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.
*NEW* What information is available to help me prepare for Camp EPIC?
We've produced a range of documents to help you get ready for Camp EPIC, including:
- Camp Timetable
- Menu
- Kit Lists (see lists below)
- EPIC Consent & Health Form
- Vehicle Parking Permit
- Activity Consent Waiver Form
- Girlguiding Health Form
*NEW* Which consent forms do participants need to complete?
This depends on whether they are staying overnight or attending for the day.
Overnight participants must complete:
Day visitors only need to complete the Camp EPIC Activity Consent Waiver Form and EPIC Consent & Health Form.
*NEW* What is the Activity Consent Waiver?
The Activity Consent Waiver is an online form required by River Dart Country Park and their activity provider for anyone taking part in adventurous activities during Camp EPIC (Girls and volunteers). We have also included consent for Girlguiding-led activities within the same form to make the process as simple as possible. If you email the link to the waiver form to all your girls and leaders, it will take them to an online form to complete.
*NEW* When do the consent forms need to be completed?
The Activity Consent Waiver Form which was to be completed by 17 July 2026.
The EPIC Consent & Health Form should be completed by the Unit Leader and brought with you to Camp EPIC, where participants will wear it on a lanyard throughout the event.
*NEW* How will leaders / lead bookers know if parents have completed the waiver forms online apart from them telling us?
We will be checking the number of completed forms against booking numbers and will share the list with leaders once they’ve all been received. This will tell you what is still outstanding, allowing you to follow up with parents or carers before the deadline. We are also hoping to have a link for leaders to be able to view the replies for their unit directly but this isn’t ready to be shared yet. As soon as it is ready we will send it to lead bookers.
*NEW* What is the EPIC Consent & Health Form?
The EPIC Consent & Health Form is completed by the Unit Leader before arrival and contains essential information about each participant. These forms will be worn by participants throughout the weekend to ensure our First Aid, Safeguarding and Event Teams can quickly access important information if required.
*NEW* Can I choose where my campsite is?
We know many units have requested pitches close to the toilet facilities. Whilst we'll do our very best to meet requests wherever possible, we can't guarantee every request due to the number of units attending. There are Elsan emptying points located at River Dart so please consider this as an option. Once campsite allocations have been finalised, you'll receive your pitch details and will be able to locate your campsite using the River Dart site map.
*NEW* Are kit lists available?
Yes. We've produced kit lists (see documents below) for:
- Indoor accommodation
- Camping
- Day visitors
- Leaders
Editable PowerPoint versions have also been sent to all lead bookers, should you wish to personalise them for your own unit. You're welcome to use your own kit list instead, but please ensure all essential items are included.
*NEW* Does every vehicle need a parking permit?
Yes. A parking permit is required for every vehicle entering River Dart Country Park (including leaders, parents/carers and equipment vehicles), please display your permit clearly when arriving.
*NEW* Can I park next to my campsite?
No. You may drive to your campsite or accommodation to unload before moving your vehicle to one of the designated event car parks. There will be no parking alongside campsites during the event.
*NEW* Will there be help unloading?
Yes. Our Service Crew will be available throughout arrival to help carry equipment and assist units who need support unloading.
*NEW* Is disabled parking available?
Yes. There is a dedicated disabled parking area will be available close to the event but parking spaces are limited and will be available on a first come first served basis.
*NEW* I'm arriving by coach. What do I need to do?
If your unit is travelling by coach, we'll send separate arrival instructions directly to the coach company or driver before the event.
*NEW* Where do Rainbows arrive?
Rainbows arriving on Saturday morning (8.30am) should report to Dart View Field, just before the main entrance to River Dart Country Park. Parents and carers should both drop off and collect from Dart View. Rainbow Leaders will also park in this area.
*NEW* Will awards be presented at Camp EPIC?
Yes. We'll be celebrating achievements during our Opening and Closing Ceremonies, including Long Service Awards, Gold Awards and Leadership Qualifications.
*NEW* Will there be Camp EPIC clothing and merchandise?
Yes. Camp EPIC clothing is here! We’ve partnered with One Stop Scouting to bring you the best Camp EPIC wardrobe! Orders must be placed by 16th August!
You can find our clothing range on the One Stop Scouting website under events or through this link: https://www.onestopscouting.co.uk/camp-epic-2026
*NEW* Can girls bring scooters to Camp EPIC?
Yes! Girls are welcome to bring their own scooter to use on the pump track during the weekend. Please ensure that:
- Scooters are clearly labelled with the owner's name and unit.
- A suitable helmet is worn whenever the scooter is being used.
- Scooters are only used in the designated pump track area and not around the campsite, roadways or activity areas.
- Girls are supervised in line with normal Girlguiding ratios while using the pump track and will need to be supervised by their own leaders.
- Scooters are in good working condition before being brought to camp.
Please note that scooters are brought entirely at the owner's risk. Neither Girlguiding Devon nor River Dart Country Park can accept responsibility for loss, damage or theft of personal equipment. The pump track is a great opportunity for girls to have fun, build confidence and develop new skills, and we hope those who choose to bring a scooter enjoy making the most of it.
*NEW* Do we have to bring toilet paper?
Yes, we would recommend it. Although the venue provides toilet paper, with so many people on site over the weekend there can occasionally be times when supplies need replenishing, and we want to avoid anyone being caught short before facilities are restocked.
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
Do you have a template email I can send to parents to tell them about Camp EPIC?
Yes — we’ve created a ready-made template you can use. Just download it, add your unit details, and share it with parents and carers.
👉 Download the parent template email
What night are Rainbows staying?
Rainbows will be staying on Saturday night. They’ll join us on Saturday morning (8.30am) to enjoy a full day of activities and camp overnight. These Rainbows will leave after breakfast on Sunday morning (9.00am).
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 is available here https://devonguides.org.uk/events/county-camp-2026/info-for-units.
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.
*NEW* What are the drop off arrangements?
We are going to have a one-way system that goes either to the indoor accommodation or to the campsites and parents/units/leaders will drop off either outside the indoor accommodation or to campsite pitches. We've obviously got a lot of people to get on site, so parents will need to drop off and then move on quite quickly so that we can keep the traffic flowing (although there'll be time to say goodbyes!).
Coaches are going to have a separate arrival and those units will be notified separately about the arrangements. .
Every vehicle that's coming on site needs to have a parking permit https://devonguides.org.uk/files/docs/EPIC_Parking_permit.pdf . Please display these in the windows. This includes parents and visitors.
We will have separate car parks for the coaches and we've got accessible parking. No cars will be staying on the campsite.
Can we leave camp early on Sunday?
Yes. We understand that early September is a busy time for families, and some units may wish to leave after breakfast or after lunch on Sunday (9.00am). That’s absolutely fine — please just make sure your plans are agreed with your unit leaders and communicated to the camp team.
Can leaders that are not attending Camp EPIC help with pitching and striking?
Leaders who are not attending the camp but are assisting with pitching and striking will be permitted onsite. Leaders will also be able to arrive in advance of the girls on Friday.
Safeguarding, Health & Safety
*NEW* Safeguarding at Camp EPIC
The safety and wellbeing of every child, young person and adult at Camp EPIC is everyone's responsibility. Please take time to read the Camp EPIC Safeguarding information here (or found in the documents below) before arriving on site.
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?
All adult volunteers at the event will be DBS-checked and have the minimum Safer Guiding 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. All first aid carried out on a child will be written onto their EPIC consent form, which they will all have in their Camp EPIC lanyard.
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 some campsites and in the indoor accommodation.
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 in place, 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.
Can leaders arrive before girls?
Yes, leaders can arrive in advance of girls from 2pm on Friday 4th September.
Are there drinking water points on site?
Yes, there are multiple drinking water points available across the site. These are clearly marked on the event map.
Will a map of the River Dart site be available?
Yes, a site map will be available to download in advance, and a link will be provided here once finalised.
Who will we be camping with?
Information about camping groups and allocations will be shared once bookings and group details have been finalised.
Are there laundry facilities on site?
Yes, laundry facilities are available. Further information can be found on the River Dart Country Park website.
Are dogs allowed on site?
Dogs are not permitted on site, with the exception of registered assistance dogs.
Licences, Residential Event Notification (REN), Going Away With Scheme (GAW) 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. Also, a health form for domestic travel – if sleeping.
There is also an Activity Consent Waiver Form(link is external) required for every attendee.
The EPIC Consent & Health Form(link is external) should be completed by the Unit Leader and brought with you to Camp EPIC, where participants will wear it on a lanyard throughout the event.
Do I need to complete a REN?
Individual RENs will not be required per unit/group, however names and membership for all adults attending will need to be submitted at stage two of the booking process. This is to ensure the event planning team can carry out checks that (i) ALL volunteers attending have the required DBS and the minimum Safer Guiding training; and (ii) across the event we have enough first aiders and going away qualifications. Ideally, each unit will know whose licence they are attending under and be located near to them.
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.
Will Going Away With (GAW) top-up opportunities be available?
Yes, but please contact us in advance at campepic2026@devonguides.org.uk as assessments will be done on a first come first serve basis and those undertaking the new outdoor module will have additional things to do.
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.
Do all adults attending Camp EPIC need to (i) be on GO; (ii) have the required Safer Guiding training; and (iii) either hold an up to date DBS or undertake a criminal records check?
Yes. All members and non-member volunteers attending Camp EPIC 2026 must already be assigned a role on GO, have the required minimum Safer Guiding training and hold a valid DBS check at the time of the event. You can find more information about Girlguiding’s recruitment and vetting procedures here:👉 Recruitment and Vetting Policy – Girlguiding
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 are taking part in activity outside of your normal meeting place and time, you must assign a responsible adult as home contact. We are going to be setting up an event home contact and for that we will need is access to the details of all your home contacts. Please send them to campepic2026@devonguides.org.uk
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 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 will have a safeguarding lead on site. So
I think if you need to make a disclosure or a safe report, a safeguarding incident during the event, please contact us on the event phone and we will be able to put you in touch with the right people or person. 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?
There will be a leaders briefing on Friday evening at 9pm. and this will be at 9:00 (we would just ask for a representative from each booking to attend). We will let you know where we're going to hold that nearer the time.
Is there a plan for managing lost girls, lost property, incidents, or unexpected changes?
River Dart Country Park has its own emergency procedures for locating missing people, including a full site lockdown and search process. To avoid unnecessary major incidents being triggered, any concerns about a missing young member should be raised by a Leader or adult volunteer rather than another young member. If you believe a girl is missing, please contact the Event Team, River Dart staff, or use the event phone immediately so that the appropriate procedures can be put in place.
If a young member approaches you because they cannot find their Leader or friend, please reassure them and help reunite them with their unit. All participants will be wearing event lanyards, which should help identify their unit, but if a girl is not wearing hers, gather as much information as possible, including her name, unit/location, whether she is camping indoors or outdoors, and her Leader’s name. Please encourage girls to know their Leader’s actual name rather than just “Brown Owl” or another nickname, as this will help us locate the right person quickly.
If a Leader cannot locate a young member, please first check with the rest of your unit that they do not know where she is, and gather key information such as where she was last seen, what activity she was attending, and any possible locations she may have gone to. The Event Team will then work with River Dart to begin the appropriate search process. Due to the size of the site, the more information we have at the start, the quicker we can support the search.
[Remember: this is a large scale event with 100’s of girls, please can girls, parents, volunteers and leaders ensure everything is labelled.]
Other questions you may have
Can I smoke or vape on site?
We’d like Camp Epic to be a no-smoking/vaping event as far is reasonably possible. Smoking is not permitted in any accommodation or activity areas, but designated smoking/vaping areas will be provided. Further information can be found here Health, safety and welfare procedure