Camping Club Junior Youth (CCJ)

Camping Club Juniors (CCJ) is a section within The Camping and Caravanning Club, aimed at introducing children aged 8-11 to the joys of camping. It provides a structured environment for them to learn basic camping skills and develop an appreciation for the outdoors. CCJ members can progress to the Camping and Caravanning Youth (CCY) section upon turning 12. 

Key aspects of Camping Club Juniors:

  • Age Range:
    CCJ is specifically for children aged 8 to 11 years old.

  • Focus:
    The primary goal is to foster an early interest in camping and outdoor activities, teaching fundamental skills and promoting respect for nature.

  • Progression:
    CCJ serves as a stepping stone to the CCY section, which is for older youth.

  • Organization:
    CCJ falls under the control of Regional and Sectional structures within The Camping and Caravanning Club, with guidelines to ensure consistency.

  • Membership:
    CCJ members are encouraged to participate in camping activities and are expected to move to the CCY upon reaching their 12th birthday. 

Pictured below Ellie Kemp and Nicky Gavin being presented with their Junior Youth Certificate for passing their Junior Youth Test

Junior Test

When our young adventurers turn 8 and have slept out in their own tents for 6-nights, they can take on the Junior Youth Test - a fun, hands-on way to learn camping essentials like pitching a tent, following the Country Code, and staying safe in the great outdoors.

The juniors will aquire early life skills and awareness that not only keep them safe, but also set them up for a lifetime of pleasure in the great outdoors.

If you would like your little ones to get involved with the CCJ, drop us a line via the website or speak with one of the team at any of our camping meets.

Choosing Your Pitch

When you arrive on a campsite it is important that you choose the best pitch for your tent. These are the things you need to look for:

• Pitch the back of the tent into the wind.

• Check wind direction by:

o Throwing grass into the air.

o Looking at flags, if any.

o Observing the way trees are leaning.

• Avoid pitching under trees:

• Water will drip long after rain.

• Branches could fall.

• Tree sap could stain your tent.

• Avoid hollows or dips where water may collect and even flood your tent.

• Avoid sharp stones that could damage your tent.

• Do not pitch under overhead cables due to safety, noise, and dripping water.

Pitching Your Tent

• Pegs should go into the ground at a 45° angle, pointing towards the tent, so they do not easily pull out.

• Make sure the flysheet is not touching the inner tent to prevent leaks.

• After taking down your tent, check your pitch for leftover pegs and remove any rubbish.

• If you pack your tent wet, remember to dry it when you get home.

First Aid

• Always get help from an adult if you can.

• Clothing on fire:

o STOP the casualty from panicking and moving around;

o DROP the casualty to the ground

o ROLL the casualty to extinguish the flames.

• Burns & scalds: Cool under running water for at least 10 minutes or until the pain eases.

• Cuts & grazes: Clean with water or a sterile wipe, pat dry, and cover with sterile gauze.

• Nosebleeds: Sit up, tilt head forward, pinch below the nose bridge for 10 minutes.

• Bee or wasp stings: Apply an ice pack and elevate the area.

Code for Campers

• Always seek permission from a Junior Youth Leader to camp in the CCJ area.

• Do not light fires without adult supervision and proper permission.

• Keep your tent tidy – organise your sleeping gear and clothes.

• Do not play or wash at water taps unless designated for that purpose.

• No ball games in the camping area.

• Choose suitable games for the available space.

Countryside Code

• Be polite to others.

• Stick to footpaths, especially on farmland/private land. Never damage crops or property

• Leave gates as you find them.

• Keep dogs on leads, especially near livestock: always bag and bin dog mess.

• Always use gates and stiles for crossing fences or walls.

• Leave livestock, crops, and machinery alone.

• Take all your litter home.

• Take care on country roads, aways walk facing oncoming traffic.

• Do not make unnecessary noise; no noise after 11.00pm through to 7.00am

• Don’t climb trees.

• Cyclists must give way to walkers and horse riders.

• Do not feed animals, it may cause them harm