Bushcraft meets are an organised event, where bushcrafters can come along and meet other like minded people. Either for a day visit, or usually over a weekend. They can range in sites, from Scout camps to privatly hired woodland. Its main purpose is to meet others who share similar interests, chillout, and generally relax and have a good time swapping thoughts and ideas in an organised environment. They are not bushcraft courses! If you wish to join one, many can be found at the Bushcraftuk forum meets page.
(Minimum Requirements)
- Warm and appropriate Clothing (temperatures may drop and weather conditions may change, also consider appropriate outdoor footwear)
- Cup/Mug
- Tea/Coffee (sugar, milk)
- Water carrying devise (at least 1 litre)
- Subs (money to pay for your day visit)
- Waterproofs (if you wish to venture outside if its raining, bring appropriate waterproof clothing, or you may possibly be stuck under your communal set-up all day!)
- Food for Lunch and snacks.
- Cooking Pot/devises (depending on what and how you are cooking, bring appropriate cooking equipment as the only usual communal item is an open fire)
- Chair (if you don't want to stand around or try to find a makeshift seat)
(Minimum Requirements)
- Tent or Tarp or Hammock/Tarp (waterproof groundsheet maybe required)
- Sleeping Bag (correct seasonal type for expected minimum temperatures)
- Warm and appropriate Clothing (temperatures may drop and weather conditions may change, also consider appropriate outdoor footwear)
- Cup/Mug
- Tea/Coffee (sugar, milk)
- Water carrying devise (at least 2 litres)
- Food for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (optional snacks)
- Cooking Pot/devises (depending on what and how you are cooking, bring appropriate cooking equipment as the only usual communal item is an open fire)
- Subs (money to pay for your days/Overnights visit)
- Waterproofs (if you wish to venture outside if its raining, bring appropriate waterproof clothing, or you may possibly be stuck under your sleeping set-up all day!)
- Chair (if you don't want to stand around or try to find a makeshift seat)
- Saw/Axe (if you wish to share the heat of a communal fire, participation in collecting and cutting wood is a requirement of social exercise and etiquette!)
- Head Torch (for finding you way if you want to walk around at night)
- Knife (for general purpose activities and whittling if that's your thing)
Please note:
BORROWING KIT: It is very bad form to use anyone else's kit, no matter how inexpensive it may seem, unless you have there express permission to do so first. Even though in the past they may of allowed you to use something, it is always polite to ask every time, as over use can drain on an individuals resources, and patience. The Bushcrafting community are generally very friendly and welcoming, but kit takes a long time to acquire, and a long time to earn. Certain items may even have a sentimental quality/value to the individual. Take a view that the more you ask to use something, the higher up you list of required kit that item ascends, and possibly requires purchasing for your next meet.
COMMUNAL ITEMS: Communal items may or may not be at hand on some sites. Please ask the organiser of a meet beforehand what the site provides, regarding shelters, fires, toilet and wash facilities, water and first aid points.
PARKING: Parking and access to a site may also be limited so ask before you leave.
FEES: There is usually a fee for attending a meet, be it a day visit or an over night stay. This is usually a small sum to cover the costs of site maintenance. eg. toilet paper, site/parking maintenance, water etc. This cost does not include a tidy up service, so please place any rubbish in bins that may be provided, or take it home with you on departure.
Here is a document compiled by members of the Bushcraftuk comunity forum regarding Common Sense and Basic Good Manners around camp. Bushcraft Etiquette
