Camp EPIC 2026: Additional information for units

Camp EPIC 2026 couldn’t happen without our amazing leaders. This page is here to support you and your unit with everything you need to bring your unit to camp — from bookings and logistics to safeguarding and programme information. You’ll also find resources to help prepare your girls (and yourself!) for an incredible weekend of adventure.

Content will continue to be added regularly to this page. For now, we’ve included some key FAQs to answer the most common questions.

Here’s a reminder of residential ratios

Rainbows: Maintain adult to child ratios of 1:4 (not including the event coordinator). There must be at least 3 adults present at all times.

Brownies: Maintain an adult to child ratio of 1:6, with at least 3 adults present, or 2 at the commissioner's discretion.

Guides: Maintain an adult to child ratio of 1:12, with at least 3 adults present, or 2 at the commissioner's discretion.

Rangers: There's no required adult-to-child ratio for a Rangers residential, but there must be at least 2 adults present, or 1 at the commissioner's discretion.

Young Leaders: 1 or more 18-year-old Rangers may share sleeping areas with other Rangers if they're all attending as young members. If attending in a leadership role, for example leader or unit helper, those 18 and over should follow the sleeping arrangements for adult volunteers.

[Remember: Leaders can look to parent helpers or occasional helpers. Reach out to leaders from units who aren’t attending - not just in their immediate area but county wide. There maybe leaders who aren’t currently attached to units but would love to come! Trefoil guild members would be a good resource too and really want to be involved.]

Additional information for units

What night are Rainbows staying?
Rainbows will be staying on Saturday night. They’ll join us on Saturday morning to enjoy a full day of activities and camp overnight. The current plan is then for Rainbows to leave after breakfast on Sunday morning, but if that changes we'll let people now.

Is this a uniformed event?
Uniform will be required for arrival and departure from camp and possibly for the opening and closing ceremonies. Appropriate clothing should be worn at other times. Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities. Make sure you bring clothing and footwear for all types of weather – sun, wind, or rain – as we’ll be outdoors most of the time. A full kit list will be made available nearer the event to help you pack.

Will there be a badge competition for the girls?
Yes! Girls will have the chance to create a design that captures the spirit of the event — empowerment, participation, imagination, and challenge. Full details, including how to enter and the deadline, can be found in the Camp EPIC 2026 badge competition entry form. We can’t wait to see their ideas come to life!

Why does every unit need to make a separate booking?
Each unit needs to make a separate booking so that we can keep track of numbers accurately and manage any changes smoothly. This helps us see exactly who is attending, make adjustments if numbers go up or down, and ensure that every unit is properly accounted for. It’s mainly an admin process behind the scenes, but it’s really important for us to have this clarity when planning such a large event. We appreciate your understanding — having each unit book separately means we can run the event more efficiently and make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible for everyone.

Our unit is struggling to attend because of low volunteer numbers, or we have several units but can only bring one — what can we do?
We want as many girls as possible to experience Camp Epic, and we’re here to help you make that happen! If your unit is short on volunteers, remember that parent helpers or occasional helpers can support you at camp. You can also reach out to other leaders across the county, not just in your immediate area — there may be leaders who aren’t currently attached to a unit but would love to join in and help. Don’t forget the Trefoil Guild — they’re a fantastic resource and many members are keen to be part of the adventure too! If you’re still finding it difficult to attend, please contact your district or division commissioner. They can help explore options and connect you with others so your girls don’t miss out on this epic experience.

Can parents drop off their girls at the River Dart Country Park if units don’t want to use coaches?
Yes. There is plenty of space for parents to drop off and pick up children at the River Dart Country Park. We’ll have a clear drop-off and pick-up system in place to make this process safe, smooth, and well-organised for everyone.

Safeguarding, Health & Safety

Will the River Dart Country Park be open to the public during Camp EPIC 2026?
No — the River Dart Country Park will be closed to visitors for the weekend of Camp EPIC 2026. This means the site will be exclusively for Girlguiding Devon members and volunteers. Having the park to ourselves ensures a safe, private, and fully Girlguiding environment for everyone to enjoy the weekend’s activities.

Who looks after the girls at camp?
Each unit will attend with their own leaders, supported by the wider camp crew.

Are there any known environmental risks (e.g. water, fire, terrain) that units should plan for?
Yes – the site includes a lake and some uneven terrain, so care should be taken near the water and when moving around camp. There will also be a range of adventurous activities taking place, all run by qualified instructors. River Dart Country Park has well-established safety processes in place for all on-site activities. As with any outdoor event, there is also a small risk of fire, so we’ll have clear safety rules and procedures in place. All activities will be fully risk assessed, and leaders will receive guidance to help their units plan and prepare safely.

What safeguarding measures are in place?
Most adult volunteers are DBS-checked and have the appropriate Girlguiding A Safe Space training.

What first aid provision will there be?
We will finalise first aid provision nearer the event, but it is likely that unit leaders will deal with first aid initially and the River Dart Country Park team will be there to provide advice if required. River Dart Country Park have their own first aid point but leaders must follow Girlguiding policies and procedures for recording and reporting accidents.

Medication will be managed by unit leaders. If fridges are required for medication storage and leaders need assistance with organising this, they can email the Camp team at campepic2026@devonguides.org.uk. There is electric on all campsites and in the indoor accommodation. Gas fridges are permitted on site too.

River Dart Country Park's First Aid station is located near the Holne Park House Reception, and visitors can ask any staff member for assistance in accessing it for first aid needs. The facility is wheelchair accessible.

What medical support will be available?
A First Aid team and welfare hub will be on-site throughout the camp.

What if a child needs medication?
Medication can be handed to leaders at the start of camp with clear instructions.

What happens in an emergency?
We have a full emergency and evacuation plan, and local emergency services are aware of the event.

Do I need to arrange insurance to attend?
We don't think so, but this is an important question, and we’re still making thorough checks. The Camp Epic team is working hard to plan every aspect carefully to make sure everyone has a safe, inclusive and exciting experience. We’ll update this section as soon as more information is available.

Going Away With Scheme (GAW), licences and consent

Will I need to complete a risk assessment?
Risk assessments for the site, activities etc will be available and shared with leaders. Units are responsible for risk assessing their travel arrangements and own campsites. Units are also responsible for risk assessing anything specific to their unit and members.

Are there any specific safety protocols units must follow?
Units will be responsible for health and information and parental consent forms. This includes either day events and activities information and consent form OR a residential event and activities information and consent form. Also, a health form for domestic travel – if sleeping.

What documentation does a unit need?
Every unit — whether you hold a licence or not — must complete a REN form, gather health information for all participants, and obtain information and parental consent. Find out more here.

Do we need someone with a Going Away With licence to attend camp?
No, you do not need someone with a Going Away With licence to attend Camp EPIC 2026. We’re planning to put those units without licences together with those that do. Pairing leaders who already hold licences with those who don’t where we can, so everyone can take part safely and in line with Girlguiding policy.

Can a leader with an indoor permit (modules 1–4) use this event to be assessed for an outdoor permit (module 8)?
We’re currently working with the Outdoor Team and GAW assessment leads to explore whether it will be possible to complete assessments for Module 8 (Camping) during the camp. More information will follow once plans are confirmed.

What further information is available?
We are encouraging all leaders to follow Girlguiding guidance and use Girlguiding’s online systems for forms and permissions. Links to the recommended online platforms and templates are provided below to make this as easy as possible.

https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-volunteers/running-your-unit/events-and-going-away/going-on-residentials/
https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-volunteers/running-your-unit/events-and-going-away/going-on-residentials/#19363_Informing+parents
https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-volunteers/running-your-unit/safeguarding-and-risk/managing-risk/setting-up-a-home-contact-system/
https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-volunteers/running-your-unit/events-and-going-away/going-on-residentials/#37783_REN+forms
https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/globalassets/docs-and-resources/safeguarding-and-risk/health-form-for-domestic-travel-pdf2.pdf

I’ve heard the Going Away With (GAW) scheme is changing — where can I find out more?
Yes — the Going Away With scheme is changing, and updates are coming. Here’s what we know so far: A new online GAW scheme is launching in October 2025. It replaces the old paper-based system with more flexibility, templates, and digital document submission.

The refreshed scheme is designed to be more accessible and easier to use, with interactive resources and support for leaders and mentees.
During a 12-month transition period, those already working through the legacy (offline) scheme can continue with that option while the new system becomes established.
You can find details and updates on the Girlguiding website here https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/new-going-away-with-scheme

What about home contact arrangements?
When you're taking part in an activity outside of your normal meeting place and time, you must assign a responsible adult as a home contact.

Guiding-Specific Responsibilities

What ratios and supervision guidelines apply during Camp Epic?
Please see the residential ratios reminder above.

Are there any activities where leaders are expected to stay with their girls vs. times they can step back?
This is an important part of our planning, and we’re still working through the details. The Camp Epic team is developing a clear plan for when leaders will need to be present and when they can take a step back. Our aim is to make sure everyone has a safe, supported, and enjoyable experience. More information will be shared once activity plans are confirmed.

Will there be any safeguarding briefings or check-ins during the event?
Yes – safeguarding is always a top priority. We’re currently finalising how safeguarding briefings and check-ins will run during Camp Epic to make sure everyone understands their responsibilities and knows how to get support. Full details will be shared closer to the event.

Are there expectations around behaviour, or representing Girlguiding Devon?
All participants and volunteers will be expected to follow Girlguiding’s Code of Conduct and behave in a way that reflects our values of care, respect and inclusion. Camp Epic is a supportive space where everyone should feel safe, welcome and able to join in. Any concerns about behaviour or wellbeing will be taken seriously and dealt with appropriately by the camp team. For more information about health, safety and welfare take a look at the Girlguiding procedure.

Preparation and Kit

Are there any items units must bring for safety or participation (e.g. torches, waterproofs)?
This is something we’re still working on. A full kit list will be shared closer to the event to help everyone prepare properly. It will include guidance on what’s needed for safety, comfort, and participation in all weather conditions. Please can all leaders make sure all items are clearly labelled.

Are there any accessibility or inclusion resources leaders should review or bring (e.g. symbol-supported materials, sensory aids)?
We’re developing guidance to support inclusion and accessibility at Camp Epic. Once details are confirmed, we’ll share resources and recommendations so every leader can plan for their girls’ individual needs and make the event accessible for all.

Communication and Support

Who should unit leaders contact during the event for safeguarding or wellbeing concerns?
Safeguarding and wellbeing are top priorities. We’re currently finalising the structure for on-site support and will share contact details and procedures before camp to make sure every leader knows who to turn to. Do email us at campepic2026@devonguides.org.uk before the event if you have questions.

Will there be a central info point or daily briefing for leaders?
We’re working on plans to make sure leaders stay informed and supported throughout the event. Details about briefings and the central information point will be confirmed and shared in due course.

Is there a plan for managing lost girls, lost property, incidents, or unexpected changes?
Yes – but we’re still finalising the practical arrangements. The camp team will have clear systems in place for handling lost girls, lost property, reporting incidents, and responding to any last-minute changes safely and efficiently.

[Remember: this is a large scale event with 100’s of girls, please can girls, parents, volunteers and leaders ensure everything is labelled.]