Scouting & Guiding
Camps & Overnights Risk Assessment Template
The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for camping and overnight activities.
Free to use Instant PDF download Updated February 2026
The essential guide to camp safety
Camps and overnight activities are cornerstone experiences in scouting and guiding, offering young people the chance to develop independence, resilience, and outdoor skills. From weekend camps to residential adventures, these activities require careful planning and risk management.
This guide covers everything you need to create a thorough camping risk assessment—from fire safety and food hygiene to safeguarding and emergency procedures.
Scouting Activity
Scouting Activity
Activity Benefits
Why camping matters for young people
Independence
Encourages independence and resilience through staying away from home.
Problem-Solving
Develops problem-solving and decision-making skills in real-world settings.
Teamwork
Strengthens social connections as participants share responsibilities.
Nature Appreciation
Enhances appreciation for nature and builds environmental awareness.
Risk Identification
Key hazards & control measures
Open Flames & CookingHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Burns, fire spread, smoke inhalation from campfires and cooking equipment.
Control Measures
- Establish designated fire areas away from tents
- Supervise all cooking activities
- Keep fire extinguisher and water bucket nearby
- Brief participants on fire safety rules
Food HygieneHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Food poisoning, allergic reactions, cross-contamination.
Control Measures
- Store food at correct temperatures
- Collect allergy information in advance
- Separate raw and cooked foods
- Ensure handwashing before food preparation
Weather ExposureMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Hypothermia, heatstroke, sunburn, shelter collapse in severe conditions.
Control Measures
- Monitor weather forecasts before and during camp
- Ensure appropriate clothing and sleeping equipment
- Have indoor backup shelter available
- Plan for evacuation if conditions deteriorate
SafeguardingHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Abuse, harm, grooming, or inappropriate behaviour during overnight stays.
Control Measures
- DBS-checked leaders with appropriate ratios
- Clear sleeping arrangements and boundaries
- Two-deep leadership at all times
- Report and escalation procedures in place
This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 24 hazards and 79+ control measures for Camps & Overnights, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.
Safety Checklist
Camp safety checklist
Site Setup
- Site inspection completed
- Fire points established
- Emergency exits marked
- Boundaries defined
Food Safety
- Allergy list available
- Food stored correctly
- Handwashing facilities set up
- Cooking area supervised
Supervision
- Leader ratios confirmed
- Night duty rota in place
- Headcount procedures agreed
- Contact details collected
Emergency
- First aid kit stocked
- Emergency plan shared
- Medical forms collected
- Nearest hospital identified
Ready to create your camps risk assessment?
Use our step-by-step wizard to generate a professional risk assessment in minutes.
