Activities
Waylands is a very basic site with no on site activities except pioneering poles for self-lead projects.
However, many visitors have used the site for its back to basics qualities and we have put together some information about the great activities that you could run at the site.
Activity Packs
Campfire
A chance to unwind after a hard day testing yourself in our natural environments. Get cosy, get comfortable, sing songs and enjoy the evening around a toasty campfire.
We have a library of campfire songs for you to pick from so you can customise your own campfires.
Fire Lighting
We have two fire circles with seating around, we also have half barrels for fires on the camping field, we also allow small ground fires in the woodlands. Why not try a fire lighting and cooking challenge in one, we have collected resource sheets for this should you need it.
Geocaching
Using the Geocaching app there is a route of Geocaches around the footpaths to the northwest of the campsite starting from the entrance of Old Harrow Lane. Remember to keep to the geocaching rules and stay safe.
Minibeast Safari
A fun-filled activity discovering various minibeasts from the surrounding forest area. Participants will then have a chance to observe, examine and discuss captured creatures in detail and find out why they may be suited to the local natural habitats, where they were found.
Take a plastic tray to the forest and scoop up some leaves and soil from near the bottom of a tree or a log. Then carefully take out some of the leaves and move some of the soil around. Then look closely to see if there are any Minibeasts in the tray. Why not use the Woodland Trust's Minibeast i-Dial to identify what creepy crawlies you've collected? This and other activities can be found on our Wildlife and Minibeasts resource page.
Hikes and Walks
At Waylands we have some great Hiking routes for all.
The site ideal for walks and hikes of all lengths; for Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers; safe footpaths lead from the site through fields and woods in all directions.
Beavers and Cubs can enjoy short circular walks of 1 – 5k, the edge of the North Downs, and the North Downs Way, with magnificent views is only 1k away.
It’s a safe 2k walk on footpath and pavement to Biggin Hill for shopping, 3k to the Swimming Pool.
Scouts can hike 10k on footpaths to the site from Knockholt Station or 15- 20k and a steep climb from Edenbridge station.
Our District Scout Sections participate in a 'Torchlight Challenge' (a night incident hike) each year. They hike around a loop with around 8 bases.
If you would like some suggestions on good local walking routes please mention this on your booking form or email us.
Pioneering
A great way to develop teamwork, leadership, communication and logistical skills.
The site has a full set of pioneering poles and ropes available for self-lead projects, with enough equipment to build most projects such as self-supporting bridges, cranes and towers. So why not exercise those core Scouting skills.
Please mention this on the booking form or contact us if you wish to use the equipment. We have additional equipment in our stores that we can make available.
Shelter Building
The site is great for Shelter Building for all age groups. There are plenty of sticks and branches on the floor to make natural shelters, and many areas to string a ridge line and peg out a tarp.
Wide Games
Get your young people running around the whole site with a wide game. Use the woods and the field to run capture the flag style games, a version of Kim’s game can be used at a district camp and there are plenty more if you need ideas on wide games you can play, let us know on your booking form and we can give you some ideas.
Wildlife Walks
The campsite has a wide range of wildlife for your young people to discover from the foxes, rabbits, squirrels and badgers that roam the forest floor to the owls and buzzards flying over head. During the evening and the morning you may hear the calls of the pheasants and when you arrive look out for roe deer feeding on the grass field. The sites woodland is a haven for bugs and insects and in summer the forest floor is coated with bluebells. There are also a number of different trees that your young people can identify. We have some great packs so you can run activities with your young people, giving them a better understanding of the wildlife at the site.
You can even place a sand trap to capture any tracks and work out what wildlife might have left their mark.
Off-Site Activities
Why not use Waylands as a base camp and try some of our local attractions
The following attractions can be found relatively close to the site with travel either by foot or by vehicle.
Biggin Hill Swimming Pool – 3km https://www.mytimeactive.co.uk/locations/biggin-hill-pool
Downe House – 3.5km https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/home-of-charles-darwin-down-house/
Scout Adventures Downe – 3km https://www.scoutadventures.org.uk/centre/downe
Christmas Tree Farm – 4km http://www.xmastreefarm.co.uk/
Foal Farm – 2.5 km https://www.foalfarm.org.uk/
North Downs Way – 1km https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/north-downs-way
Hever Castle – 16km https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/
Chisle Hurst Caves – 15km http://www.chislehurst-caves.co.uk/