Set up and operate a camp site

D2.TTO.CL4.16
Trainee Manual
Set up and operate a
camp site
D2.TTO.CL4.16

Trainee Manual
 Project Base
William Angliss Institute of TAFE
555 La Trobe Street
Melbourne 3000 Victoria
Telephone: (03) 9606 2111
Facsimile: (03) 9670 1330
Acknowledgements
Project Director: Wayne Crosbie
Project Manager Jim Irwin
Chief Writer: Alan Hickman
Subject Writer: Alan Hickman
Editor: Jim Irwin
DTP/Production: Daniel Chee, Mai Vu, Cindy Curran

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on 8 August 1967. The Member
States of the Association are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar,
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam.
The ASEAN Secretariat is based in Jakarta, Indonesia.
General Information on ASEAN appears online at the ASEAN Website: www.asean.org.
All text is produced by William Angliss Institute of TAFE for the ASEAN Project on “Toolbox Development
for Tourism Labour Divisions for Travel Agencies and Tour Operations”.
This publication is supported by the Australian Government’s aid program through the ASEAN-Australia
Development Cooperation Program Phase II (AADCP II).
Copyright: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2015.
All rights reserved.
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure that this publication is free from errors or omissions. However, you
should conduct your own enquiries and seek professional advice before relying on any fact, statement or
matter contained in this book. The ASEAN Secretariat and William Angliss Institute of TAFE are not
responsible for any injury, loss or damage as a result of material included or omitted from this course.
Information in this module is current at the time of publication. Time of publication is indicated in the date
stamp at the bottom of each page.
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Additional images have been sourced from Flickr and SXC and are used under Creative Commons
licence: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

File name: 513888825.docx

Table of contents
Introduction to trainee manual................................................................................................1
Unit descriptor........................................................................................................................ 3
Assessment matrix................................................................................................................. 5
Glossary................................................................................................................................. 7
Element 1: Select a camp site...............................................................................................9
Element 2: Set up a camp site.............................................................................................27
Element 3: Operate a camp site..........................................................................................59
Element 4: Organise camp site activities.............................................................................81
Element 5: Break camp.....................................................................................................101
Presentation of written work...............................................................................................115
Recommended reading......................................................................................................117
Trainee evaluation sheet....................................................................................................119
Trainee self-assessment checklist......................................................................................121

© ASEAN 2015
Trainee Manual
© ASEAN 2015
Trainee Manual
 Introduction to trainee manual

Introduction to trainee manual

To the Trainee
Congratulations on joining this course. This Trainee Manual is one part of a ‘toolbox’ which is
a resource provided to trainees, trainers and assessors to help you become competent in
various areas of your work.
The ‘toolbox’ consists of three elements:
 A Trainee Manual for you to read and study at home or in class
 A Trainer Guide with Power Point slides to help your Trainer explain the content of the
training material and provide class activities to help with practice
 An Assessment Manual which provides your Assessor with oral and written questions and
other assessment tasks to establish whether or not you have achieved competency.
The first thing you may notice is that this training program and the information you find in the
Trainee Manual seems different to the textbooks you have used previously. This is because
the method of instruction and examination is different. The method used is called
Competency based training (CBT) and Competency based assessment (CBA). CBT and
CBA is the training and assessment system chosen by ASEAN (Association of South-East
Asian Nations) to train people to work in the tourism and hospitality industry throughout all
the ASEAN member states.
What is the CBT and CBA system and why has it been adopted by ASEAN?
CBT is a way of training that concentrates on what a worker can do or is required to do at
work. The aim is of the training is to enable trainees to perform tasks and duties at a
standard expected by employers. CBT seeks to develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes
(or recognise the ones the trainee already possesses) to achieve the required competency
standard. ASEAN has adopted the CBT/CBA training system as it is able to produce the type
of worker that industry is looking for and this therefore increases trainee chances of
obtaining employment.
CBA involves collecting evidence and making a judgement of the extent to which a worker
can perform his/her duties at the required competency standard. Where a trainee can
already demonstrate a degree of competency, either due to prior training or work
experience, a process of ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ (RPL) is available to trainees to
recognise this. Please speak to your trainer about RPL if you think this applies to you.
What is a competency standard?
Competency standards are descriptions of the skills and knowledge required to perform a
task or activity at the level of a required standard.
242 competency standards for the tourism and hospitality industries throughout the ASEAN
region have been developed to cover all the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to work
in the following occupational areas:
 Housekeeping
 Food Production
 Food and Beverage Service

© ASEAN 2015
Trainee Manual 1
 Introduction to trainee manual

 Front Office
 Travel Agencies
 Tour Operations.
All of these competency standards are available for you to look at. In fact you will find a
summary of each one at the beginning of each Trainee Manual under the heading ‘Unit
Descriptor’. The unit descriptor describes the content of the unit you will be studying in the
Trainee Manual and provides a table of contents which are divided up into ‘Elements’ and
‘Performance Criteria”. An element is a description of one aspect of what has to be achieved
in the workplace. The ‘Performance Criteria’ below each element details the level of
performance that needs to be demonstrated to be declared competent.
There are other components of the competency standard:
 Unit Title: statement about what is to be done in the workplace
 Unit Number: unique number identifying the particular competency
 Nominal hours: number of classroom or practical hours usually needed to complete the
competency. We call them ‘nominal’ hours because they can vary e.g. sometimes it will
take an individual less time to complete a unit of competency because he/she has prior
knowledge or work experience in that area.
The final heading you will see before you start reading the Trainee Manual is the
‘Assessment Matrix’. Competency based assessment requires trainees to be assessed in at
least 2 – 3 different ways, one of which must be practical. This section outlines three ways
assessment can be carried out and includes work projects, written questions and oral
questions. The matrix is designed to show you which performance criteria will be assessed
and how they will be assessed. Your trainer and/or assessor may also use other assessment
methods including ‘Observation Checklist’ and ‘Third Party Statement’. An observation
checklist is a way of recording how you perform at work and a third party statement is a
statement by a supervisor or employer about the degree of competence they believe you
have achieved. This can be based on observing your workplace performance, inspecting
your work or gaining feedback from fellow workers.
Your trainer and/or assessor may use other methods to assess you such as:
 Journals
 Oral presentations
 Role plays
 Log books
 Group projects
 Practical demonstrations.
Remember your trainer is there to help you succeed and become competent. Please feel
free to ask him or her for more explanation of what you have just read and of what is
expected from you and best wishes for your future studies and future career in tourism and
hospitality.

© ASEAN 2015
2 Trainee Manual
 Unit descriptor

Unit descriptor

This unit deals with the skills and knowledge required to in a range of settings within the
travel industries workplace context.
Unit Code:

Nominal Hours:
60

Element 1: Select a camp site

Performance Criteria
1.1 Identify potential areas for camp site
1.2 Assess camp site options
1.3 Select camp site
1.4 Comply with local requirements

Element 2: Set up a camp site

Performance Criteria
2.1 Designate areas for specific camp site requirements
2.2 Set up the identified requirements
2.3 Set up sleeping arrangements
2.4 Set up kitchen and cooking area
2.5 Set up waste disposal
2.6 Set up latrines and wash area
2.7 Set up activities area
2.8 Position vehicles and equipment

Element 3: Operate a camp site

Performance Criteria
3.1 Explain camp site rules to tour group members
3.2 Use all equipment and facilities safely
3.3 Dispose of waste in an environmentally friendly manner
3.4 Clean and tidy the camp site
 Unit descriptor

3.5 Monitor safety and security of the camp site

3.6 Adjust the established camp site as required
3.7 Monitor tour group member use of the camp site
3.8 Maintain a cordial relationship with others in and around the camp site

Element 4: Organise camp site activities

Performance Criteria
4.1 Arrange recreational activities
4.2 Arrange sporting activities
4.3 Arrange sightseeing activities
4.4 Undertake interpretive activities
4.5 Promote engagement with the location
4.6 Facilitate interaction between tour group members

Element 5: Break camp

Performance Criteria
5.1 Dismantle camp equipment
5.2 Clean camp site and return camp site to original condition
5.3 Assist tour group members to pack
5.4 Conduct final camp site check
5.5 Notify relevant persons
 Assessment matrix

Assessment matrix
Showing mapping of Performance Criteria against Work Projects, Written
Questions and Oral Questions
The Assessment Matrix indicates three of the most common assessment activities your
Assessor may use to assess your understanding of the content of this manual and your
performance - Work Projects, Written Questions and Oral Questions. It also indicates
where you can find the subject content related to these assessment activities in the
Trainee Manual (i.e. under which element or performance criteria). As explained in the
Introduction, however, the assessors are free to choose which assessment activities are
most suitable to best capture evidence of competency as they deem appropriate for
individual students.

Work Written Oral

Projects Questions Questions

Element 1: Select a camp site

1.1 Identify potential areas for camp site 1.1 1, 2 1

1.2 Assess camp site options 1.1 3, 4, 5 1

1.3 Select camp site 1.1 6, 7 1

1.4 Comply with local requirements 1.1 8 2

Element 2: Set up a camp site

2.1 Designate areas for specific camp site

2.1 9, 10, 11 -
requirements

2.2 Set up the identified requirements 2.1 12, 13, 14 3

2.3 Set up sleeping arrangements 2.1 15, 16, 17 4

2.4 Set up kitchen and cooking area 2.1 18, 19, 20 5

2.5 Set up waste disposal 2.1 21, 22 6

2.6 Set up latrines and wash area 2.1 23, 24 7

2.7 Set up activities area 2.1 25 8

2.8 Position vehicles and equipment 2.1 26 9

Element 3: Operate a camp site

3.1 Explain camp site rules to tour group members 3.1 27, 28, 29 10

3.2 Use all equipment and facilities safely 3.1 30, 31 11

3.3 Dispose of waste in an environmentally 3.1 32 12

friendly manner
Assessment matrix

Work Written Oral

Projects Questions Questions

3.4 Clean and tidy the camp site 3.1 33, 34 13

3.5 Monitor safety and security of the camp site 3.1 35 14

3.6 Adjust the established camp site as required 3.1 36, 37 15

3.7 Monitor tour group member use of the camp 3.1 38, 39 16
site

3.8 Maintain a cordial relationship with others in 3.1 40, 41 17

and around the camp site

Element 4: Organise camp site activities

4.1 Arrange recreational activities 4.1 42, 43 18

4.2 Arrange sporting activities 4.1 44 19

4.3 Arrange sightseeing activities 4.1 45 20

4.4 Undertake interpretive activities 4.1 46, 47, 48 21

4.5 Promote engagement with the location 4.1 49, 50 22

4.6 Facilitate interaction between tour group

4.1 51 23
members

Element 5: Break camp

5.1 Dismantle camp equipment 5.1 52 24

5.2 Clean camp site and return camp site to 5.1 53 25

original condition

5.3 Assist tour group members to pack 5.1 54 26

5.4 Conduct final camp site check 5.1 55 27

5.5 Notify relevant persons 5.1 56, 57 28

 Glossary

Glossary
Term Explanation

Contingency Plan Plan B

Tours customised on a one-off basis to meet the needs of an

Custom tour
individual client (same as private tour)
Duty of Care A legally imposed obligation on the business and staff to take
reasonable care to avoid causing foreseeable harm to
customers/people.

EMP Emergency Management Plan

EPIRB Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon

F&B Food and Beverage

FSP Food Safety Plan/Program

FIFO First In First Out system of stock rotation

Fauna Animals and wildlife

Flora Plants and flowers

GPS Global Positioning System

Glamping Glamorous camping

Things included in a tour as part of the price paid for the

Inclusions
ticket: may be food, activities, merchandise
A schedule for a tour showing what tour group members will
Itinerary be doing, where they will be going, and the times for each
activity

kph Kilometres per hour

PC pack Portion Control pack

PFD Personal Flotation Device

PPE Personal Protective Equipment (and clothing)

Glossary

High risk food: foods which need to be kept under

Potentially hazardous foods temperature-controlled conditions in order to preserve their
food safety

Q&A session Question and Answer session

RCD Residual Current Device

Revenue generated when satisfied customers recommend

Referral business
friends, family and others to the business
Business generated when previous customers return to the
Repeat business
Tour Operator for another tour/trip

SOP Standard Operating Procedure

SUV Sports Utility Vehicle

A normal/regular tour advertised to the general public and

Scheduled tour
provided on an ‘as is’ basis” see also Standard tour

Standard tour Another term for a ‘Scheduled tour’

A formal document provided by the employer to provide an

Tour brief
overview and details of the tour
The workers who accompany or precede a tour to set up camp
Tour Crew
for the tour group
Businesses who advertise, offer and conduct tours and who
Tour Operators
employ Tour/Tourist Guides
List of different tours (by type and duration) a Tour Operator
Tour schedule has organised/arranged to take place on set days at nominated
times
 Select a camp site

Element 1:
Select a camp site
1.1 Identify potential areas for camp site
Introduction
Before making selecting a camp site it is standard practice
to identify and consider available options.
This section gives a context for the unit and presents a
number of points to take into account in this regard.

Context
This unit applies to camping tour operators operating tours
involving over-night stays at:
 Temporary camp sites – where tents are used
 Semi-permanent camp sites – where tents may be used or there may be residential
facilities (cabins, huts, ablution blocks, activity areas/games rooms, laundry facilities,
kitchen and dining facilities)
 Established camp sites/facilities.
Camp sites may be:
 Provided by local communities
 Operated by private enterprises or government/semi-government bodies
 Established and run by tour operators.
Camping tours might feature:
 One or more overnight stays
 One or more destinations.
Personnel who would be likely to have roles and responsibilities in relation to this unit would
be:
 Tour employees with some level of autonomy
 Workers who function under guidance from others
 Owner-operators of a tour operating business
 Tourist guides
 Tour group leaders
 Driver guides.
 Select a camp site

Considerations
A range of factors may need to be taken into account when
identifying possible areas for a camp site:
Nature of the camp site/facilities
Where the camp site/destination is a permanent or semi-
permanent destination there can be little or no scope for
deciding on the camp site to be used, as:
 Camp site management will have pre-allocated the site
to the tour
 The size of the tour group will frequently determine areas which can and cannot be
utilised.
In many/most cases ‘regular’ users (tours/tour group operators) receive preferential
treatment in terms of:
 On-site positioning of the tour/group – for example, with reference to:
 Better/best views
 Proximity to camp ground facilities
 Quieter location
 Acceptance of bookings – even where a park/camp site is fully booked, regular users will
often be accommodated at the expense of other campers who may be bumped to make
room for them.
Need to minimise environmental impact
All tours are legally or morally obliged to minimise their impact on the environment in order to
demonstrate respect.
Most operators will:
 Advertise they protect their tour environments
 Subscribe to an industry association which is committed to sustainable tourism through
public statements made in (for example) operational Codes of Conduct or Practice for
tour operators, tour staff and/or tours
 Require tour staff to apply SOPs designed to minimise the environmental impact of tours.
Specific issues which need to be addressed to help minimise environmental impact are
presented in section 2.2.
Non-negotiable need to optimise safety
There is always a need for tours to ensure the safety of all tour group members, tour staff
and tour vehicles and equipment.
More on this important aspect is presented in section 3.2 but sufficient at this stage to
observe inherent in this consideration must be identification of:
 Viable evacuation routes in the event of foreseeable emergencies
 Emergency assembly areas
 On-site/existing emergency equipment and facilities
 Select a camp site

 Compliance of sites being considered with standing

(non-negotiable) camp site safety-related factors as
determined by the operator – in relation to topics
covered in the next section.
Comfort
Comfort for the tour group (and tour staff) is always a
major consideration given:
 Tour group members may:
 Have been physically quite active all day and looking forward to a comfortable and
restful break – to many tour group members their camp site is their ‘home away from
home’ even if it is just for one night: it is a place they can relax, have some quiet time
and recuperate ready for the next day
 Have been:
- Sitting for an extended period in a relatively uncomfortable vehicle
- Riding an animal
- Hiking or trekking
 Advertisements for the tour and camp site/s may have promised ‘comfortable’
surroundings or a ‘comfortable’ camp site.
Decision to take advantage of offerings
When on tour there can be a logical and legitimate decision made to use local amenities and
facilities in order to:
 Allow the tour group to have a more genuine local experience
 Introduce variety into the tour by visiting local dining venues
 Visit local facilities and allow tour group members to experience the services which have
not been normally available on the tour
 Enable the tour party to gain a better understanding of local flavour and customs.
Itinerary requirements
On all tours and for all camps there is need to adhere to the stated requirements of the
itinerary for the tour.
For most tours there will be an itinerary explaining:
 The type of camping experience tour group members can expect to experience
 Features and facilities available at camp sites
 Exact or general location/s of camp sites.
Where these promises are not met and/or expectations are not fulfilled there is always a risk:
 Tour group members may sue the tour company – for breach of contract in failing to
deliver what was promised/advertised
 There will be high levels of dissatisfaction – which will lead to reduced repeat and/or
referral business for the tour operator.
 Select a camp site

While it is SOP for all tour operators to have Terms and Conditions which enable/allow tour
staff to change advertised locations and facilities ‘as required on the basis of issues arising
and general tour group safety and other practical operational factors’, altering the advertised
itinerary is generally best avoided.
Other tour groups
On some occasions it may be necessary to take into account other tour groups or people.
Two basic options present themselves in this regard:
 There can be a need to locate the camp near to other designated groups – because:
 This has been promised and/or paid for
 The tour (at this stage/location) intends to include an opportunity for tour group
members to socialise with other groups
 The tour group has requested it
 Limited alternatives make it a necessity
 The Tour Schedule is loaded and available camping space is limited as a
consequence
 There can be a need to locate the camp away from other designated groups – so that:
 Everyone has their privacy
 There is no intrusion of people’s quiet time
 Tour groups from different tour operators are kept separate – which may be done in
the hope customers will not compare and contrast the two operators and what they are
providing, service levels, competencies of tour staff and similar other topics.
Proximity to designated destinations
For many tours there can be a need to choose the location of the camp with reference to
sites or venues that comprise part of the tour.
This can be a requirement so:
 People can experience/see natural views and/or built sites
 Travel time between camp and an attraction is minimised
 There is easy access – to, for example:
 Night safaris and Spotlight tours
 Hot air balloon launch sites
 Piers, jetties and wharves for water craft/activities
 Shopping and entertainment precincts.
Cost
Cost is always a consideration when considering a camp site.
There is never freedom for tour staff to pay an unlimited amount to camp wherever they
want.
 Select a camp site

General protocols are:

 Every tour will be allocated and need to operate within a given budget
 Reservations for established/permanent camp sites will
be pre-arranged before the tour departs – or certainly
before the tour arrives at the location
 Payment for camp sites may be:
 Pre-paid by the tour company when the booking is
made
 Paid in cash or by credit card by the tour staff
 Invoiced to the tour operator when the tour party departs the camp site.
Duration of the camp
It is a fact of touring life:
 More time and effort will be put in to determining a site for any camp that is longer than a
one night/overnight duration – the longer the expected stay, the more time usually given
to considering options
 Less time is given to selecting a camp site where only the basic necessities are required
– such as in locations where sleeping only for a few hours and standard cooking/eating
are required.
In all cases, safety for the tour group must always be ensured and cannot be overlooked
even for short-stay or temporary camps.
Type of tour
The type of tour being conducted together with the nature and scope of activities planned for
the camp site stay are primary considerations when identifying potential camp sites.
The Tour Brief will provide details of this element for tour staff, and will flow from
arrangements made as a consequence of the tour being either a Private (or Custom) tour, or
a Standard (or Scheduled) tour.
Private/custom tours
Private/custom tours are tours which are:
 Developed under contract with a client (individual or group)
 Customised on a one-off basis – in terms of:
 Focus
 Interpretive activities
 Commentary
 Itinerary
 Cost
 Inclusions
 Designed specifically and totally to meet the stated/identified needs of the individual client
 Run at a time and date determined by the client
 Planned and prepared/organised on a tour-by-tour basis.
 Select a camp site

Standard/scheduled tours
A standard/scheduled tour (also known as a ‘regular’ tour):
 Is the normal tour advertised generally by the company
 Is available to all/members of the public
 Is the type of tour most people take
 Operates using the same itinerary every time
 Features the same camp sites, interpretive activities,
inclusions and scripted commentary every time
 Is essentially the same tour for all tour group members, time-after-time – subject to
seasonal changes and other foreseeable and unforeseeable factors.
Available resources
All tour staff will factor into their decision about camp site location the resources available for
the tour/camp.
This consideration will take into account:
 Amount of resources available
 Type of resources, equipment and supplies available for the camp.
It is important to understand in this regard:
 In most cases the only available resources are those being carried in tour vehicles or on
tour animals
 Some tours will feature support vehicles that precede the tour and establish camps in
advance of the arrival of the group – this option generally gives access to a greater range
of resources and higher volume levels
 Resources which are not available/on board need to be factored in – so the camp can be
located to enable these to be obtained from local sources.
Previous experience
It is expected by employers/tour operators and tour group members that tour staff:
 Use their own previous, first-hand experience of an area/region – to help determine the
site for a camp
 Factor in secondary information, knowledge or advice received from:
 Previous tour groups, tour reports, tour de-briefings and tour feedback sheets
 Tour Leaders in the organisation who have conducted tours to and operated camps in
the area
 Other tour operators and industry groups
 Government authorities.
In practice this means Tour Leaders should:
 Avoid known problem areas and/or locations with poor, sub-standard or unsafe facilities
or amenities
 Engage in repeat patronage or visits to areas/locations where:
 They have had previously positive experiences
 Tour group members have given positive feedback.
 Select a camp site

1.2 Assess camp site options

Introduction
Inherent in the process of identifying potential camp sites
for a tour group is the need to assess the available options.
This section discusses the factors typically included in this
part of the process.

Assessment factors
When assessing the camp site options which have been identified as being potentially
suitable for a tour group, there is a need to engage in a combination of the following:
Evaluating the lay of the land
This includes consideration of:
 Proximity to water – which may:
 Provide a source of fresh water
 Present a potential threat from flooding or drowning
 Relative position of high ground – which may:
 Be used as a secure location in the event of an emergency
 Provide a viewing point
 Trees – which may:
 Provide shade
 Present a hazard from dropping limbs
 Be a danger in relation to camp and/or cooking fires.
Evaluating the environment
This involves consideration of:
 Pests – which may include insects, snakes, vermin and pets belonging to local
inhabitants
 Type of ground and condition of the land surface – for example:
 Firm and not soft
 Free from rocks
 Absence of broken glass and other hazardous materials
 Level ground – free of obvious tripping and/or falling hazards: tents should not be
pitched on sloping ground as it is very uncomfortable for those who have to sleep there
 Not threatened by potential landslides, rock falls, mud slides, avalanches or cliff
collapses
 Free from holes, mine shafts, open drains, severe erosion
 Select a camp site

 Level of ground – which needs to be:

 Sufficient to avoid potential flooding from local rain and/or
recent rain in feeder areas
 Above high-water marks for tidal locations and rivers prone to
flooding
 Local fauna – such that there is no undue threat posed by local
animals, wildlife and/or insects
 Shade and shelter – in that the chosen site must provide:
 Sufficient shade for all tour group members, tents, designated
camp areas and facilities – yet provide access to the sun for
those who require this
 Protection from prevailing winds
 Suitable and sufficient provision for all persons in the event there is (for example) an
emergency or weather event creating a need for the touring party to take shelter
 Plant life – such that:
 Where available, tour group members gain maximum exposure to local flora
 Tour group members do no damage to local flora/do not ‘pick the flowers’
 Noise – which may require balancing competing needs in terms of:
 Allowing tour group to experience the sounds of local communities and animals
 Providing a sufficiently quiet and peaceful environment which allows rest/sleeping and
relaxation and recuperation
 Landscapes and scene scapes – such that tour group members:
 Can view local attractions
 Have suitable proximity to local venues, facilities and amenities.
Identifying the potential for necessary camp site facilities
This will vary depending on:
 The type/nature of the tour
 Duration of the camp
 Size of the group
 Promises made/contractual (legal) obligations
In practice this necessitates consideration of what is required and where to locate:
 Cooking areas
 Sleeping areas
 Waste disposal
 Tour group activities
 Latrines and washing
 Camp fire.
More is provided on these areas in the next Element.
 Select a camp site

Identifying and interpreting applicable requirements

These may relate to:
 The use of the land – there may be:
 Bans on certain activities in designated areas
 Formal arrangements with local communities which govern how some/all land may be
used
 Local rules and regulations which must be complied with
 The operation of a camp site on that land – (see more in
section 3.1) which can limit:
 Open fires – meaning cooking and camp fires may be
banned or only permitted in nominated areas
 Roles undertaken by tour staff – in some situations there
may be a mutual agreement with local communities and/or
camp site operators they provide certain products or deliver
identified services.
Identifying potential hazards
As previously mentioned the safety of the tour is a primary and non-negotiable requirement
for all decisions about where to locate a camp.
Identification of possible hazards should include:
 Visual inspection/observation of the area
 Communication with local people
 Reliance on previous experience
 Common sense.
It is standard practice for tour operators to:
 Prepare formal risk management plans – for known/identified risks.
 Tour staff will be:
 Trained in knowledge of the contents of these plans – so they know what they contain
and understand the issues to which they relate
 Drilled in their implementation/application – so they can competently and effectively
implement the requirements of these plans when the need to do so arises
 Provided with hard (or electronic) copies of all such plans – for on-tour reference and
guidance
 Undertake risk management protocols – where risks which have not had formal risk
management plans developed for them are identified (see immediately below).
Risk management
Risk can be seen as any hazard or source of danger with the potential to adversely impact
on the operation and/or outcomes of a tour/camp.
Risk management is the term used to describe the activities and practices the business
undertakes to address those hazards or sources of danger.
 Select a camp site

Formal risk management requires the Tour Operator to undertake a structured procedure
comprising three basic steps/stages:
 Risk identification – where action is taken to determine all possible risks which might
apply/pertain to the tour/camp
 Risk analysis and assessment – where identified risks are considered to determine the
threat they pose in terms of likelihood of occurrence coupled with potential consequence
 Risk control – where acceptable/suitable protocols are provided to effectively manage the
identified risks.
 Select a camp site

1.3 Select camp site

Introduction
A decision about where to locate a camp should only be
made when potential areas/sites have been identified and
properly considered.
This section describes the activities involved in finalising
the selection of where to locate the camp for a given tour.

Context
In some cases there is no choice about the camp site to be
used.
The camp site may be:
 Determined by the tour operator in advance
 Decided by the owner of the land/camping area
 Prescribed by the negotiations with the client when a private/custom tour was negotiated.
Also, generally speaking, the tour group will:
 Expect the tour operator or the Tour Leader to pick the camp site – and trust in their
ability to do so and be happy with their decision
 Not anticipate they have input to the final choice of camp site – unless they have been
specifically told (verbally or as part of the tour advertisements) this is the case.

Activities involved
When finalising the selection of a camp site there can be a need to:
 Confirm all applicable requirements have been met – in terms of, for example:
 Safety
 Contractual obligations and relevant agreements
 Tour plans
 Budget
 Comply with camp site allocation – meaning the camp may need to be physically
positioned in a specific location as:
 Designated by local authorities or land managers
 Arranged with land/site operators or owners
 Specified in booking receipts/confirmations
 Imposed by the location of other campers/tour groups
 Select a camp site

 Include tour group members in the decision making

process – especially:
 Where there are multiple suitable, safe and/or
acceptable sites/options to choose from
 If tour group members have expressed certain
preferences, needs or wants
 When there is latitude to incorporate their thinking
and preferences into operational actions
 As a way of engaging with the group and developing a suitable rapport and connection
 Communicate with the group – and:
 Explain the advantages of available options
 Describe the disadvantages of available options
 Compare and contrast the alternatives
 Provide rationale for the final decision
 Ensure maximum satisfaction of tour group members with the final selection – by
undertaking a series of actions such as:
 Emphasising the benefits and features of the selected site/location
 Noting how the selected site complies with advertised characteristics and meets
promises made
 Encouraging and responding to questions and/or criticisms regarding the site – and
sites/locations which were not chosen
 Highlighting any unique aspects of the camp/site which exist ‘at the time’ and are likely
to be different for other tourists who will not get to experience them
 Remove hazards and other items adversely impacting camp/tour group member comfort
or safety – which may involve or require:
 Getting rid hazardous materials lying on or over-hanging the site
 Whatever actions are necessary to make the camp site safe – for example:
 Filling in holes
 Erecting temporary barriers
 Implementing established risk control protocols
 Check in with local operators/camp site management – which might require:
 Introducing self and tour group and/or tour staff
 Presenting booking confirmation documentation
 Paying a deposit or fees/charges
 Being shown the allocated site and the camp facilities and amenities
 Receiving relevant items – such as keys/access cards for amenities, vouchers for
goods and services, information sheets and camp rules and regulations
 Select a camp site

 Notify head office – regarding final selection, in terms of:

 Verifying arrival at location – together with mention of relevant issues arising which
may:
- Require variations to projected plans/the tour itinerary
- Necessitate action to be taken by head office on behalf of the tour/group
- Confirming location of camp – this may involve:
– Verbal description of geographical location
– Specification of GPS location.
 Select a camp site

1.4 Comply with local requirements

Introduction
Most tour groups will have to comply with a range of
local requirements when using a chosen or allocated
camp site.
This section gives examples of requirements which may
be applicable.

Examples of local requirements

When established in a camp site there may be
requirements by local communities, owners or
authorities that have to be complied – these may relate
to:
 Positioning of vehicles – in terms of:
 Specifications of where tour vehicles must be – or can be – parked
 Locations for tour trailers
 Limitations to off-road vehicle travel and access – commonly there is a requirement
travel is restricted to established roads/tracks
 Speed of vehicles – as applicable to:
 Within the camping area
 In the general local area
 On local roads
 Display of camping permits – detailing when and where these permits must be displayed
to demonstrate:
 Legitimate use of the site/camp
 Fees have been paid
 Allowable dates for which entry has been given
 Positioning of camp and tour resources – in relation to considerations such as:
 Sleeping quarters, tents, marquees and shelters – for individual and group/communal
use
 Camp equipment – which may include generators, toilets units
 Tour-related resources – such as sports and activity equipment (canoes, hang-gliders
and similar) and entertainment gear
 Pack animals
 Portable assets – such as towable transit kitchens and toilets
 Separation (if required) of tour staff from tour group members
 Limitations on the use of the site/camp – in terms of (for example):
 Prohibition on entry to nominated buildings or areas
 Select a camp site

 Bans on using certain areas for specified activities

 Time limits which might apply to the use of prescribed areas or amenities
 Camp/site rules and regulations – these may be local
community or organisational requirements and often
relate to topics such as:
 Need to demonstrate respect for local communities
– with reference to:
- Acceptable and unacceptable actions, behaviour
and language
- Acceptable and unacceptable dress
- Prohibited parts of the camp area
 Noise levels – which may or may not be related to
- Specific times
- Prescribed activities
- Equipment
 Prohibitions or restrictions – on:
- Picking flowers
- Interacting with wildlife
- Talking to members (or specified members – women and children, for example) of
the local community
 Compliance with agreements which have been established between tour operators
and landowners/local communities – which could address issues such as:
- No alcohol
- No taking of photographs of local people
- Not bringing certain items (disposable nappies/diapers, plastic bottles, glass,
firearms) onto the grounds
- Not leaving rubbish
 Statutory requirements – such as the generally applicable laws across all countries
relating to:
 Applicable licences, permits and authorisations
 Land management and approved use of land/resources
 Safety
 Harassment and discrimination
 Child sexual exploitation/tourism
 Road laws
 Immigration – visas and passport requirements.
 Select a camp site

Work Projects
It is a requirement of this Unit you complete Work Projects as advised by your Trainer. You
must submit documentation, suitable evidence or other relevant proof of completion of the
project to your Trainer by the agreed date.
Note: this Work Project forms the basis for following Work Projects
To fulfil the requirements of the Work Projects for this Unit you are required to identify a tour
operator and tour to be approved by your Trainer/Assessor and set-up and operate an actual
or simulated camp site for that organisation and tour.

1.1 To fulfil the requirements of this Work Project you are required to determine select
camp site providing evidence you have:

 Identified potential areas for the camp site

 Assessed camp site options taking into account all relevant factors
 Selected the camp site in consultation with the tour group and on the basis of
assessing available options
 Identified and complied with local requirements regarding camp site location and
selection.
 Select a camp site

Summary

Select a camp site

When selecting a camp site:
 Identify suitable options
 Consider established as well as natural sites
 Match locations to tour group and type/nature of the tour
 Adhere to planned arrangements/bookings for camp sites
 Assess the available to options
 Factor in weather and environmental factors
 Consider needs, wants or preferences of the tour group
 Be budget conscious
 Make safety a non-negotiable requirement
 Optimise comfort for the people
 Stick to the itinerary
 Be environmentally sensitive
 Adhere to organisational plans and SOPs
 Comply with applicable legislation, Codes, rules and regulations.
Select a camp site
 Set up a camp site

Element 2:
Set up a camp site
2.1 Designate areas for specific camp site
requirements
Introduction
An efficient and effective camp will comprise a number of
discreet areas which coalesce into an overall package
providing the necessary requirements for all camp site users.
This section identifies the areas which commonly need to be
designated and provides the basis for subsequent sections
which look at these areas in more detail.

Camping options
Camping options are numerous with common classifications being:
 Tented camping – is camping in tents or ‘under canvas’. It can be divided into:
 Luxury tented camping – with large luxury tents with 5-star hotel décor and furnishings
and usually featuring spectacular views: see https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=iZsPy273YqA and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK65Bs8Opkg

These are normally confined to permanent camping areas and the tents are essentially
permanent in nature.
 Mid-range tented camping – a permanent tent with less in the way of décor and
furnishings
- Chosen by many as a cost-effective way of obtaining the camping experience
combined with some of the luxuries: known by some as ‘glamping’
 Basic/low range – smaller tents pitched every time there is a camp
- May be used in an established camping ground/site or in an open or natural setting
- This classification has few features and normally houses just the basics for sleeping
such as a swag, sleeping bag or camp stretcher
 Residential camping – which is where people stay in permanent building of some sort at
an established camping area with supporting facilities.
 The buildings may be cabins, huts, cottages and similar
 Set up a camp site

Context
It must be noted:
 Permanent or established camping grounds/sites will
have established sections for designated areas – these
have been decided on by the operators of the camp and
it is condition of use all campers abide by these
determinations
 In these situations the tour group has little or no
option in the areas or facilities which are provided,
and/or where they are physically located
 Where the tour elects to camp ‘in the wild’ it is up to the Tour Leader (or the Tour crew) to
decide where to position the elements/areas to be included
 They will use their previous experience, local physical and geographic conditions (and
constraints and opportunities) combined with promises made in advertisements for the
tour to determine the final areas and their relative location
 There may be a Tour Operator requirement to take photographic evidence of the selected
or allocated camp site on arrival
This may be done to:
 Capture proof about the original condition of the site
 Provide evidence about pre-existing damage to equipment and/or facilities
 Show the original position of items and equipment provided at the site – so things can
be re-positioned correctly on departure
 Give a point of reference when determining the final condition of the site when the
group departs the camp site.

Standard camp area elements

The standard elements for most camp sites include:
 Sleeping arrangements – section 2.3
 Food preparation and dining areas – section 2.4
 Waste disposal – section 2.5
 Latrines and wash area – section 2.6
 Activities area – section 2.7
 Vehicles and equipment – section 2.8
 Camp fire/s – see below.
 Set up a camp site

Camp fires
Camp fires are a common feature of many camps and lots of campers look forward to them
as creating an essential component of any ‘real’ camping experience.
It is important to note in relation to camp fires:
 Some permanent camp sites will have strict restrictions applying to the use of camp fires
– these may include:
 A total ban on them
 They may only be set in designated camp fire locations such as pits
 They must be kept to a certain small-medium size
 They may be banned for cooking purposes
 Local firewood may not be gathered – meaning no use of chain saws, and no trees
may not be burned: there may be a requirement to purchase wood from the camp
ground operator
 When making a camp fire in the open, the Tour Operator and/or local authorities may
impose requirements – such as:
 The ground around the fire for a nominated distance (such as three metres) from the
outer perimeter must be made clear of flammable material (twigs, grass, leaves,
paper)
 The fire must not be made under over-hanging trees or branches
 No fire should be lit if the wind is too strong – say, above 10kph
 If available a water hose connected to a permanent water source should be provided –
if no tap/faucet/hose is available there must be at least 10 litres of water in a bucket or
other container ready for immediate use
 The fire must never be left unattended at any time
 The fire must be kept moderate in size – ‘the bigger the fire, the bigger the fool’:
recommended maximum size is one metre by one metre by one metre
 The fire must be totally extinguished at least one hour before the tour group leaves –
see more in section 5.2.
 Set up a camp site

2.2 Set up the identified requirements

Introduction
A standard procedure for all camps is the need to set up identified
requirements for the camp.
This section looks at activities inherent in this initial aspect of setting
up a camp site.

Activities involved
When the site for the camp has been chosen (or allocated to the
group) and there is an idea of the specific areas required for (or
available to) the tour, there can then be a need to engage in one or
more of the following to set up the camp.
The exact requirements will often depend on existing facilities provided at the camp site but
there can be a need to:
 Clear the area – this may require:
 Getting rid of litter – picking up paper, old containers, mess and rubbish
 Removing branches, twigs, leaves and rocks/stones from the ground
 Cleaning on-site barbecues and other facilities
 Assess prevailing conditions – this means:
 Checking there are no obvious threats – from (for example):
- Water/flooding or camping in an area that is a natural waterway should it rain
- Ants nests
- Over-hanging branches
 Determining where the best views are – which has possible implications for location of
tents, camp fire, dining area
 Working out which direction the sun sets and rises – are these are often spectacular
times of the day that tour group members want to take advantage of
- Checking which way the wind is blowing – which will/may influence:
– Where the camp fire and/or cooking fires are located
– The openings of tents – the closed end of the tent should face the prevailing
wind
– Location of latrines
 Ensure minimal environmental impact – this means appropriate action needs to be taken
in each camp to:
 Prevent damage to actual camp sites and surrounding areas
 Prevent damage to culturally sensitive areas or sites
 Ensure no disturbance or injury to fauna
 Avoid wild fire due to incorrect management of open camp and/or cooking fires
 Limit noise disturbance to any local communities
 Prevent physical damage to flora through camping activities
 Set up a camp site

 Ensure there is no pollution to land, air or water from waste

 Involve tour group members in the set up – where this aspect is part of the tour
experience and itinerary
 On some tours, tour group members expect and agree to participate in setting up the
camp as part of the total tour experience
 In practice their involvement can vary significantly and may mean they have agreed to
assist with:
- Unloading gear from tour vehicles
- Unpacking items
- Pitching tents
- Moving camping equipment into tents
- Food preparation
- Cooking
- Food and beverage service
- Entertaining
- Breaking camp
- Stowing gear back onto tour vehicles.
It is SOP (as stated in the relevant Terms and Conditions for the tour) for all tour group
members to work under the advice and direction of tour staff when they assist with camp
set up activities.
 Ensure set up complies with local requirements – as imposed by (for example):
 Formal arrangements between Tour Operators and local communities
 Industry sanctioned Codes of Practice
 Local government/tourism authorities
 Owner-operators of camp sites/grounds
 Compliance will/may require:
- Obtaining, reading and understanding the applicable Rules and Regulations – these
may be:
– Provided when bookings for camp sites/tours are made – agreement to comply
with these requirements is a condition precedent for ongoing permission to stay
at the facility/camp
– Obtained online
– Posted on a board at the camp site
- Ensuring everything meets these requirements – which often relate to:
– Location of vehicles, camp fires and generators
– Display of permits
– Distances between tents, between areas, and/or away from fences, gates
(access and entry points) or other nominated areas
– Bans on alcohol
 Set up a camp site

– Bans on chemical toilets

 Inspecting the camp site with a designated person to
verify compliance with requirements – and taking
appropriate remedial action where/if necessary to
ensure compliance
 Advising tour group – of the conditions, restrictions
and requirements at the specific camp-site
 Respect the rights of other campers and tour groups –
which can require:
 Meeting with campers/groups already at the site – or their Tour leaders
 Determining their requirements and intentions while at the camp site
 Integrating the needs of the tour with the needs of the other groups
 Informing the tour group about the presence and intentions of the other group/s – so
there is advanced notice and understanding of what to expect
 Asking the tour group to accept and accommodate the other group so there will mutual
recognition and enjoyment of the area
 Encouraging social interaction between groups
 Assemble camp site equipment – which may require:
 Putting up tents, flys and awnings
 Setting up camp beds, stretchers or swags
 Putting together portable cooking equipment
 Erecting dining and food and beverage service equipment
 Setting up items required for listed sporting and interpretive activities
 Setting camp fires
 Ensure safety and security of all equipment and facilities – which can involve:
 Physical inspection of resources provided at the site
 Operational check of on-site equipment
 Test runs of all items provided by the Tour operator before being given to/used by tour
group members
 Using organisational checklists to guide safety inspections
 Taking defective or dangerous items out of service
 Establish power for the camp – this is not always possible (or, indeed, required) by all
tours at all sites but where it is there may be a need to:
 Obtain keys from site owner/manager – to access power sources, or relevant restricted
areas
 Pay relevant fees/charges – to connect to and use power
 Position generator/s in approved or suitable location – most Tour Operators use an
approved low-noise unit
 Connect and/or provide safety tested and tagged and heavy duty, high amperage
electrical leads with in-line RCDs to any on-site permanent electrical supply – so
campers can plug in as required
Set up a camp site
Set up a camp site

 Hang lights for the camp – these may include:

- Floodlights and spotlights
- Coloured lights/fairy lights
- Special purpose lighting – for specific activities such as cooking, dining, night
entertainment, latrines
 Set up heating – which may be required for individual tents as well as communal areas
- Generally:
– Naked flame heaters and exposed bar heaters are avoided for tents –
personal/catalytic heaters powered by compressed propane may be used or
electric fan heaters.

Standard requirements where these are used are to have a meter clearance
around each unit and to turn them off when people go to sleep: that is, the
heaters are used to warm the tents but turned off when they retire for the night

See http://www.coleman.com/product/5053A751#.VTQ3yPCddh8
– Overhead gas heaters or area heaters may be used for public and communal
areas – see examples at https://www.barbequesgalore.com.au/products/product-
range.aspx?id=88&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1.
-
 Set up a camp site

2.3 Set up sleeping arrangements

Introduction
Establishment of suitable sleeping arrangements are a
vital standard requirement for all on-tour camping sites.
This section discusses considerations in this respect.

Points to note
Sleeping arrangements are traditionally the first area to be
established when setting up a camp using tents.
Sleeping arrangements may:
 Be permanent structures – provided by camping grounds/accommodations providers
such as:
 Cabins and huts – which may have additional facilities such as toilet, kitchenette,
lounge and/or dining area
 Culturally-specific dwelling – such as a teepees and yurts
 Wagons or caravans
 Dormitories
 Motel-style rooms
- Where these facilities are to be used, the sleeping arrangements will normally have
been pre-allocated based on the booking made with the operator
- There may be some (or none) room to swap tour group members around within
these imposed constraints in order to better meet special requests and personal
preferences
 Feature tents – these may include:
 One-man tents – also called ‘pup’ tents
 Multiple occupancy tents – ranging from two-person tents through four and six-person
options up to 10 and 20-person size
 Need to provide nominated items – such as:
 Ground sheets – which may not be required where tents have built-in floors
 Flys
 Guy ropes
 Tent pegs
 Camp stretchers
 Mattresses – foam or air-filled
- Air-filled mattresses may be inflated by users or by tour staff, commonly using
(electrically operated pumps or pumps connected to tour vehicle)
 Linen, blankets and pillows
 Mattress protectors, pillow protectors
 Set up a camp site

 Collapsible ‘bed-side’ units

 Portable chairs
 Internal tent lighting
 Insect repellent
 Rubbish bag
 Mat at the door of the tent
 Sleeping bags – there can be a need to issue:
 Single or double bags
 Required temperature rating bags
 Correct size/length
 Swags
 Protective insect netting
 Note: some Tour Operators have an SOP whereby beds are not made (or sleeping
bags unrolled) in advance of them being slept in
- This is to avoid the potential for snakes (and other reptiles or animals) to get into
the bed before the camper does
- Likewise it is often standard practice to leave tents zipped up after they have been
set up for use, for the same reason
 Require checking of all items issued/used – to ensure they are:
 Clean
 Safe
 Suitable
 Be based on particular factors relevant to the group or to individual preferences of tour
group members – for example:
 School-based tours can require segregation of sleeping arrangements for males and
females
 Parents may want children to camp in their tent – or they may want their children to
have separate tents
 Tour group members who belong to a group or club will often want to be grouped
together
 SOP for some Tour Operators may be to physically separate the sleeping
quarters/accommodation for unaccompanied males and females
 Custom tours may have pre-determined sleeping arrangements in terms of who sleeps
with who – or the number and sizes/types of tents required
 Payments made by individuals for their tour ticket – for example:
- A single tour group member may have paid extra to have the use of a two-person
tent
- A couple may have requested and paid for a four-person tent
 Set up a camp site

 Necessitate sensitivity in some respects – regarding the allocation of sleeping

arrangements to tour group members in relation to:
 Personal requests and preferences – mostly Tour Operators will try to accommodate
these whenever they can but there is usually no guarantees in this regard unless:
- A contracted obligation applies
- Special payment has been made
 Age of the individuals – this can mean:
- Accommodation for people of a one age bracket are grouped together
- Children under a certain age are accompanied by an approved supervisor, adult or
parent
- Elderly members are grouped together closer to other facilities
 Interpersonal and other issues that have been identified as relevant – such as matters
which emerge as the tour progresses including:
- Friendships
- People from the same country
- Those with common interests.
 Set up a camp site

2.4 Set up kitchen and cooking area

Introduction
Where the camp requires food production and service
there is need to establish kitchen and dining facilities.
This section identifies a range of factors which may need
to be taken into account when setting up cooking areas
and the food and beverage service areas.

Staffing
For some tours there may be:
 Tour group leaders who double as the caterer for the group – this means they will lead
the tour, do the commentary, conduct activities and also:
 Set up the camp and catering requisites
 Prepare and cook the food
 Serve the food and drinks
 Clean up after the meals
 Specialist staff who accompany the tour and travel with the group – such as:
 Cooks
 Kitchen hands
 Waiters
 Specialist staff who precede the tour group and set up the catering facilities at the camp
in advance of group’s arrival – such as those mentioned above, plus:
 Labourers – to set-up tents/marquees
 Technicians – to test, confirm or treat water supply
 Administrators – to negotiate with land managers/local communities
- These people will break camp when the camp is finished and either
– Move to the next location and prepare the next meal or camp
– Leap-frog another crew/team and set-up the next camp site
– Return to the head office for other deployment.
Liaison with local communities
For some locations, camp sites or destinations the Tour Operator may have entered into a
formal agreement with local communities as part of their efforts to demonstrate respect and
provide for social and economic engagement of the local people.
In these cases there can be a requirement whereby local people are employed in various
roles – such as to assist with:
 Food preparation and cooking
 F&B service
 Provision of entertainment
 Conducting/presenting interpretive activities
 Set up a camp site

 A range of support roles – such as guiding, security, cleaning.

Preparation of catering areas

Storage
There is always limited storage capacity for food storage when
providing camp site catering simply because it is off-site catering and
does not enjoy the same type and extent of resources available in most
other commercial catering undertakings.
This issue necessitates consideration of:
 Storage capacity on catering and tour vehicles for storage of dry,
refrigerated and frozen food prior to its preparation
 Capacity in catering and tour vehicles to store prepared food after it
has been cooked and is waiting to be served/eaten
 Storage protocols which must be adhered to regarding prepared food – for later re-use
and/or re-heating for service
Note: some operators put a total ban on the storage of prepared food for later service,
due to food safety concerns
 Storage equipment provided/available on-site at camps where catering is being
undertaken.
As a consequence of the above factors equipment available for the safe storage of
perishable food this include:
 Providing portable cool rooms – which may be trailer- or truck-mounted
 Using smaller portable (gas and/or low voltage) refrigeration units
 Generator-powered and/or solar-powered refrigeration and/or freezer units
 Using on-site facilities provided by the host camp site – it is preferable for refrigeration
units to be pre-chilled before the tour arrives so food can be loaded into pre-cooled units.
Layout and assembly of equipment
When establishing the catering area there is a need to:
 Determine the layout for all the individual areas and items which comprise total catering
provision
This means considering the relative location (that is, the relationship to one another) of
the following:
 Food and beverage storage – dry, frozen and refrigerated
 Preparation and cooking areas and surfaces including food washing
 Food and beverage service areas and equipment
 Clean-up facilities – for dishwashing, pot washing and cleaning glassware
 Rubbish
Factors to take into account are:
 Logical flow – to save unnecessary walking between points
 Security – to protect items from theft/unauthorised use
 Previous work layouts for similar tours
 Set up a camp site

 Built-in facilities which need to be used and cannot be moved

 Assemble equipment – which has had to be dismantled for the
purpose of transportation, such as:
 Food preparation items
 Cooking equipment
 Hot and cold prepared food holding units
 Position equipment and items – according to intended use/the
established plan for the camp
 Connect power sources – this can require:
 Positioning, filling and running the generators – and hooking
equipment up to them
 Plugging electrical leads into power points where provided at camp sites
 Using RCDs, extension leads and power boards
 Connecting units to provided gas cylinders/tanks in established camp sites – or
attaching equipment to portable gas bottles/cylinders
- When connected, gas-powered equipment must not only be checked ‘operationally’
but gas leads/lines must also be checked for leaks
 Test equipment – as soon as all equipment has been assembled and/or positioned it
must be tested.
 This is important to give maximum notice of malfunctions so repairs can be made or
alternatives obtained or worked out
 Testing needs to be ‘operational’ testing meaning it has to address the operational
elements of each item as it will actually be used, not just whether or not it ‘turns on and
off’
 Stow supplies on-site in the established areas/units – which involves:
 Re-locating required food from tour/catering vehicles to catering area – it is often
necessary to move all the food (given the way items are packed) but attention should
be paid to only re-locating what is needed for the service sessions to be provided at
the camp

There is no point moving food simply for the sake of moving it.

Positioning catering equipment

When positioning catering equipment for camp site catering:
 Work quickly – time is important
 Time lost at this stage can often not be recovered/made up at a later stage
 Adhere to (and or adapt as necessary) any pre-prepared plans for catering
areas/equipment – which may have:
 Been prepared for previous similar tours
 Been prepared for the same destination
 Been prepared especially for this tour
 Set up a camp site

 Place items to support the normal logical and smooth

work flow typical of commercial kitchens/venues – that is:
 Storage to preparation
 Preparation to production
 Production to service
 Physically situate individual items so there is operational
efficiency – in terms of, for example:
 Providing sufficient working space to enable safe movement when handling heavy
objects, hot items, carrying wide containers with food on them, and allowing others to
perform their work without interruption
 Locating individual items correctly – so, if possible:
- One item does not obstruct/block another
- Opening one item does not impede access to another
- Cooking equipment is not placed on top of other equipment
- They do not protrude and present an injury risk
 Make sure items are stable and level – and they do not:
 Wobble
 Over-hang an edge
 Risk tipping up/over
 Allow food/cooking oil or liquid to accumulate on one side/corner of an item or drip or
spill
 Protect the equipment once it has been positioned – from:
 Contamination – after they have been cleaned and positioned, to the best extent
possible: using covers is effective.
 Prevailing weather conditions
 Prepare the items for use – in addition to testing (see section 2.1) and depending on the
items and the menu items to be produced there may be an immediate need to:
 Load fat into deep fat fryers – and heat to melt
 Pre-heat ovens.

Positioning dining equipment

When positioning dining equipment for camp site catering:
 Locate the dining area in the best position – which should:
 Take advantage of views available
 Optimise natural/available shelter from the elements
 Position it to facilitate the transport/service of food from the catering area – that is, as
close as is practical to the kitchen area
 Establish the dining area – which may involve:
 Using dining facilities provided on-site
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 Pitching dining tents or putting up marquees – if required

 Set sufficient tables and chairs – to accommodate
known group members
 Align tables and set-ups with any table plans provided
by the group – for custom tours which may specify:
 Need for a head table
 Number of tables
 Number of seats at each table
 Set-up to support food service style to be provided – which may/may not require
establishing:
 Crockery station/pick-up point
 Cutlery station
 Food displays – for hot and/or cold food
 Set-up beverage service stations as required – which may require:
 Setting/providing glassware and other beverage service accoutrements
 Creating a service bar – and loading with stock
 Positioning drink refrigeration.

Water
Camps should be chosen so tour group members have ready access to clean, safe,
drinkable water.
Important points to note are:
 Water that is safe to drink is also called ‘potable water’
 Just because water looks clean/clear does not necessarily mean it is safe to drink
 Just because water comes direct from a natural source (river or lake) does not
necessarily mean it is safe to drink
 All suspect water to be used for drinking and cooking should be purified before use
 Water may be contaminated by physical contaminants, bacteria, viruses, parasites and
chemical pollutants
 Local ice is probably made from local water.
Ways to create a safe water supply
There are a variety of ways to create safe drinking water.
As a standard rule, always adhere to the SOPs developed by the organisation to be used on
the tour which is being catered for – different tour operators have different protocols and
some destinations may be the focus of practices unique to their location.
This said, water may be purified by:
 Bringing the water to a rolling boil and boiling for five minutes, scoop any scum/detritus off
the top – allow to cool, as necessary, prior to use
 Using water purification tablets – such as iodine, chlorine or halazone and following
instructions provided regarding:
 Method
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 Number of tablets to the amount of water

 Adding chlorine drops or liquid iodine – following
manufacturer instructions
 Using a commercial water purification system –
featuring a combination of activated charcoal filtering
plus a chemical (such as iodine).
Where the water at a camp site cannot be tested or
cannot be made safe to drink:
 It must not be used for drinking or cooking
 Sealed bottles of brand name water should be used
and issued to tour group members
 Time at the camp site should be avoided altogether or minimised
 Tour group members should be advised not to use it for bathing/washing.
Further information is available at:
http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/manual/water.shtml - A guide to water purification
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Purify-Water-Using-Iodine-Tincture/ - How to purify
water using iodine tincture
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portable_water_purification - Portable water purification
http://www.wikihow.com/Purify-Water - How to purify water (Five ways)
http://www.traveldoctor.com.au/Page/Knowledge-Hub/Travel-health-fact-sheets/Eating-and-
drinking-safely - Eating and drinking safely

Food safety
There is always a need to optimise food safety when providing camp site catering.
All requirements for food safety also apply to maintaining the safety of beverages too, as
beverages are classified as food.
More on this topic can be obtained from other units in this project entitled:
 Provide camp site catering
 Apply standard safety procedures for handling foodstuffs.
The following provide an overview of general safe food handling requirements:
 Making sure all those who handle food have been suitable trained – in food safety and
safe food handling techniques
 This is the single most important requirement

Visit http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/publications/documents/complete_safefood.pdf
- ‘Safe Food Australia’ to see more comprehensive and recognised food safety
protocols

This should provide a sound basis for food safety for the camp.
 Generating and having available a food safety plan/program for camp/catering staff – in
order:
 To provide guidance and direction for employees as/if required
 To optimise likelihood of maintaining food safety for the tour
 Set up a camp site

 To provide specific instructions for the use of individual items of equipment and
utensils, and nominated food practices and cleaning procedures
 Making sure all food used is, as best as can be determined, safe for human consumption
– this means, for example
- Checking to make sure packaging is intact and not broken/damaged – to help
protect the integrity of the food
- Use by dates have not been exceeded
- Controlling the temperature of food – which should include making sure:
- Refrigerated food is stored at or below 5⁰C
- Frozen food is at or below -18⁰C
 Cooked, hot food is maintained at or above 60⁰C
 Washing and drying hands when and as required – see below
 Keeping food covered as much as possible – to protect from dust, flies and other
contamination
 Using disposable gloves to handle food to guard against contamination – and changing
gloves whenever there is a need to wash hands (such as in between handling raw high
risk food and cooked/ready-to-eat food) and changing gloves every hour regardless
 Cooking food thoroughly – the cooking of all high risk food must be done in such a way
that the internal temperature of the product/item reaches at least 75ºC – this must be
checked with a probe thermometer that has been verified as accurate within the last six
months
 Thawing frozen food completely before using/preparing/cooking it
 Cooking and serving food immediately – as opposed to holding it for service
 Using separate implements/utensils for serving different foods
 Not saving/storing cooked and uneaten food for later re-use/service
 Keeping chemicals away from food and food preparation/service areas – this includes
eliminating the use of chemicals in food areas when food is present
 Maintaining correct personal hygiene – such as not coughing and sneezing over food
and/or food preparation or service surfaces
 Excluding pests and vermin to the best extent possible from all food storage, preparation,
production and service areas
 Discarding all food that is known to be
contaminated – or suspected of being
contaminated
 Excluding people who are ill from
food handling and food-related
activities
 Disposing of any food dropped on the
floor/ground.
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Hand washing
When
Food handlers must wash their hands:
 Any time the hands are likely to be a source of
contamination – this can cover a wide range of
possible circumstances and it is impossible to identify
them all but the following is a representative list:
 After handling rubbish or garbage and before
handling food or food contact surfaces
 After undertaking cleaning duties and before
handling food or food contact surfaces
 After handling animals and before handling food or food contact surfaces
 After accepting a delivery of food into the premises and before handling food or food
contact surfaces
 After handling money and before handling food or food contact surfaces
 In between handling raw high risk food (meat, fish or chicken) and handling cooked or
ready-to-eat food
 Before they start their food handling duties
 Immediately after engaging in nominated activities which have proved to be associated
with bacterial transfer/cross contamination:
 Smoking – including using tobacco products
 Coughing or sneezing
 Using a handkerchief or nasal tissue – which includes blowing the nose
 Eating or drinking
 Touching hair, scalp, mouth, nose, ears, anybody opening or any wound
 After any absence from the work station – this means every time a food handler leaves
the kitchen (or other place where they are handling food) they must wash their hands on
their return to work and before they handle food
 Immediately after using the toilet and before handling food or food contact surfaces – this
applies to all instances where the toilet was used and includes a requirement to wash
hands after urination as well as after defecation.
How
To wash hands, food handlers should:
 Rinse off visible and easy to remove dirt
 Apply soap
 Wash hands for at least 20 seconds:
 Thoroughly and vigorously massage the soap into the folds and creases of the hands
and wrists
 Clean under the fingernails
 Rinse soap from hands
 Thoroughly dry hands – by:
 Shaking off excess water
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 Drying with paper towel.

The basic dining options

When on tour and in a camp setting the basic dining options are for tour group members to
eat:
 In an area/dining facility provided at and by the destination where the camp is based –
using those facilities and moving furniture (if possible) to suit tour group and individual
requirements
 Outdoors – in the fresh air, where
tour group members choose where
they sit and take their meals where
they want and select who they want
to sit with
 Inside a tent/marquee – and are
seated at tables and chairs to reflect
group numbers and any required
seating arrangements.
When preparing the dining area for meal service there is/may be a need to:
 Cordon off the area – to:
 Restrict access to the area during preparation so:
 Set-up can occur without interruption
 Tour group member safety is optimised
 ‘Races’ can be created to control tour group access to food during self-service
 Ensure the cleanliness of the dining and service areas – this means:
 Tidying and cleaning the area so it looks presentable – for example:
- Putting things away
- Removing litter
 Taking action to make sure the area and facilities are hygienic - for example:
- Using detergent to remove dirt
- Applying sanitiser to remove bacteria
- Protecting food/equipment from adverse weather
 Set-up tables and seating – taking into account:
 Table plans/seating plans provided for the group
 Accommodation for required numbers
 Provision of sufficient seating
 Convenience for tour group members
 Location of/proximity to catering/food production area
 Creating of, where necessary, a wind screen/other weather-related protection for
diners
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 Provide and/or adjust environmental elements to create suitable ambience where/if

applicable – with reference to things such as:
 Lighting
 Heating/cooling
 Music
 Provide required service items – which need to reflect
the menu to be served and may necessitate
laying/supplying clean and sufficient:
 Cutlery
 Crockery
 Glassware
 Single-use items
 Serviettes.

Self service
In addition to ‘full’ service (where the food is prepared, served to and cleared from the tour
group by tour staff/a catering crew), the tour may also feature:
 Self-catering – to an extent
This may mean:
 Tour group members cook their own meals from provisions provided (and perhaps
prepared) by the catering staff, perhaps:
- Using specialised cooking equipment/utensils (pots, pans, camp ovens)
- Over an open camp fire.
- People catch/hunt their own food and:
- Prepare and cook it themselves
- Give it to camp staff who prepare and cook it for them

There is always a requirement:

– Catering staff/the Tour leader is available to help with cooking as or if necessary
– The tour kitchen always provides something for tour group members to eat is
they happen to ruin the food they are cooking themselves – they can never be
left to go hungry.
 Self-service – where catering staff prepare and present the food and tour group members
serve themselves – from a central service point/Bain Marie.
When involved in readying food for self-service it can be/is necessary to:
 Ensure all required display/presentations items have been suitably positioned – to:
 Minimise travel of food from production area to service location
 Facilitate self-service access by tour group members
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 Verify service and display equipment has been

prepared for service – that is:
 Items are cleaned and sanitised
 Bain maries for hot food have been pre-heated ready
for use – hot food must never be placed into cold
Bain Maries for service
 Refrigerated service and display items need to be
pre-chilled – so cold food is placed into cold
equipment
 Position ancillary items ready for use – these may include:
 Bread/rolls
 Butter
 Optional garnishes
 Side dishes
 Condiments
 PC packs
 Fill service and display equipment – this:
 Usually requires loading the prepared food into Bain Marie trays or onto service
platters and taking the food to the display units where it is placed into the unit
 Necessitates careful handling of the food – to maintain/retain the best possible
appearance
 Should happen as close to expected service time as possible – to minimise the holding
time of the food
 Maintain safe food temperatures – which may require (depending on the FSP for the
operation):
 Recording final cooking temperature of prepared food in the kitchen area
 Taking and recording the temperature of the display/presentation units into which the
prepared food is placed
 Noting the time the food is placed in the refrigeration unit
 Monitoring temperature of the food that is on display on an ongoing basis – to ensure
food remains not only hot or cold (as required) but safe to consume
 Protect food from contamination – by following standard practices such as:
 Checking/ensuring the integrity of food displayed for self-service during production and
when it is transferred to the display units
 Covering food whenever possible – while on display and during actual service
 Not touching food with bare hands – to prevent contamination
 Wearing disposable gloves when serving/handling food – to demonstrate safe food
handling to customers and/or comply with requirements of the FSP
 Eliminating pests/flies from the service area as best as can be achieved
 Using sneeze guards, where practicable – to protect food from coughs and sneezes of
users
 Set up a camp site

 Never using service gear which have been dropped on the floor/ground – without
cleaning and sanitising in between
 Not using service utensils which have been used by customers to eat/taste food –
without cleaning and sanitising in between
 Providing sufficient and suitable food service implements to facilitate self-service of
food – so different service utensils are used for different foods and there is no need for
customers to use the one utensil in multiple foods
 Tasking staff with monitoring customer activity – so they might, as the need arises:
- Remove contaminated food from display
- Replace contaminated service gear
- Provide help/advice to younger customers.
 Set up a camp site

2.5 Set up waste disposal

Introduction
Formal protocols to deal with waste disposal at camp sites are a constant requirement for all
tours.
This section presents the Golden Rule of Camping, identifies waste which may need to be
disposed of and describes possible activities needed for their disposal.

Golden Rule of Camping

The Golden Rule of Camping is:
 Take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but
footprints
This nicely sums up:
 Industry Codes relating to treatment of waste
generated by tours, and the behaviour of tour groups
 The objectives for dealing with camp waste.

Examples of waste
In this context ‘waste’ may be seen as:
 General rubbish – generated as a result of normal activities undertaken by tour group
members and/or tour staff.
 This rubbish may comprise:
- Loose paper
- Wrapping materials
- Empty/used containers
- Broken/damaged equipment and items
- Used single-use items – such as:
- Plastic cutlery
- Foam cups
- Disposable food and drink containers
- Drinking straws and hot drink stirrers
- Paper serviettes/napkins
 Food – in terms of:
 Plate waste – which is food left on the plates by diners when they finish a meal
 Left-over food – as produced by the catering crew and:
- Not consumed/served to tour group members
- Not suitable for storage for later use
- Unable to be safely stored for future use
- Banned from storage under the FSP in operation for the camp
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 Set up a camp site

 Empty containers and materials resulting from food and beverage production and service
processes – such as:
 Tins/cans
 Cardboard cartons
 Glass, bottles and jars
 Food wrapping and packaging materials
 Aluminium foil and cling wrap
 Empty chemical containers – generated as a result of cleaning activities.
 These containers may be ‘deposit paid’ containers and, if so, will need to be returned
to head office so they can be returned to collect the deposit.

Set up actions for waste disposal

There is a need to:
 Locate bins in high-traffic, high-use and logical positions
 Use waste facilities/bins provided by the camp operator
 Provide (additional) bins
 Fit bin liners to bins
 Separate rubbish into (for example):
 General waste
 Recyclable material
 Green waste
 Provide and use tight-fitting lids to bins
 Locate major waste collection point away from sleeping, dining, activity and other areas –
close to latrines may be acceptable
 Monitor use of bins – and empty when necessary re-fitting with bin liner.
 Set up a camp site

2.6 Set up latrines and wash area

Introduction
Toilets and washing facilities are another standard requirement for all tour group members
when at a camp.
This section presents relevant factors when setting up these areas.

Relevant factors
It is necessary to understand:
 Latrines are toilets
 The wash area may feature a shower as well as a bowl or sink in
some cases
 Latrines should be located away from other camp areas – and
preferably down-wind.
When setting up the latrines and wash area there can be a need
to:
 Inspect on-site facilities – and clean where required
 In permanent camp sites where toilets/latrines are
provided, the Tour Leader (or the Tour Crew) must check these to ensure they are
suitable for use and meet expected standards
 Not only may they be unacceptable in terms of dirt and human waste but they are
often a common refuge for spiders
 Where they do not, these people must:
- Notify park/camp site management and get them to remedy the situation
- Take action themselves to bring facilities up to expected standards – it is not
acceptable to leave sub-standard facilities in that state and expect tour group
members to use those below par facilities
 Stock/replenish supplies (consumables) – such as:
 Toilet paper – including spares
 Soap – including spares
 Hand sanitiser – including spares
 Paper towels – including spares
 Other toiletries, as provided by the Tour Operator according to the nature/class/style of
the tour:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body lotion
- Deodoriser
- Insect spray
 Set up a camp site

 Additives for portable toilets – chemicals or sachets of same

 Check the operation of the areas – as fitted, in terms of:
 Toilet flushing mechanism
 Locks on the doors
 Lights
 Hot water supply – where provided
 Hot water heater – may a be solar or gas-powered
unit, or it may be plumbed into the hot water heater
of a permanent amenity/ablutions block
 Cold water supply
 Flow rate – to provide ‘sufficient’ pressure
 Ensure presence of other requirements – including, as necessary/appropriate:
 Plug – for bowl/vanity/sink
 Mirror
 Rubbish bin
 Mat for bottom of shower
 Hessian (or other) protective shields/covers – to protect users from the gaze of others
and to maintain privacy and decency
- A thorough check of these covers must be made from all angles, and necessary
repairs (or re-hanging/re-positioning) must be undertaken where necessary
 Gender indicators – which designate whether toilets are for males or females, or if they
are uni-sex
 Locate portable toilets – as required
 A wide range of toilets is available (see http://www.raysoutdoors.com.au/online-
store/camping/toilet-shower/portable-toilet.aspx?id=1021977 for sample) and these
simply require:
- Placing in desired position
- Loading with required chemicals – according to manufacturer’s instructions
- Erecting protective shields around them
 Set up wash area and/or shower – actions required will depend on the type and quality of
facilities used so there may be a need to:
 Provide bowl – with supply of water
 Hang/set up the shower – according to manufacturer’s instructions
See https://www.snowys.com.au/Toilets-Showers/Camp-Showers.aspx?c=5&sc=29
and http://www.bushranger.com.au/gashotwatershower.php#.VTSalfCddh8
 Test run and verify full and safe operation of hot water.
 Set up a camp site

2.7 Set up activities area

Introduction
Many camp sites will require an activities area to either be established or set up to
accommodate planned needs.
This section discusses actions required when establishing the activities area.

Things to consider
When setting up an activities area there can be a need to:
 Liaise with camp site management – to:
 Identify what is available for use
 Locations which may be designated
 Rules and restrictions relating to use
 Determine where to locate the camp fire – which can depend
on:
 Local rules and regulations about where fires can be
located
 The role of the camp fire in the overall function of the camp
– that is, in some camps the camp fire is:
- Primary, central and important
- Secondary and incidental
- Used for cooking
 Designate and establish supporting facilities – and areas to underpin and enable planned
activities, such as:
 Interpretive activities
 Group activities
 Demonstrations
 Interactive activities
 Games
 Prepare sports-related areas – which may require:
 Inspecting and verifying the safety, suitability and sufficiency of areas and items
provided by the host camp site – such as:
- Grounds, fields, wickets, courts and other playing surfaces
- Areas adjacent to the actual sports-related areas
- Protective covers – shade cloth and umbrellas
- Bats, clubs, nets, balls and other playing/sports equipment
 Set up a camp site

 Providing all necessary PPE for all tour group members (and staff) – in order to:
- Enable them to participate in scheduled activities, sports, events, games and other
inclusions.
– For example when conducting white water rafting or kayaking there would be a
need to provide high-visibility life jackets/PFD, safety/white water helmets, knee
and elbow pads, whistles, rescue ropes, rescue rope throw bags, neoprene
booties, white water knives, padded gloves.
 Protect them from naturally occurring harm (including sunburn) when on-tour
 Checking ancillary items provided at host locations – such as:
- Warning signs
- Rules for games/sports
- First aid kits
- Lighting
- Public address systems
 Prepare areas to facilitate relaxation and free time – which may require setting up:
 Tables and chairs
 Day beds
 Umbrellas
 Reading materials
 Drinks and snacks
 Binoculars
 Towels.
 Set up a camp site

2.8 Position vehicles and equipment

Introduction
Where tour groups have travelled by vehicle there is a need
to position those vehicles and any other equipment for the
duration of the camp.
This section identifies matters which need to be taken into
account in relation to vehicle and ‘other equipment’
positioning in a camp, and the use of vehicles within a
camp.

Definitions
In this context ‘vehicles’ refers to tour vehicles, which may include:
 Cars and a range of two-wheel drive vehicles
 Four-wheel drives
 SUVs
 Utilities
 Station wagons
 Vans
 Light trucks
 Heavy commercial vehicles
 Combination vehicles
 Buses/coaches
Other equipment refers to:
 Trailers
 Portable equipment’
 Items, containers, boxes and similar unloaded from vehicles/trailers in preparation for
possible use.

Relevant issues
Relevant issues relating to vehicles and their positioning are:
 Vehicles must be parked in designated locations – in permanent/established camping
grounds, as nominated by management of the site
 Operators have the right to direct all vehicles as to where to park – and/or to alter
previous arrangements as they see fit
 There must be compliance with local requirements regarding whether vehicles are to be
parked ‘facing in’ – or ‘facing out’
 Vehicles must be locked when parked
 Set up a camp site

 The relevant permit may need to be displayed in the windscreen (or on the dashboard) of
vehicles
 Only authorised vehicles (as arranged with and expected by management) may be
allowed onto the site – this means there may be a ban on extra/support vehicles not
mentioned when the booking was made
 Vehicles should not be parked so as to intrude on the camp – or spoil the view
 Care must be taken to position the vehicle on firm ground – to avoid the potential for
bogging the vehicle
 If the vehicle is driven within the camp it must be driven at no more than the sign-posted
speed – ‘walking pace’ is the suggested speed
 Great care must be taken when reversing any vehicle – even when it is fitted with audible
warning: SOP may be for the driver to have an observer when reversing
 Management of parks/camps may have the right to enter/board vehicles – and/or search
them
 The registration number of all vehicles may have to be lodged with camp management.
 Set up a camp site

Work Projects
It is a requirement of this Unit you complete Work Projects as advised by your Trainer. You
must submit documentation, suitable evidence or other relevant proof of completion of the
project to your Trainer by the agreed date.
Note: this Work Project follows from Work Project 1.1

2.1 For the tour and camp site identified in Work Project 1.1 set up the camp site providing
evidence you have:

 Designated areas for specific camp site activities in accordance with known
requirements
 Prepared the site accommodating and ensuring availability of all identified camp
and tour group requirements
 Set up facilities to cater for the tour group with respect to:
 Sleeping arrangements
 Kitchen and cooking area
 Waste disposal
 Latrines and wash area
 Activities area
 Positioned tour vehicles in safe, secure and logical manner.
Set up a camp site

Summary

Set up a camp site

When setting up a camp site:
 Set up the camp to meet projected/planned needs and activities
 Get permission from camp management/owners before changing anything in the camp
 Photograph the site on arrival
 Determine the areas needed in accordance with anticipated use
 Factor in local and prevailing conditions to optimise views, access to areas and proximity to facilities
 Optimise safety
 Set up sleeping arrangements to reflect identified need and preferences
 Establish food storage, preparation, cooking and service/dining areas and facilities
 Set up waste disposal facilities and bins in accordance with on-site/local requirements
 Establish toilet facilities
 Set up washing and/or showering area together with necessary requisites
 Create an activity area to align with intended use
 Position tour vehicles and trailers in accordance with site regulations.
 Operate a camp site

Element 3:
Operate a camp site
3.1 Explain camp site rules to tour group members
Introduction
Standard practice for all camps is that the rules of the camp site must be explained to the
tour group members.
This section identifies when and how this may be done and gives examples of several
common camp rules.

When and how to explain the rules

The rules for the camp are usually explained by the person who is
leading/conducting the tour.
Explanation may be made:
 Prior to departing the tour company premises – as part of a pre-
tour briefing
 On the coach/tour vehicle(s) while travelling to the camp site
 On arrival at the site.
Explanation may comprise:
 A verbal presentation
 Handout material
 A video
 A Q&A session
 Combination of the above.

Context
It is to be expected:
 Established camping grounds will have their own rules with which all campers are
required to comply
 Agreements with local communities often include rules by which camps must operate in
order for the relationship to continue
 Rules will vary between camp sites
 Rules will change between Tour Operators
 Rules emerge and alter over time
 Operate a camp site

 There are consequences for failing to comply – such as penalties, being asked to leave,
or being refused future bookings.

Examples of camp rules

While individual camp sites will have different rules based on local conditions and local
preferences there are several rules which apply commonly across all/most camp sites –
these relate to:
 Restrictions on the use of land and facilities – for example:
 Bans on where tour group members can go/walk
 Limitations on building which can be used and what they
can be used for
 Restrictions on where open fires can be laid, the size of
those fires and on what may be burned
 Requirements relating to vehicle parking and that vehicles
travel only on established roads, and at a stated pace
 Bans on rock climbing, base jumping or using certain water
features/sources for swimming, bathing or boating activities
 Prohibitions on moving/touching human remains/bones or
artefacts
 No feeding of animals or picking flowers
 No cutting of firewood
 No hunting
 Noise – there may be rules and regulations around:
 Bans of generators – or restricting the type which may be used and/or the times at
which they are allowed to run
 A general requirements no person/group makes noise which adversely impacts the
enjoyment of other camp users
 Prohibitions on noise (from conversations, activities, parties) after certain hours – to
allow others to sleep
 Restrictions on the use of nominated other items (radios, devices, firearms, amplified
music, chain saws, fireworks) which may cause/generate noise
 Language – there are standard requirements that those who use the camps:
 Do not swear or use bad language
 Do not use offensive language
 Requirement to advise camp management at the earliest opportunity of:
 Intention to depart the camp prior to expected date of departure as indicated when the
booking was made, or when the group checked in – failure to do so will normally incur
a penalty
 Desire to stay for longer than originally booked/indicated
 Operate a camp site

 Use of camp site amenities – such as:

 Ablutions block
 Communal spaces
 Sports and play areas
 Dining facilities
 Shops and retail outlets
 First aid kits
 Safety equipment
 Camp animals
 Cooking facilities – including on-site kitchens and barbecues
 On-site transport – bicycles, carts, tractor trains
 Explanation of local requirements and customs – these are intended to optimise
engagement with locals while ensuring no offence is given
 Matters addressed will depend on the local
communities but may involve:
- Ways of dressing
- Taking photographs/asking permission to do so
- Not entering private dwellings/spaces or
nominated constructions/places of worship or
sacred sites
- Avoiding eye contact
- Not interacting with women and/or children
- Methods of payment for items purchased
- Removal of shoes before entering certain places
- Giving right-of-way to certain people or animals
- Respecting nominated religious or customary practices – at certain times and/or in
specified locations
 Sharing of the camp site:
 With other camp site users and groups
 With local communities
 Within the total context of the tour and the itinerary
 In relation to planned and allocated use of the camp site
 By accommodating and respecting allocated times for the use of limited facilities
 In relation to planned and group activities – so one group does not dominate another
or negatively affect its experience
 Through general respect for other camp site users, current and future.
 Operate a camp site

3.2 Use all equipment and facilities safely

Introduction
Inherent in the operation of a camp site is the need for tour group
members to use all camp equipment and facilities safely.
This section introduces the concept of Duty of Care and provides
practical advice to ensure camp users are kept safe.

Duty of Care
In relation to tours and camping all businesses and employees have
a common law Duty of Care to:
 Create and maintain a touring environment that does not pose a
risk to people (staff, members of the public, customers)
 Take action to avoid causing foreseeable harm to people/customers/tour group members
or their property/belongings while they are on tour, camping and/or participating in any
tour-related activity.

Strategies to optimise safety

A combination of the following could/should be used to make sure camp users/tour group
members are kept safe when in a camp:
 Make sure all tour staff have received necessary training in the safe use of all tour
equipment and items – before they depart on-tour, and can demonstrate required
competency to the necessary level
 Standard safe operating procedures (based on formal risk management and safety
analyses) should be formulated to address common safety issues – and these must be
available for tour staff reference/use
 All required safety equipment, gear and items must be available – this means it must be
carried on the tour vehicle or be provided by the camp operators
 The aim must be to create ‘safe place’ and not ‘safe person’ – that is the tour staff must
make the location safe so safety is not dependent on people doing the right thing
 Tour crews must demonstrate required safety action(s) – using actual equipment and
explaining the demonstration as they proceed
 Opportunities must be given for tour group members to practice safety and/or the use of
safety gear/wearing of PPE – under the supervision and guidance of the tour crew
 Manufacturer’s instructions for the safe use of equipment must form the basis of all safety
protocols – and copies of written safety instructions (in required languages) should also
be made available
 After tour group members have been shown how to use equipment and facilities safely
their ongoing use must be monitored by tour staff – and necessary corrective action or
remedial training undertaken when the need to do so arises
 Tour staff must be prepared to stop any activity when an unsafe situation is detected –
activities must not be allowed to continued when a hazard/risk is identified
 Operate a camp site

 Tour group members must be encouraged to report dangerous situations or unsafe

conditions – so tour staff can investigates and take appropriate action in response’
 Safety must be identified and maintained as a serious issue throughout the tour – from
the first pre-departure tour briefing to daily talks, de-briefs and information session
 Tour staff must conduct (and record evidence of having completed) a safety check of
camp site facilities on arrival at an established camp site – to verify all facilities (such as
cooking equipment, mechanical equipment, play and sports equipment) is safe to use
 Tour staff must prohibit tour group members engaging in dangerous activity and/or the
use of potentially dangerous equipment – when identified: it is never sufficient to identify a
problem and simply ‘hope’ everything will be safe
 Constant vigilance is essential – tour staff need to guard against becoming complacent
about safety
Just because something has not happened in the past 20 years does not mean it cannot
happen in the next second.
 Operate a camp site

3.3 Dispose of waste in an environmentally friendly

manner
Introduction
All waste generated at a camp site must be disposed of
correctly/in an environmentally sensitive manner.
This section describes possible activities in this regard.

Activities involved
Generic activities possibly required when disposing of
waste is likely to include:
 Remembering the Golden Rule of Camping:
 Take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints.
 Disposing of all items in an environmentally-sensitive manner – in accordance with:
 Site requirements
 Contracted arrangements
 Agreements with local communities
 Local legislation
 Packing/bagging and stowing of rubbish – for:
 Carrying away when leaving the camp/returning to base
 Later disposal at an approved waste disposal area, where no facilities exist on-site
 Storing food waste under refrigeration – to:
 Help reduce spoilage and odour
 Provide protection against access by pests/animals
 Keeping waste which has to be transported off-site separate from food which is also
being transported – this:
 Is to prevent contamination
 May require storage of waste in a separate vehicle to ‘food’ transport vehicles
 Not feeding left-over food or plate waste to local fauna – which can involve:
 Informing tour group members not to feed the wildlife
 Training staff not to do so
 Monitoring tour group members to ensure they comply
 Separating items to accommodate local waste disposal requirements – which may require
separation of rubbish/waste into:
 General waste, rubbish and litter
 Food waste
 Recyclable materials
 Operate a camp site

 Oil – from fryers/cooking

 Not leaving any waste/rubbish on-site/in the local area –
which may involve:
 An inspection by a local person to confirm all
waste/rubbish has been removed
 Not burying waste on-site – as animals can dig it up
 Forfeiting a deposit if the area is not properly cleaned
 The tour operator:
- Having to pay a charge if the site has to be
cleaned by others after the tour has departed
- Being refused future access to the site if it is not left as required
 Securing food waste – in metal containers with tight lids so that:
 It does not attract pests and local wildlife
 It cannot be accessed by animals, birds and pests
 Taking appropriate action to address human waste – which may require:
 Complying with arrangements developed with local communities – the disposal of
waste, especially human waste, is a prime consideration when these agreements are
negotiated
 Observing the requirements of any applicable industry or tourism body Codes of
Practice which apply to the disposal of human waste’
 Supplying a spade and un-perfumed (and perhaps re-cycled) toilet paper – for
campers
 Burying human solids in a pit/hole dug for the purposes of defection – genera
requirements suggest this hole is:
- 200 metres from a water source
- 20 cms deep
- In an area not likely to be used/visited by others
 Bagging and carrying out solid human waste, used toilet paper and tampons
 Removing portable toilets – and their container/contents; some styles of portable camp
toilets may use a bag or a bucket system to capture waste and facilitate its
removal/transportation out of the area.
There is no general requirement to carry out or treat urine as it has little or no impact on the
environment apart from (sometimes) serving to attract animals and insects.
See more at:
http://www.lnt.org.au/programs/7-principles.html
https://lnt.org/learn/principle-3
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/know-before-you-go/care-codes/activity-
minimal-impact-codes/disposing-of-human-waste/.
 Operate a camp site

3.4 Clean and tidy the camp site

Introduction
Tour crew have an ongoing obligation to ensure the camp
site is kept clean and tidy at all times.
This section details the need for this and provides
practices designed to maintain camps looking presentable.

Need for cleanliness and tidiness

There are many reasons to keep the camp site clean and
 Tour group members expect it
 Tour operators require it
 Agreements with local communities state it will occur
 It is a standard requirement for all users of established/owner-operated camp sites
 It underpins effective operation of the camp site and enhances the customer experience
of the location
 An unclean and untidy camp has many disadvantages – it:
 Looks bad and puts the name of the Tour Operator (which is on the tour vehicles) in a
bad light
 Can attract wildlife
 May present safety issues
 Reflects poorly on the professionalism of the tour staff
 It facilitates the final clean up when the camp breaks/leaves
 To be a ‘good neighbour’ to other users/tour groups
 All established camp site operators insist tour groups leave their camp site in a clean and
tidy condition – or a cleaning will apply and future bookings may be refused.

Practices involved
To maintain the camp site in a clean and tidy condition there can be a need to:
 Integrate Tour Operator work in this regard with camp operator activities – so overall
cleaning and tidying is a joint/collaborative function
 Provide sufficient and suitable bins – fitted with bin liners and tight fitting lids for people to
put their rubbish into
 Monitor the grounds on a regular basis – say every two hours to:
 Collect loose/ground rubbish
 Put used items back where they belong
 Empty bins and dispose of waste
 Operate a camp site

 Make camp cleanliness and tidiness a priority – by asking tour group members to put
rubbish in bins and put things back after they have finished using them
 Allocate cleaning and tidying duties – to nominated people, which may mean:
 Allocating duties to tour group members/customers
 Allocating duties to tour staff
 Pick up and remove rubbish and debris not generated by the tour group – as opposed to
only dealing with rubbish/waste generated by the tour group
 Intervene when unacceptable action by others is noted – such as:
 Asking people to pick up rubbish they have dropped on the ground and put in the bins
provided
 Explaining why there is a need to do so
 Clean, wash and/or sanitise cooking and food-related equipment – to:
 Remove a source of visual and smell contamination
 Get rid of a potential source which may attract vermin and/or wildlife
 Dispose of waste from portable latrines – see previous section
 Check and clean fixed camp site facilities not belonging to the tour but used by tour group
members – such as:
 Tables and seating
 Latrines
 Washing and laundry areas
 Sleeping quarters
 Kitchens and dining areas
 Play equipment and areas.
 Operate a camp site

3.5 Monitor safety and security of the camp site

Introduction
Ongoing safety and security of the camp is another ever-present concern when on tour.
This section identifies actions which will enable monitoring of the safety and security of the
camp site.

Safety and security checks

Action required in order to maintain a safe and secure camp site includes:
 Notifying tour group members regarding any known safety
and/or security threats which exist at the site – so they are
aware of them, and can be suitable advised of appropriate
preventative action to take
 This needs to be done on the way to each camp, or on
arrival at the first ‘all of group’ meeting
 In some locations it may be beneficial to have a
representative from the local area to undertake this
presentation so they can better provide ‘local knowledge’
regarding the relevant issues.
 Designating tour staff to act as safety and security officers –
with specific responsibilities in this regard
 Explaining to the tour group the mandatory safety and security protocols which apply – as
part of the pre-tour briefing and throughout the tour as well as on arrival at individual
camp sites
 Conducting initial checks on the operational safety of camp site equipment and facilities –
backed up with periodic supplementary checks, at least every day, recorded on suitable
checklists to provide evidence of the discharge of necessary Duty of Care obligations
 Conducting patrols of the camp and all areas or issues deemed worthy of attention or
which have been noted as potential ‘red flag’ areas
 These foot patrols should be conducted at regular times and on a random basis, day
and night in some areas – in order to:
- Demonstrate commitment and professionalism – and give tour group members
confidence in the camp site and the tour staff
- Deter problems, thefts, offences or unwanted events – by displaying a physical
presence and making it known to everyone safety and security is being taken
seriously
- Detect problems or evidence of issues – so an unwanted event is identified at the
earliest opportunity in order to;
- Optimise the chance of apprehending the offender
- Minimise the loss that flows from such a situation
 Operate a camp site

 Taking time to verify the security of relevant assets – such as:

 Tour vehicles – to ensure they are locked and not
being tampered with
 Property and belongings of tour group members – to
ensure they are safely stowed at camp and do not
present a tempting target for thieves
 Tour equipment and resources – to make sure it is
correctly returned after use and not left lying about
presenting a target for thieves and causing a
possible tripping hazard
 Making it known the tour group/Tour Leader actively seeks feedback from others
regarding any issue relating to safety and security – tour group members must be
encouraged to report:
 Any identified problems regarding the safety/security of equipment and facilities
 Suspicious persons around the camp
 Suspicious events or activity
 Actual occurrences which have resulted in injury or damage/loss – and any ‘near
misses’
 Anything which makes them feel unsafe or uneasy
 Liaising with others – which can involve:
 Talking to other tour groups/tour staff from other Tour Operators who are sharing the
same camp site
 Speaking with camp park management
 Communicating with local authorities
 Meeting with other tour staff
 Taking intentional action to monitor the weather – in respect of, for example:
 Rain in the immediate area or local precinct which may cause problems with flooding
 Water which may make roads impassable and raise the potential for the tour to be
trapped/isolated
 Wildfire which may be close or moving towards the camp
 Increasing wind which may pose hazards in terms of falling or flying debris
 Being aware of impending severe storms, typhoons, hurricanes and similar
 Noting ‘closing’ (impending) weather conditions which may impede vision and cause
problems with sports/games requiring good visibility and other conditions that may
impact on camp site safety
 Checking on happenings – to determine if there any local issues with the potential to
cause safety and security concerns, such as:
 Political upheavals
 Riots
 Escaped or deranged persons
 Large-scale religious, sporting, entertainment or other events
 Operate a camp site

 Changes in attitudes to visitors/tourists

 Noting the behaviour of non-tour group members – to determine if their action:
 Poses a threat or is intimidating
 Is impacting adversely on the tour or certain tour group members
 Jeopardises planned activities/the itinerary
- In cases where unacceptable behaviour from non-tour group members is identified
the recommended course of action is to:
– Move the tour group away from the threat/ unacceptable behavior – as opposed
to talking to those involved and asking them to modify their actions
– Contact local authorities or known support personnel for assistance
– Adjust the itinerary as required to accommodate the need for change – this may
require a simple time delay while things are sorted out or a significant ‘change of
plan’ based on the nature of the issue.
 Operate a camp site

3.6 Adjust the established camp site as required

Introduction
This section identifies possible need to adjust an established camp site, highlights the
importance of doing so and gives examples of action that may be required to respond to
identified need to adjust the camp site.

Potential reasons to adjust an established camp site

The following may all provide reasons to adjust an
established camp site:
 Feedback from tour group members –
indicating they are not happy with the way
things currently are
 Notification from management of a camping
ground/facility – advising they require the tour
group to re-locate or alter some aspect of the
current set up
 Instruction from authorities – directing
nominated changes be made for safety and/or
security issues
 Request from local community or their representative – to change something about the
way the camp is located and/or operating
 Personal observation by tour staff – indicating:
 A better, more effective or viable option is available
 There is need to take pre-emptive action to respond to an identified threat
 Changes in circumstances or conditions which create an opportunity for enhancement
to the tour group experience which did not previously exist
 Failure, breakdown or malfunction of some (critical) element of the camp – necessitating
re-location of tents, areas or facilities
 Justifiable complaints and/or legitimate requests made by other tour groups – regarding
sharing and/or joint use of limited camping space or resources.

Importance of making required adjustments

It is important to make required changes in order to:
 Maintain the safety and security of group members and tour resources – and tour staff
 Enhance the customer experience – and optimise their engagement with and enjoyment
from the tour/camp site
 Cooperate with camp site operators and management – to assist them achieve the goals
and objectives they need to obtain in order to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes
 Demonstrate ‘customer focus’ regarding the needs, wants and preferences of tour group
members – as distinct from imposing the preferences/requirements of the Tour Operator
onto the tour group
 Operate a camp site

 Preserve and protect the good name of the Tour Operator –

which is something all operators want in terms of the value of
their public reputation among the public as well as all industry
stakeholders and businesses they work with
 Elicit cooperation from others – it is a fact of touring and camping
life a tour that works in with others will obtain greater cooperation
in return
 Comply with obligations – which may relate to statements/terms
or conditions contained in:
 Rules and regulations of camp site operators
 Industry and operator Codes of Practice
 Terms and conditions imposed by tour contracts
 Clauses and promises made in agreements with local bodies and communities.

Possible activities involved

Critical aspects
When taking action to adjust an established camp site the action must:
 Improve a situation – and not make matters worse, or have no discernible positive impact
 Respond specifically to an identified cause or issue – and not simply be action taken for a
nebulous reason or for no good reason.
Practical action
Practical action may include:
 Involving the tour group members in the decision – by:
 Talking to them
 Explaining all relevant aspects impacting the situation including personal and/or
industry and local knowledge of the tour staff
 Providing options with explanations (advantages and disadvantages) of each
 Seeking their direction, advice or preferences in relation to the situation as described
 Being prepared to take unilateral action – where and when there is a need to do so
without consulting or involving the tour group
 Altering the layout of the camp site from what was initially planned – which may require
approval from camp management in some cases and can involve:
Increasing or decreasing distances between tents
Varying distances between areas
Moving certain areas of the camp to a new physical location
Re-pitching tents in a new location – to obtain (for example) more comfort, different
views, better protection from the weather
 Adding a new element/area to the initial camp layout
 Removing an area or element of the camp
 Moving the location of where vehicles are parked and where equipment and other
items are stored
 Relocating the entire camp site – to a new location
 Operate a camp site

 Following established and approved (tried and tested) standard plans for identified issues
– these may be:
 Contingency plans
 EMPs.
 Operate a camp site

3.7 Monitor tour group member use of the camp

site
Introduction
In addition to monitoring the tour group while on tour, tour staff also
need to monitor the use of the camp site by tour group members.
This section explains why this is important, indicates how it may
occur and describes action which may flow from such monitoring.

Importance of this action

It is important to monitor tour group member use of the camp in
order to:
 Identify problems and issues at the earliest opportunity – so an
appropriate response can be taken
 A standard requirement is always to prevent small problems from escalating into major
issues
 Demonstrate ongoing interest in and concern for the tour group – as way of showing
respect for them, valuing them and showing a genuine service-oriented ethic
 Provide the attention customers expect (or may have been promised) – as part of their
touring/camping experience
 Many Tour Operators emphasise the fact tours are ‘escorted’ or ‘supervised’ so
customers can be primed to expect this interest in what they are doing
 Cater for individual needs, wants and preferences – whenever there is a need to do so
based on monitoring activities
 Optimise the satisfaction of tour group members with the camp site – and increase their
use of and engagement with the facilities
 Extend safety and security provisions within the camp – ongoing monitoring of people and
actions is a fundamental of maintaining the camp safety.

Ways to monitor
Ways to monitor/assess the tour group in a camp site (or on tour) are:
 Visual observation – watching the group and individuals within it to determine their needs
and identify if any problems are emerging
 The key is to observe and interpret their body language with special attention paid to
facial expressions
 Listening to what is being said – these may be:
 Comments made by one tour group member people to other tour group members, or
their partners
 Conversations tour group members have with tour staff or other people in the camp
area/s
 Operate a camp site

 Being informed directly by a third person – this may take the form of a tour group
member:
 Advising they have a problem or issue
 Saying they are feeling unwell and want assistance
 Stating they are being annoyed or upset by someone else in the
group
 Asking regular questions of the group or individuals within the group –
to determine if they are OK or not
 This topic should always be canvassed at end-of-day meetings
 Creating an environment which encourages tour group members to say
if they have any issues, concerns or personal requests – by:
 Encouraging comments and feedback
 Being sensitive to the concerns and comments of others
 Taking action on what is identified
 Thanking people for bringing matters to attention.

Examples of relevant action

Action which is inherent in monitoring tour group use of a camp site can include:
 Leading by example – in the work and activities undertaken within the camp site
 Providing demonstrations of acceptable action or conduct – at strategic times, such as
when:
 Introducing something new of potentially ‘challenging’
 Explaining required actions
 Requested by the group
 Correcting unacceptable action
 Providing assistance as required – to tour group members and anyone else in the camp
area
 Correcting unacceptable behaviour – as opposed to ignoring it
 Explaining reasons for restrictions or other required camp site behaviour – rather than just
asking/telling people what is required
 Taking action to limit the negative impact of any unacceptable or non-compliant tour
group member behaviour – such as:
 Apologising to those impacted by unacceptable behaviour
 Modifying unacceptable situations as soon as possible – for example:
- Turning down loud music
- Moving items from locations where they are not supposed to be.
 Operate a camp site

3.8 Maintain a cordial relationship with others in

and around the camp site
Introduction
Positive relationships need to be maintained with a range of other
people when occupying a camp site.
This section identifies who these people might be and provides
advice on how a positive relationship may be maintained.

‘Other people’
The ‘other people’ with whom positive relationships may need to be
maintained can include:
 Local communities
 Designated elders from local populations
 Certain local individuals with roles and responsibilities relating to providing products
and/or services to the group
 Local authorities – such as:
 The council
 Land council
 Emergency agency
 Tourism body
 Managers and owners of camping areas
 Tourists who are visiting the camping area and who may be entitled to share the facilities
 Other Tour Operators – who are known to be in the area/at the camp site and with whom
a professional working relationship is required.

Ways to maintain a positive relationship

Positive relationships can be maintained through a combination of the following:
 Make electronic or telephone contact with camp site management or others prior to arrival
– to:
 Establish initial contact
 Introduce self
 Make or confirm booking
 Provide basic tour information and Tour Operator details
 Give required group details – numbers, age profiles, gender mix
 Find out about any necessary information about the camp site and/or local area which
should be communicated to tour group members
 Operate a camp site

 Notify local communities – in accordance

with agreements reached with these people
which will often stipulate:
 Amount of advanced notice required of
dates
 Provision of relevant details regarding:
 Arrival date and time
 Departure date and time
 Size of the group
 Information to be provided regarding the contribution/roles of the local community
towards the tour
 Advise necessary people on arrival at the camp – or just prior to arrival:
 Confirming group numbers
 Communicating any changes to previously agreed or notified arrangements
 Seeking updates regarding local conditions or actions the group is required to comply
with
 Meet with management or relevant others – on a face-to-face basis as soon as possible,
to:
 Get to know the person and ‘put a face to the name’
 Demonstrate a desire to generate a positive connection and build rapport
 Make future communications easier and more likely to occur
 Speak with others to determine what their objectives and preferences are – and then
strive to work cooperatively with them to achieve a win-win outcome where everyone
achieves the results they are seeking
 Respond positively and promptly to legitimate requests – to, for example:
 Alter previously agreed plans and arrangements
 Modify activities and areas
 Help the other party address problems they are facing
 Participate in activities they may be instigating or conducting
 Keep the camp site neat and tidy – being a ‘good neighbour’
 Supervise the conduct (behaviour and language) of tour group members
 Stay within designated areas/lines for the group, as allocated
 Abide by camp site rules and regulations
 Pass on issues of concern and matters which may indicate safety or security issues
 Participate in joint meetings or sessions which may be conducted to facilitate positive
relations between visitors/stakeholders.
 Operate a camp site

Work Projects
It is a requirement of this Unit you complete Work Projects as advised by your Trainer. You
must submit documentation, suitable evidence or other relevant proof of completion of the
project to your Trainer by the agreed date.
Note: this Work Project follows from the previous Work Project.

3.1 For the tour identified in Work Project 1.1 operate the camp site providing evidence
you have:

 Explained camp site rules to tour group members

 Used all equipment and facilities safely
 Disposed of waste in an environmentally friendly manner
 Cleaned and tidied the camp site
 Monitored safety and security of the camp site
 Adjusted the camp site as required
 Monitored tour group member use of the camp site
 Maintained a cordial relationship with others in and around the camp site.
 Operate a camp site

Summary

Operate a camp site

When operating a camp site:
 Conduct activities in accordance with SOPs approved by the Tour operator
 Conform to applicable risk management and risk control requirements
 Inform tour group of applicable camp site restrictions, rules and regulations
 Advise group about local customs, required behaviours and prohibited actions/activities
 Communicate and demonstrate safety protocols relevant to the site and planned activities
 Handle waste in an environmentally safe manner aligning with local requirements
 Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints
 Maintain the camp site in a clean and tidy condition
 Monitor the safety and security of the camp on an ongoing basis
 Adjust initial camp site arrangements as/if required to meet emerging needs and/or changed conditions
 Keep a watch on tour group members and their use of the camp and their interactions with each other
 Take necessary action to optimise enjoyment/satisfaction levels of tour group members with the camp site
 Take action to maintain positive relationships with the tour group and other relevant external others.
Operate a camp site
 Organise camp site activities

Element 4:
Organise camp site activities
4.1 Arrange recreational activities
Introduction
It is standard practice most tours will offer a range of recreational
activities to tour group members at camp sites.
This section identifies examples of recreational activities and presents
relevant detail which may need to be organised.

Context for recreational activities

Some recreational activities can be the focus of the entire tour, or the
central focus of the camp.
In other cases the recreational activities may be supplementary to the
primary purpose of the tour and provided as ‘extras’ or to give people
something to do in their free time.
Yet again, an activity can be both a central focus and a recreational pursuit – for example, a
tour may be focussed on walking (such as a trekking tour or bushwalking tour) but still have
a series of optional ‘side walks’, ‘fun walks’ or ‘sightseeing walks’ as optional recreational
activities to supplement the planned route.
It should always be remembered:
 Recreational activities must be optional for tour group members and not/never
‘mandatory’
 No tour or camp should ever force/compel tour group members to engage with the
recreational activities which are provided
 Different people prefer different things – just because the Tour leader really likes a certain
activity does not mean all the tour group will
 The physical capacity and other abilities coupled with previous experiences (or lack of)
have a significant influence on their level of participation of individuals in available
activities
 People’s likes and dislikes vary over time and with/according to conditions and/or their
moods and whatever else is happening in their lives – people who enjoyed one activity
yesterday may not want to engage in it tomorrow
 Some people just want to do nothing – they just want to sit and think, or sit and simply
enjoy the view and drink in the experience
 Not everyone has to be ‘engaged’ in activity for every minute of every day
 Organise camp site activities

Examples of recreational activities

There are many examples of recreational activities – they include:
 Games provided and/or organised by the Tour Operator –
these may be:
 Physical games
 Board games
 Individual or group games
 Fun competitions – which may feature small items as
prizes and be run by tour staff
 Rest and relaxation – where people may:
 Sit and enjoy the view
 Lie on a camp bed under an umbrella, sipping cold drinks
 Chat quietly with others
 Reading a range of material provided by the Tour Operator – such as:
 Local newspapers and magazines
 Travel books on the local area, culture, people, landmarks and history
 Novels
 Free time – where, as the name implies, nothing is organised and tour group members
are free to use their time as they see fit
Many choose to use this time to:
 Rest/have a sleep
 Visit local shops
 Go sightseeing
Note: while many itineraries will frequently allocate certain times/dates as ‘Free time’ the
reality is usually/always there will be something for them to do such as:
 Cards or board games to play
 Books/materials to read
 Snacks to eat and/or beverages to drink
 Specific activities as identified and requested by individual tour group members – which
might feature:
 Bird watching
 Nature walks
 Swimming
 Boating
 Photography
 Cycling
 Fishing.
 Organise camp site activities

Details to be organised
There is generally a need to:
 Identify the options available – by talking with the group and explaining the available
options
 Determine location/site and/or destination for each activity – which may need to comply
with externally imposed limitations or parameters
 Allocate time/s for the different activities – these may:
 Need to align with dates/times as listed on the itinerary for the tour/camp – in order to
meet expectations
 Be established to accommodate local conditions
 Have to reflect requests/preferences of the group
 Advise who may participate in the activity or who the activity may be suitable for –
because not all activities will be attractive to all people
 Provide the necessary resources – to enable the activity to take place with safety and
comfort, as intended
 Demonstrate aspects of the activity, as required – to optimise engagement and
enjoyment of the activity by those who elect to take part
 Supervise engagement with certain activities – to:
 Provide assistance as/if required
 Monitor behavior and actions of participants
 Maintain positive relationships with the group.
 Organise camp site activities

4.2 Arrange sporting activities

Introduction
In addition to recreational activities some camps may
feature/offer a range of sporting activities for tour group
members.
This section reinforces previous information relating to
camp activities and provides generic advice on action to
arrange sporting activities.

Background information
There are many similarities between offerings of recreational activities (as explained in the
previous section) and the provision of sporting activities – that is:
 Sporting activities may be the primary focus/reason for the tour or camp – or they can be
secondary and supplementary
 Participation must be voluntary – and not compulsory
 Tour group members can be expected to have a wide range of orientations to these
activities – in terms of:
 Experience
 Ability
 Desire to play.

Action required to organise sporting activities

When organising sporting activities there may be a need to:
 Adhere to the stated requirements of the itinerary – in terms of:
 Dates
 Times
 Venues/locations
 Types of sport
 Liaise with local communities, venues and sites – regarding:
 Booking courts, grounds or other facilities
 Paying for use of facilities
 Integrating one tour group with the requirements of other users
 Cooperating in inter-tour competitions
 Arranging games that interact with local communities
 Organise camp site activities

 Organise and schedule activities – which may require:

 Ensuring playing area/surface is suitable – which may
involve
 Cleaning and clearing the area
 Marking out sections
 Establishing competitions
 Selecting teams
 Determining the level of seriousness for the sports/games – with some groups sports
are for fun and for others they have a serious competitive element
 Organising draws, rounds or matches – this may require consideration of preparing
competitions/games appropriate to:
- Gender
- Age
- Experience level
- Mobility/physical ability
 Provide resources – such as:
 Sporting equipment
 Safety gear
 Appropriate clothing
 Necessary accoutrements – which might include:
- Score cards
- Timing equipment
- Rules
- Refreshments
- Prizes
 Demonstrate how to play – which might include:
 Explaining rules
 Showing techniques
 Giving advice
 Supervising/overseeing practice
 Conducting practice sessions
 Facilitating the use of general purpose sporting equipment for individual use
 Optimise engagement – by:
 Generating enthusiasm
 Encouraging participation
 Being positive
 Highlighting the benefits
Organise camp site activities
 Organise camp site activities

 Be part of the activity – by, as required:

 Staying and watching the sports/tour group members
 Scoring
 Acting as umpire/judge/referee
 Cheering and congratulating
 Acknowledging effort and achievement
 Sharing experiences.
 Organise camp site activities

4.3 Arrange sightseeing activities

Introduction
Many Tour Operators offer tour group members sightseeing
activities as part of standard camp site offerings.
This section provides points to consider when arranging
sightseeing activities.

Points to consider
In relation to sightseeing activities it is worth noting any (or all)
of the following may apply or need to be taken into account:
 Some sightseeing activities may be included as part of the standard tour itinerary – and
others may be offered as optional extras available on a fee for service basis
 There may be one or multiple sightseeing activities for every camp – depending on the
location of the camp, the profile of the tour group, weather conditions and length of stay at
the camp site
 For most sightseeing activities there can be a need to conduct a briefing session – to:
 Highlight points of interest
 Explain problem areas/dangers
 Indicate direction and degree of difficulty
 Advise of procedures to follow in the event of an accident or emergency
 Distribute requisites – see below
 Introduce local guide/s
 Each sightseeing activity can have a single destination or attraction – or several end
points or options
 Sightseeing may be integrated with other activities – such as relevant interpretive
activities
 Tour group members may undertake sightseeing activities on their own – or as part of a
larger group, or the entire tour group
 Tour staff may need to check with local people (camp management, local communities,
elders, sites, venues, destinations) – to confirm anticipated sightseeing activities can
proceed as planned
 Tour staff may need to generate a range of sightseeing activities – to cater, as
appropriate for:
 Different timeframes – such as:
- Full day and half-day destinations
- Short duration (one to two hours) activities
- Different interests
- Different ages
- Different physical capacity/ability
 Organise camp site activities

- Different weather conditions

 There may be a need to provide a variety of support materials to tour group members –
such as:
 Refreshments
 Maps
 Handouts providing hard copy local information
 Vouchers or coupons – for use at destinations
 Communication equipment
 EPIRBs
 Keep a record of participants – which usually entails:
 Recording names of those who undertake walks
 Noting time of departure
 Listing destination/s
 Be available – to:
 Accompany tour group members on the trip, if and as required
 Farewell tour group members as they depart
 Monitor two-way radios or cell phones – for messages from the group
 Welcome them as they return
 Monitor return of tour group members – and follow up as required when persons are
determined to be:
 Late
 Missing.
 Organise camp site activities

4.4 Undertake interpretive activities

Introduction
Many tours feature a selection of interpretive activities as
part of their itinerary for tour group members at certain
camp sites.
This section discusses interpretive guiding and presents
factors to take into account when undertaking interpretive
activities.

Interpretive guiding
Interpretive guiding can be seen as the use of interpretive activities and presentation
techniques by a Tour Guide when leading/presenting a tour.
Their use makes a tour for participants a much more memorable experience.
Interpretive guiding goes beyond the basic provision of information and refers to
interpretation of the topics/areas (see below) which are the focus of the tour or activity.
In many ways interpretive guiding seeks to make people care about, and care for, topics and
subjects which are the focus of interpretive activities.
Subjects which may be the focus of interpretive guiding/activities include:
 Flora and fauna
 Domestic and farm animals
 History and heritage
 Culture, arts and entertainment
 Sport and recreation
 The general natural environment
 The built environment
 Festivals, seasons and religious observances.
Interpretive techniques
Interpretive techniques are ways of communicating information to visitors/tour groups.
Interpretive guiding commonly uses face-to-face methods and is frequently supported by
interpretive media/aids.
It can utilise a wide range of options (which are covered in greater detail in the units
‘Conduct interpretive activities in the field’ and ‘Plan, develop and evaluate interpretive
activities’) including:
 Role playing
 Using different voice techniques
 Story-telling
 Playing of games
 Organise camp site activities

 Conducting activities
 Presenting demonstrations
 Delivering participant interaction situations
 Holding sensory awareness exercises
 Using materials to enhance illustration and experiences
 Utilising technology to assist with delivery
 Identifying further links where interested participants
can find more information if they want to – when the
tour has concluded.
General guiding principles
General guiding principles which need to be employed when on tour, in camps and
when undertaking interpretive activities encompass all the following:
 Need to ensure the safety and security
 Need for care and respect
 Need for appropriate skills and abilities
 Need for knowledge
 Need to provide a positive and memorable tour
 Need for ethical conduct
 Need to cater for special needs individuals and groups.
POETRY
One approach used for interpretive guiding is the acronym POETRY – this formula
states delivery to tour groups must be:
 P = Purposeful
 O = Organised
 E = Enjoyable or Engaging, or Entertaining
 T = Thematic
 R = Relevant to the audience
 Y = You – highlighting the Tour Guide needs to be themself and inject their own
personality and enthusiasm into what they do.
(Source: http://www.google.com.au/url?
sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&ved=0CEMQFjAG&url=http%3A%2F
%2Fwww.nzqa.govt.nz%2Fnqfdocs%2Funits%2Fdoc
%2F18317.doc&ei=BfliVJGyMoSlmQWotIKoBw&usg=AFQjCNEUwMD41KDZEB4HEtc23
eZy2j0sQQ&bvm=bv.79189006,d.dGY)
Fifteen Principles of Interpretation
The following appears in ‘Foundations of Interpretation: curriculum, content, narrative
NPS – Interpretive Development Program: Professional standards for learning and
Performance’ (National Parks Service, US Department of the Interior) available at
http://www.nps.gov/idp/interp/101/foundationscurriculum.pdf pp 3 - 4:
 Organise camp site activities

Larry Beck and Ted Cable authored the book Interpretation for the
21stCentury (1998) to provide direction in the field at the turn of the
millennium. As professors that teach coursework in interpretation they
have written extensively in the fields of natural resource management
and interpretation. Building upon the work of Enos Mills and Freeman
Tilden, they developed Fifteen Principles of Interpretation:
1. To spark an interest, interpreters must relate the subject to the
lives of visitors.
2. The purpose of interpretation goes beyond providing information to
reveal deeper meaning and truth.
3. The interpretive presentation – as a work of art – should be
designed as a story that informs, entertains, and enlightens.
4. The purpose of the interpretive story is to inspire and to provoke people to broaden their
horizons.
5. Interpretation should present a complete theme or thesis and address the whole person.
6. Interpretation for children, teenagers, and seniors – when these comprise uniform
groups – should follow fundamentally different approaches.
7. Every place has a history. Interpreters can bring the past alive to make the present more
enjoyable and the future more meaningful.
8. High technology can reveal the world in exciting new ways. However, incorporating this
technology into the interpretive program must be done with foresight and care.
9. Interpreters must concern themselves with the quantity and quality (selection and
accuracy) of information presented. Focused, well-researched interpretation will be
more powerful than a longer discourse.
10. Before applying the arts in interpretation, the interpreter must be familiar with basic
communication techniques. Quality interpretation depends on the interpreter’s
knowledge and skills, which should be developed continually.
11. Interpretive writing should address what readers would like to know, with the authority of
wisdom and the humility and care that comes with it.
12. The overall interpretive program must be capable of attracting support – financial,
volunteer, political, administrative – whatever support is needed for the program to
flourish
13. Interpretation should instil in people the ability, and the desire to sense the beauty in
their surroundings – to provide spiritual up lift and to encourage resource preservation.
14. Interpreters can promote optimal experiences through intentional and thoughtful
program and facility design.
15. Passion is the essential ingredient for powerful and effective interpretation – passion for
the resource and for those people who come to be inspired by the same.”
Websites
See more information at:
www.visitmyphilippines.com/images/ads/8b091c00e2818da3462... - Tour guiding as a
profession and its principles and techniques
http://www.slideshare.net/hillarypjenkins/tour-guiding-interpretation - Tour guiding:
interpretation
 Organise camp site activities

Factors to take into account

When undertaking interpretive activities there can be a need to:
 Align conduct of activities with itinerary – to meet
promises and customer expectations
 Obtain plans established for the activity – so:
 There is a clear and up-to-date understanding
of what is to occur/what is required
 Copies can be distributed to others as required
 Consider the weather – to optimise enjoyment
and ensure the activity can be conducted safely and as planned
 Check the physical resources required for the activity – to make sure:
 They are available in sufficient numbers
 They are safe to use
 Check human resources – which may involve:
 Confirming availability of local communities, guides, elders and others
 Meeting with tour crew to conduct pre-operational briefing and determine or confirm
roles and responsibilities
 Consider the physical environment for the activity – to:
 Verify the location in which the interpretive activity is to be conducted
 Check the safety and suitability of the location
 Confirm the physical environment reflects the physical environment used when the risk
management/planning for the activity was undertaken
 Demonstrate respect for indigenous people and local communities
 Take action to minimise the impact of the interpretive activity on the physical
environment
 Set up for the activity – in accordance with established plans in order that:
 Preparation time is minimised
 Risk management protocols are applied as planned
 Budgets are adhered to
 Achievement of projected/intended outcomes is optimised
 Prepare tour group members for each activity – see below
 Provide a commentary for the activity – which may be scripted and supplemented by
unscripted additions
 Optimise the activity experience – through the use of appropriate interpersonal and
communication skills
 Organise camp site activities

 Monitor tour group member actions – so that:

 Help may be provided where needed
 Extra information can be supplied as necessary
 Safety is maintained
 Respect for the local area, communities and customs
are observed
 There is minimal environmental impact from the activity
 The activity is adjusted as necessary to
accommodate/reflect emerging need
 Each interpretive activity concludes as and when
required/planned
 Encourage reflection and thought – on whatever was the focus of the activity
 Obtain feedback – on the experience of the tour group with the activity
 Capture suggestions – for changes to the activity or for other/different interpretive
activities

Preparing tour group members

Preparing tour group members can require:
 Making a verbal presentation – explaining the activity and detailing what tour group
members can expect, will be expected to do and what they might think about when
engaging with the activity
 Assessing individual capacity for individual tour group members to participate in the
activity – in terms of (for example) their age, size, fitness
 Distributing necessary materials, resources and/or equipment – which tour group
members will/might read to gain background knowledge, use to engage with the activity
or obtain instructions, directions, tips, advice and suggestions to optimise engagement
with and enjoyment from the activity
 Demonstrating actions and techniques necessary – so as they might engage with or
participate in the activity
 Demonstrating use of items required in relation to the activity – this may involve showing
how to wear or use tools and/or safety/protective items
 Notifying tour members of basic operational parameters – in terms of timing, safety,
physical/geographical parameters relating to the activity and ‘Do’s’ and ‘Don’ts’ for the
activity
 Notifying tour group members of acceptable and unacceptable conduct
 Introducing other people who will be helping to deliver the activity – such as third party
guides or interpreters, or members of the local/host communities
 Encouraging tour group members to engage with the activity – by motivating them
through anecdotes and personal enthusiasm, identifying the potential benefits and
learning they may take from the activity, and offering ongoing help and support for them
while they participate
 Giving them an opportunity – to ask questions and prepare to participate/get ready
 Confirming understanding of requirements for the activity
 Checking one-on-one with participants before they start – to continue building excitement
and expectation ensure safety and confirm they understand what is required, what is
going to happen.
 Organise camp site activities

4.5 Promote engagement with the location

Introduction
A major role of all tour staff is to help tour group members engage
with the location they are in when at a camp site.
This section explains the need to do this and describes actions which
can make it happen.

Need to promote engagement

Tour crews need to promote (but never compel or force) tour group
member engagement with the camp site/location in order to:
 Optimise tour group enjoyment from the tour, camp or experience
 Increase the likelihood of repeat and/or referral business
 Meet customer expectations regarding attention from the staff
 Comply with Tour Operator protocols regarding service levels
 Demonstrate personal professionalism
 Allow people to extract the maximum from each location they visit
 Ensure tour groups know they are allowed to interact with their surroundings.

Ways to make it happen

The following strategies will help in getting tour group members to engage with their camp
locations:
 Verbally encouraging people to interact with their surroundings – and:
 Giving them options for doing so
 Providing advice to help and support
 Creating time while in the camp for people to ‘get to know’ the location they are in – and
advising them of this time and:
 What it is for
 What it might be used for
 The benefits which can flow from such an approach
 Regrets they may have if they do not engage
 Explaining what is available – in terms of:
 Facilities, products and services
 Areas and activities
 Local conditions
 Seasonal and other time-related ‘unique’ events
 Experiences and opportunities
 Free-of-charge inclusions provided as part of the tour
 Fee-for-service items
 Organise camp site activities

 Providing supporting information – to explain and trigger interest in

available events and aspects which may include reference to:
 Local customs and culture
 History and archaeology
 Religious rites and social or communal events
 Statistics
 Food and beverages
 Changing the planned itinerary and/or interpretive activities to
meet specific tour group characteristics – such as:
 The age of tour group members
 Mobility of participants
 Special needs
 Issues arising
 Leading by example – which necessitates tour staff:
 Showing interest in the location
 Interacting with others
 Using physical aspects of the environment
 Accompanying and assisting tour group members – during their engagement with the
location and activities, such as:
 Joining in with tour group members as they engage in activities and experiences
 Sharing their anticipation and excitement
 Shooting videos of them – for later playback to the tour/group
 Taking photographs of people:
- On their cameras for their own use
- On Tour Operator cameras for provision to customer as an inclusion, or as an
additional purchase
- Contributing anecdotes relating to the experience, activity or location
- Giving verbal and, where necessary, physical help
- Motivating and encouraging ongoing participation
 De-briefing after individual and group engagement – which may include:
 Congratulating people on their efforts and what they have done
 Facilitating group sharing of experiences and thoughts
 Encouraging involvement in further/future activities and/or locations
 Issuing certificates of participation to commemorate personal; involvement of tour
group members
 Awarding prizes or rewards.
-
 Organise camp site activities

4.6 Facilitate interaction between tour group

members
Introduction
On tours and in camp sites there is a constant need for tour staff to
facilitate interactions between tour group members.
This section describes how this may be achieved and provides
direction relating to negotiation and conflict resolution.

Activities involved
At camp sites the following will help generate opportunities for tour
group members to interact with each other:
 Assigning sleeping, seating and activity arrangements to foster
exchange
 Monitoring interpersonal relationships
 Taking action to optimise interpersonal interaction, including separation of persons where
appropriate
 Providing opportunities for spontaneity
 Encouraging contribution and participation between tour group members
 Recognising and acknowledging contribution and participation from tour group members.
Important note
In the same way it is never acceptable to compel tour group members to engage with tour or
camp activities, neither is it acceptable to insist tour group members interact with each other.
There can be situations where people:
 Are happy with their own company
 Are shy
 Want to focus on their own thoughts
 Just want to be left alone.

Negotiation
There can be a need to negotiate a decision regarding some aspect of a tour, camp or
activity with the tour group where, for example:
 There are several options available to choose from
 Things are not going according to plan and remedial action needs to be taken
 Members of the group want to do something other than what is planned
 Unexpected circumstances arise.
 Organise camp site activities

In this context keys to negotiation include:

 Strive for a win-win outcome – a negotiation is not about coercing
or forcing the tour group/people into a pre-determined decision
 Be prepared to give – not just take
 Plan in advance – to develop a strategy and suitable tactics
 Know what is not negotiable – and ensure key elements of the
tour, camp or activity are always delivered and safety is never
compromised
 Be inclusive – involve everyone, exclude no-one
 Communicate well – think before speaking and speak clearly
 Explain the situation requiring negotiation – never assume everyone knows what needs to
be resolved
 Give reasons for (possible) action – rather than ultimatums
 Be prepared to suggest a solution – for others to consider if they are unable to identify
their own solution
 Encourage people – to participate in the process
 Thank people – for making contributions
 Confirm the agreed outcome – to verify the detail and make sure regarding the decisions
that have been made
 Implement the negotiated decision as agreed – promptly and without variation from the
agreement.
Websites
More on ‘negotiation’ can be sourced from:
http://www.wikihow.com/Negotiate - How to negotiate
http://www.brodow.com/Articles/NegotiatingTips.html - Ten tips for negotiating.

Conflict resolution
One important event which needs attention on tours and within activities is the need to
handle conflict with and between tour group members.
Tips include:
 Realise no problem will ever resolve itself – problems require action to fix/address them
 Take responsibility for taking action – it is part of the job of the Tour Guide and the tour
staff to do so
 All identified issues must be addressed – it is never an option to ignore a problem
 If appropriate/possible, look for ‘safety angle’ on which to focus the conversation to be
had with those creating/causing a problem or issue
 People are more likely to listen and comply if it can be demonstrated they need to alter
what they are doing because it is unsafe or poses a risk to others
 Treat people with respect – talk politely with them allow them their dignity
 Organise camp site activities

 Aim to make the other person feel special, not to feel victimised
 Talk with people who need to be spoken to away from others in order to respect their right
not to be embarrassed or challenged in front of others
 Try to stay calm – when a need to intervene and say something to a participant arises
 Aim to ‘act’ but do not ‘over-react’
 Avoid using a loud voice – try to speak so the conversation is private, and so those being
spoken to do not feel as if they are being reprimanded in front of the rest of the group and
being made to look silly or ‘small’
 Phrase what is said so it is not a personal ‘attack’ on the other person – for example,
instead of saying “You must not do that”, re-phrase the statement to “We prefer such
action does not take place while here/on tour/in this location”
 Try phrasing statements asking people to modify their behaviour as ‘requests’ rather
than ‘commands’
 Give reasons why the request is being made
 There is big difference between ‘Stop doing that’ and “Could I please ask you not to do
that because it scares the animals?”
 Look through the eyes of the tour group member and try to see things from their
perspective
 For example, consider saying “I can see you are tired and I know we have walked
quite a long way and it is hot, but I need you to know it is not acceptable for the safety
of others for you to wander off on your own to have a rest”.
Websites
There is more on conflict resolution at:
http://www.crnhq.org/pages.php?pID=10 – Conflict resolution skills
http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_81.htm - Resolving conflict rationally and
effectively
 Organise camp site activities

Work Projects
It is a requirement of this Unit you complete Work Projects as advised by your Trainer. You
must submit documentation, suitable evidence or other relevant proof of completion of the
project to your Trainer by the agreed date.
Note: this Work Project follows from the previous Work Project.

4.1 For the tour identified in Work Project 1.1 organise camp site activities providing
evidence you have:

 Arranged recreational activities

 Arranged sporting activities
 Arranged sightseeing activities
 Undertaken interpretive activities
 Promoted engagement with the location
 Facilitated interaction between tour group members.
 Organise camp site activities

Summary

Organise camp site activities

When organising camp site activities:
 Use the itinerary as the basis for arrangements made
 Respond to needs, ants and preferences of the group
 Never compel/force anyone to participate in camp/tour activities
 Arrange appropriate recreational activities for the group
 Organise games and sporting events and/or contests
 Develop and/or supervise engagement with sightseeing tours and activities
 Provide interpretive activities to meet expectations and advertised objectives for the tour
 Optimise interaction of the tour group with the location of the camp and the facilities and features it has to
offer
 Take action to encourage interaction between tour group members at the camp site.
 Break camp

Element 5:
Break camp
5.1 Dismantle camp equipment
Introduction
At the conclusion of a camp there can be a need to
dismantle equipment used as part of the process of
breaking camp.
This section explains and backgrounds the term ‘breaking
camp’ and describes the process of dismantling camp
equipment.

‘Breaking camp’
Definition
‘Breaking camp’ is the term used to describe the action of taking down a camp and leaving
the site.
Sample activities
It can involve a range of activities such as:
 Taking down tents which have been pitched
 Packing up equipment which has been used
 Making sure camp fires are extinguished
 Stowing gear
 Loading resources onto tour vehicles
 Cleaning up the camp area and returning it to its original condition
 Checking nothing has been left behind
 Conducting required inspections to identify existing problems, safety concerns or
impending issues
 Paying necessary fees and charges
 Thanking local people, hosts and/or camp management
 Physically moving from the site.
Options
In relation to the physical actions required when breaking camp, it is possible:
 Tour group members may be involved in breaking camp – as part of their camping/touring
experience, in the same way they may have assisted in setting up the camp
 The Tour Leader and the tour staff may undertake all the required activities – while tour
group members are engaging in some organised activity or scheduled ‘free time’
 Break camp

 A special camp crew may be tasked with breaking camp and moving to the next location
to set up camp in that position.

Dismantling camp equipment

Where there is a need to dismantle camp equipment the activities and
considerations involved may include:
 Taking down accommodation-related facilities – such as:
 Tents and marquees
 Awnings and canopies
 Tent poles, pegs and guy ropes
 Taking apart catering equipment – as used to:
 Store utensils and food
 Prepare, cook and serve food and beverages
 Taking down protective hessian (or other) shields/covers – which may have been used to:
 Give privacy for people using latrines
 Provide protection for shower and/or wash areas
 Gathering together portable toilets used – and:
 Processing human waste according to the type of toilet and local/site facilities
 Cleaning, sanitising and deodorising the units
 Wrapping/packing units for transportation
 Taking down the wash area – removing portable showers, wash bowls, mirrors, soaps
and other personal items
 Cleaning physical resources – which may involve:
 Allowing tents, groundsheets, flys and other equipment to dry/air dry prior to folding
and packing
 Scraping off built up dirt from equipment and items
 Picking off leaves, twigs and grass
 Cleaning obvious dirt from items as part of the packing/stowing process
 Removing food scraps from F&B items
 Emptying individual litter bins into approved local waste facilities – or packaging same
for carry out and later disposal
 Checking safety and operational efficiency of items – as part of the take down process
ensuring:
 Problems/safety issues are recorded on an appropriate checklist or other report/form
 Discarding broken items and removing them from service
 Tagging unsafe items so they are not used until repaired/replaced
 Break camp

 Packing items in appropriate boxes – in general this means:

 Items should be packed in the same boxes/containers they were unpacked from
 Purpose-built packing or containers may be provided for some items – such as
portable toilets, refrigerated and frozen food, firearms, crockery
 Checking individual items off against a checklist for the container – for example a tool
kit may require verifying all tools are loaded before the kit is closed, secured and
loaded
 Packaging material (for example, foam) may be used in some containers to prevent
movement of items and damage during travel
 Stowing clean, folded, counted and checked items – as required into:
 The individual back-packs of tour group members
 Tour vehicles and trailers
 Returning other equipment – such as items which have been hired or borrowed, ensuring:
 Items are checked and cleaned
 Problems and/or damage are reported
 Thanks is given for their use
 Payment, as required, is made.
 Break camp

5.2 Clean camp site and return camp site to original

condition
Introduction
A standard requirement when breaking camp is to ensure the camp
site is left in a clean and tidy condition.
This section discusses issues and considerations in this regard.

Issues relating to cleaning the camp site

When breaking camp the issues relating to cleaning the camp site
and/or returning it to its original condition (may) involve:
 Minimising the impact of the tour/group on the environment – to
make tourism more sustainable and to demonstrate respect for
local communities
 Conforming with public statements made in relation to practical ‘on tour’ procedures – by:
 The Tour Operator in relation to their individual orientation to being environmentally
sensitive
 The sites which host/provide the camp site/grounds and facilities
 Complying with externally imposed obligations – as required by:
 Legislation
 Industry Codes of Practice
 Agreements with local communities
 Protecting an asset – so it can be used on an ongoing basis
 Maintaining the reputation of the Tour Operator – with camp site operators, local
communities and the general public
 Demonstrating to tour group members the Tour Operator actually ‘walks the talk’ – in
terms of their conformance with public/advertised statements or claims made about being
environmentally sensitive
 Making sure the tour group has cleared and left the camp site by the required time – as
arranged/agreed with camp site management/land owners
 Recovering deposits paid to guarantee site cleanliness and condition – where camp sites
have required payment of a deposit as part of the booking process on arrival of the group
or when the reservation was made
 Avoiding additional charges – which may be levelled by camp site management ort local
authorities if there is a need for them to clean up or take other action following the
departure of a tour group
 Ensuring the Tour Operator can re-visit the location and re-use the camp site and
facilities – as camp site management and local communities may refuse future bookings
from businesses who have failed in the past to respect and clean up the camp area
 Break camp

Activities involved
The activities involved in cleaning a camp site and
returning it to its original condition may require:
 Emptying bins – and disposing of waste as
appropriate to the site, which may mean:
 Taking waste to a central camp site location
for waste
 Separating waste in accordance with local
requirements
 Re-cycling
 Bagging and carrying out rubbish for later off-
site disposal
 Removing litter – that:
 May be lying on the ground
 Have/could have been generated by people other than tour group members
 Replacing items that were moved – to enable the creation of camp layout, as required,
such as re-locating:
 Tables and chairs
 Day beds
 Sleeping equipment
 Play and sports equipment
 Bins
 Portable lighting
 Tools – axes, shovels, rakes, hoses
 Replenishing resources used by tour group members – which may require:
 Cutting firewood to replace what was used
 Paying for some resources – such as wood, water, power, toilet and washing
requisites
 Replacing items used from communal stock
 Filling communal water containers from a local water source
 Maintaining camp site and camping area tracks – by, as necessary:
 Covering tracks made by tour group vehicles
 Filling in holes generated if vehicles have been bogged
 Raking gravel/dirt
 Undertaking basic track repairs as needed and where possible
 Clearing branches and other items dragged onto the tracks by tour vehicles
 Break camp

 Cleaning items and areas provided by the camp site/operator which were used by the
tour group – such as:
 Sports gear, equipment and facilities
 Kitchens and dining area
 Toilets and wash areas/ablution block
 Games area/s
 Barbecue areas
 Communal tables and chairs/benches
 Scenic viewing areas/platforms
 Clearing waste and mess left by tour group pack animals – such as:
 Droppings/faeces
 Uneaten feed
 Bedding
 Taking action to extinguish camp fires – which may require adherence to Tour Operator
SOPs in this regard which can specify:
 Extinguishing all fires at least one hour prior to departure of sites
 Never leaving a fire burning
 Ensuring no live coals/embers remain
 Using water to fully douse/extinguish the fire
 Using a shovel to bury the sodden ashes
 Checking every fire and taking any further action necessary immediately prior to
departure if the fire remains/appears active.
 Break camp

5.3 Assist tour group members to pack

Introduction
In some cases there can be a need to assist tour group members
with their packing when breaking camp.
This section provides an overview of requirements and
considerations relating to this service.

Helping tour members with their packing

In relation to this requirement important points to note are:
 The need to assist tour group members pack when breaking
camp is a standing requirement – it can apply:
 To all persons
 On all types of tours
 At all camp sites.
There is never a situation when tour staff can expect not to have to do this
 Tour staff must provide general advice to all tour group members (at daily sessions and
on the morning/day of departure) – that:
 Assistance with packing is available on request
 There is a need for the group to be packed and ready to go by a nominated time – or
this will cause flow on issues with the tour/itinerary
 Tour staff are happy to help by giving practical advice based on their experience – or
by providing physical assistance where required
 High-end camps where tour group members pay more money for tours will generally
indicate a need for greater assistance to be provided – as part of:
 General service provision
 Fulfilling promises made in tour advertisements
 Some tours will be notified in advance of tour group members who require special
assistance (when unpacking and when packing) – these:
 May be classified as ‘special needs’ people
 Can be individuals with a disability or infirmity
 Special attention should be paid to the potential need to provide help to certain other
categories of tour group members in addition to those who have specifically requested
assistance – for example:
 The elderly
 Anyone who is ill or presenting with a medical condition or injury
 Very young children
 Novice campers
 Any person touring/camping with a carer
 Break camp

 Many people appearing to struggle with packing do not want help – despite seemingly
needing it so there is a need to:
 Balance the offer of assistance with the individual’s right to ‘do it themselves’
 Allocate ‘sufficient time’ for packing/breaking camp – based on the growing knowledge
of experiences with group members and their ability and speed in packing
 Give people extra time to work their way through the packing process at their own
pace
 Sometimes all the assistance people require is advice about what to do – so there may
only be a need to:
 Provide verbal help/direction
 Demonstrate what to do and then allow individuals to get on with it – rather than doing
it all for them
 Extra attention must be paid where people are packing back-packs/rucksacks for
walking/hiking tours – to ensure:
 Suitable location of items in the pack
 Protection of fragile items
 Balance
 Comfort
 The packing process undertaken by tour group members needs to be actively monitored
by tour staff – so that:
 Assistance can be provided as and when necessary
 Tour Leaders can start thinking about the need to modify the itinerary for the day (and
how that might be done/what might need to be done) based on predicted/actual delays
being caused by hold-ups with the packing process.
 Break camp

5.4 Conduct final camp site check

Introduction
Standard operating procedure when leaving a camp site is for the
Tour Leader to conduct a final check of the camp site immediately
prior to departure.
This section identifies the activities which may be inherent in this
process.

Final checking activities

The final checking activities of a camp site can include:
 Visually looking over the site – to:
 Confirm condition of the site
 Determine whether further action is required to clean and/or return areas to original
condition
 Walking over the site – to:
 Gain a better and closer look at the ground
 Check equipment and other items
 Search for small items which may have been dropped, left or overlooked by tour group
members as they were leaving/packing
 Notifying camp management or a designated other person the tour party is about to
depart – so they:
 Become aware the group is ready to leave/is actually going to leave
 Prepare relevant paperwork and/or accounts
 Can make arrangements to accompany the Tour Leader in a final check of the site
 Inspecting and/or conducting a final check of the site in company of a local community or
camp site management representative – to:
 Ensure the site is left in a condition they approve of
 Maintain the positive relationship established between the tour group/Tour Operator
and camp management
 Looking at tour checklists/loading sheets – to:
 Double-check all tour resources have been packed and loaded, and nothing is missing
 Confirm items have been loaded where they should be on tour vehicles
 Speaking with tour group members – and:
 Asking tour group members if they are sure they have packed/gathered all their
belongings
 Listing items they might need to check off in their mind to ensure they have not
forgotten anything
 Encouraging them to double-check anything they may be uncertain about
Break camp
 Break camp

 Making sure camp management/land owners have contact details for the Tour Operator
and/or for the tour party – so communication can occur:
 If any items are found by management/the community after a tour group as departed
 Should there be any problems/issues identified following group departure
 Taking photographic evidence of the condition of the site – when the tour group departs,
which may be:
 Compared to photographic evidence taken on arrival
 Used later as proof regarding the condition the site was left in.
 Break camp

5.5 Notify relevant persons

Introduction
When departing a camp site there is always a need to
communicate with ‘relevant persons’ for a variety of
reasons.
This section identifies these relevant others and explains
why they need to be contacted.

Communicating with relevant others.

Options for communication
In this context communication may occur:
 Face-to-face
 By cell phone
 Using two-way radio
 Using a device and the internet.
People and purpose
The persons who may need to be contacted and the reasons to communicate with them
include:
 Notifying head office – in relation to:
 The fact the group is departing/has departed
 Updating tour details and information according to organisational/individual Tour
Operator requirements
 Problems which have occurred and action taken in response
 Issues identified as potential problems and suggestions/ideas for addressing them
 Making arrangements for additional supplies/resources to be organised for future pick-
up by, or delivery to, the group
 Obtaining permission/s to take action/s not already approved for the tour
 Visiting manager’s office at camp site location – to:
 Pay the account
 Discuss issues arising and/or resolve problems
 Return keys and/or access cards
 Confirm the condition the site has been left in conforms with their requirements
 Pass on information received from the Tour Operator which must be given to the camp
operator
 Make suggestions or recommendations for improvements to the site – or contribute
otherwise, as requested, to feedback sought by the camp operators
 Break camp

 Contacting local authorities – as/if required to:

 Advise of anticipated route – and timing details for travel
 Provide contact details – cell phone numbers, two-way radio channel number/
 Give details of tour group – such as:
- Number and types of vehicle together with registration numbers
- Names and numbers of tour group members
 Seek advice about condition of roads to be travelled
 Confirm relevant permissions have been granted and/or remain current or valid
 Obtain input regarding anything relevant in terms of local knowledge about areas
which are on the itinerary and likely to impact the tour
 Contacting local communities – to:
 Thank them
 Demonstrate respect
 Finalise any outstanding matters
 Make payments as/if required by agreements which are in place
 Raise issues which may require attention or follow up
 Contacting venues, destinations, carriers, joint venture partners or businesses listed on
the itinerary for the upcoming day – to:
 Confirm arrangements which have been made with them as part of the planning
process for the tour – or negotiate/advise of required changes
 Advise of updated tour group numbers – where necessary
 Pass on any special requests from tour group members
 Make enquiries and obtain answers to questions which need attention.
-
 Break camp

Work Projects
It is a requirement of this Unit you complete Work Projects as advised by your Trainer. You
must submit documentation, suitable evidence or other relevant proof of completion of the
project to your Trainer by the agreed date.
Note: this Work Project follows from the previous Work Project.

5.1 For the tour identified in Work Project 1.1 break camp providing evidence you have:

 Dismantled camp equipment

 Cleaned camp site and returned camp site to original condition
 Assisted tour group members to pack
 Conducted final camp site check
 Notified relevant persons.
Break camp

Summary

Break camp
When breaking camp:
 Notify camp management of intention to leave
 Depart by the required time
 Take down all facilities which were erected/set up when establishing the camp
 Dismantle equipment as required for transportation
 Clean and check the safety of items as they are packed
 Stow equipment and resources on tour vehicles in designated positions
 Return the site to its original condition prior to departure
 Ensure fires are fully extinguished
 Physically inspect/check the site to ensure it is clean and nothing has been forgotten/left behind
unintentionally
 Provide assistance to tour group members to help them pack as and if required
 Work with camp management/owners to confirm departure requirements have been fulfilled
 Pay outstanding fees and charges
 Re-locate items which were moved when the camp was operational
 Return borrowed/loan items
 Contact relevant others regarding departure and advise them of intended route and relevant issues.
 Presentation of written work

Presentation of written work

1. Introduction
It is important for students to present carefully prepared written work. Written presentation
in industry must be professional in appearance and accurate in content. If students
develop good writing skills whilst studying, they are able to easily transfer those skills to
the workplace.

2. Style
Students should write in a style that is simple and concise. Short sentences
and paragraphs are easier to read and understand. It helps to write a plan
and at least one draft of the written work so that the final product will be
well organised. The points presented will then follow a logical sequence
and be relevant. Students should frequently refer to the question asked, to
keep ‘on track’. Teachers recognise and are critical of work that does not
answer the question, or is ‘padded’ with irrelevant material. In summary,
remember to:
 Plan ahead
 Be clear and concise
 Answer the question
 Proofread the final draft.

3. Presenting Written Work

Types of written work
Students may be asked to write:
 Short and long reports
 Essays
 Records of interviews
 Questionnaires
 Business letters
 Resumes.

Format
All written work should be presented on A4 paper, single-sided with a left-hand margin. If
work is word-processed, one-and-a-half or double spacing should be used. Handwritten
work must be legible and should also be well spaced to allow for ease of reading. New
paragraphs should not be indented but should be separated by a space. Pages must be
numbered. If headings are also to be numbered, students should use a logical and
sequential system of numbering.
 Presentation of written work

Cover Sheet
All written work should be submitted with a cover sheet stapled to the front that contains:
 The student’s name and student number
 The name of the class/unit
 The due date of the work
 The title of the work
 The teacher’s name
 A signed declaration that the work does not involve plagiarism.

Keeping a Copy
Students must keep a copy of the written work in case it is lost. This rarely happens but it
can be disastrous if a copy has not been kept.

Inclusive language
This means language that includes every section of the population. For instance, if a
student were to write ‘A nurse is responsible for the patients in her care at all times’ it
would be implying that all nurses are female and would be excluding male nurses.
Examples of appropriate language are shown on the right:

Mankind Humankind

Barman/maid Bar attendant

Host/hostess Host

Waiter/waitress Waiter or waiting staff

 Recommended reading

Recommended reading
Note: all Recommended Reading is sourced from ‘Trove: National Library of Australia’ at
http://trove.nla.gov.au/.

Buckley, Ralf 2010-09-24, Adventure Tourism, Elsevier

Burlingame, Jeff 2015, How to camp like a pro, Berkeley Heights, NJ Enslow Publsihers, Inc.
Eberts, Marjorie & Brothers, Linda & Gisler, Ann & Eberts, Marjorie. Careers in travel,
tourism, and hospitality 2006, Careers in travel, tourism & hospitality, 2nd ed, McGraw-Hill,
New York
Kastarlak, Bülent I & Barber, Brian. K., 1937- 2012, Fundamentals of planning and
developing tourism, Pearson, Boston
Meethan, Kevin & Anderson Nampitjinpa, Alison, 1958- & Miles, Steven 2006, Tourism
consumption and representation : narratives of place and self, CABI, Wallingford, England
PAGE, STEPHEN 2015, Tourism management, Routledge, London
Popescu, Lucy 2008, The good tourist : an ethical traveller's guide, Arcadia, London
Singh, Shalini & Institute of Southeast Asian Studies 2011, Domestic tourism in Asia :
diversity and divergence, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore
Recommended reading
 Trainee evaluation sheet

Trainee evaluation sheet

The following statements are about the competency you have just completed.

Don’t Do Not Does Not

Please tick the appropriate box Agree
Know Agree Apply

There was too much in this competency to cover

without rushing.

Most of the competency seemed relevant to me.

The competency was at the right level for me.

I got enough help from my trainer.

The amount of activities was sufficient.

The competency allowed me to use my own

initiative.

My training was well-organised.

My trainer had time to answer my questions.

I understood how I was going to be assessed.

I was given enough time to practice.

My trainer feedback was useful.

Enough equipment was available and it worked well.

The activities were too hard for me.

 Trainee evaluation sheet

The best things about this unit were:

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

The worst things about this unit were:

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

The things you should change in this unit are:

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
 Trainee self-assessment checklist

Trainee self-assessment checklist

As an indicator to your Trainer/Assessor of your readiness for assessment in this unit
please complete the following and hand to your Trainer/Assessor.

Yes No*
Element 1: Select a camp site

1.1 Identify potential areas for camp site

1.2 Assess camp site options

1.3 Select camp site

1.4 Comply with local requirements

Element 2: Set up a camp site

2.1 Designate areas for specific camp site requirements
2.2 Set up the identified requirements
2.3 Set up sleeping arrangements
2.4 Set up kitchen and cooking area
2.5 Set up waste disposal
2.6 Set up latrines and wash area
2.7 Set up activities area
2.8 Position vehicles and equipment
Element 3: Operate a camp site
3.1 Explain camp site rules to tour group members
3.2 Use all equipment and facilities safely
3.3 Dispose of waste in an environmentally friendly manner
3.4 Clean and tidy the camp site
3.5 Monitor safety and security of the camp site
3.6 Adjust the established camp site as required
3.7 Monitor tour group member use of the camp site
3.8 Maintain a cordial relationship with others in and around the camp site
Element 4: Organise camp site activities
4.1 Arrange recreational activities
4.2 Arrange sporting activities
4.3 Arrange sightseeing activities
4.4 Undertake interpretive activities
4.5 Promote engagement with the location
4.6 Facilitate interaction between tour group members
 Trainee self-assessment checklist

Yes No*
Element 5: Break camp
5.1 Dismantle camp equipment
5.2 Clean camp site and return camp site to original condition
5.3 Assist tour group members to pack
5.4 Conduct final camp site check
5.5 Notify relevant persons

Statement by Trainee:
I believe I am ready to be assessed on the following as indicated above:

Signed: _____________________________ Date: ____________

Note:
For all boxes where a No* is ticked, please provide details of the extra steps or work you
need to do to become ready for assessment.