Away etc who are on hand to help and offer advice.

Practical Skills

Adult volunteers with skills to demonstrate hands-on practical skills. Enable leaders to swap ideas, learn new skills, feel confident and energised with lots of new ways to revamp your adventurous program.

  • Fire lighting
  • Paracord
  • Backwoods cooking
  • Pioneering

Just for fun!

Volunteers able to allow other leaders to ‘play at scouting’ for example:

  • Archery
  • Tomahawk throwing
  • Campfire

Sign Up

This is a free to attend, catered camp, however, as a trial- it has limited capacity, please ensure that you are able to attend before you sign up- whilst we appreciate that things happen- if you need to cancel, please do so as soon as possible to allow someone else to take your place.

Sign up at here

Key information

Camping – All pitches are allocated first-come first-served.

  • Please keep your camp size to a minimum to help us fit everyone in. Please don’t erect fences or save space for others arriving later.
  • Please keep paths, marked emergency access and any other zones closed off or signposted clear. Leave 1 m clear between tents, and 3 m around buildings and toilet blocks for emergencies and servicing.
  • Attendee vehicles will not be allowed onto campsites at any time and all gates will be closed.
  • There is a limited amount of shared indoor accommodation in the form of bunkbeds also available, these will be first-come-first served style. You will still need to bring your own bedding.

Parking – is extremely limited – please car share where possible, parking is available at Mackley Engineering, Bankside House, Henfield Road, Small Dole, West Sussex, BN5 9XQ

Check-in – Please proceed to the first gazebo nearest the flagpole marked ‘Reception’ to sign in, before you pitch your tent.

Etiquette – To ensure everyone has an enjoyable stay, please remember the following:

  • Everyone’s welcome at Scouts – be respectful of other people around you.
  • Don’t walk through other people’s pitches and respect their privacy.
  • Please report any damage or other issues at reception so we can make it safe or fix it.
  • Please respect the campsite by using the bins and leaving facilities as you found them.
  • Quiet hours on camping fields are from 22:00 until 07:00. Please turn off generators and avoid disturbing others.

There are a few simple things that you can do to help keep you and others safe during the event:

  • If you see anything you think might be a hazard, please report it to a member of the Events Team. Be conscious of your own wellbeing and safety and look out for others.
  • Complete a risk assessment for your own camping area and equipment,
  • Be prepared! If you’re walking around after dark, take a torch.

Catering

Please bring you own cutlery and crockery. Washing up equipment will be available at the outdoor washing stations.

Our caterers are only able to cater for allergies and the dietary requirements you selected when booking your ticket. They cannot provide for preferences or tastes.

Our Event Team are volunteers who have given up their time to make your visit safe and enjoyable. Please keep the Scouts values in mind when interacting with others. We have a zero-tolerance approach to any type of abuse – you will be removed from the site and details shared with your Lead Volunteer and/or the police.

FAQ’s

  • Do I need nights away permit to attend?
    • No
  • Do I need experience in camping?
    • No
  • Can under 18’s attend?
    • No, this is for over 18 members only.
  • Can I bring my child?  Pet?
    • No
  • Will there be a bar?
    • No, however, you may bring your own choice of beverage- please remember to drink responsibly.
  • Will I get a permit at the end of the weekend?
    • No, you will not gain the permit at the end of the weekend.