DC Summer Camp Important Information

Important Information

On this page you will find all the important information you need to know in preparation for camp and while at camp. Please take the time to read this page carefully.

Payment

Disciples Church rent the campsite from Hampshire Christian Trust, and therefore we need to pay a fee for using their site. Please ensure that your payment is made no later than the 20^_th of June. If we do not receive your payment in time, there is a risk you may lose your space at the camp, and your registration will be cancelled.

The payment details are in the confirmation email received when you registered.

Large families or those on lower incomes who may find the cost or logistics of attending difficult, but would still like to attend, are encouraged to speak with their pastors, who can discuss with us how we might help.

What should you bring?

Here are some essential things you should remember to bring:

• Bedding (sleeping bag or sheet & duvet / blankets, and pillow)
• Towels & toiletries
• A warm fleece or jumper (for the evening)
• Waterproof jacket (just in case it rains)
• Sturdy waterproof shoes (with ankle support for walks)
• Flip-flops (for shower and beach)
• Suncream
• Beach towel and beachwear
• A torch
• Camping chair
• Cash (as a backup if card or digital payments fail)
• Food (this is a self-catering camp. More on this below)

Directions

Address: Lockerley Water Farm, E Tytherley Rd, Lockerley, Romsey SO51 0LW

The turning into the camp can be easy to miss, so please keep an eye out for one of our stewards if arriving on Monday. There will be a sign on the gate saying Disciples Church Summer Camp. Turn through that gate, continue down the lane for about a mile, and you will arrive at the campsite.

Arrivals

The camp officially opens at 11:00 am on Monday. We kindly ask everyone arriving on Monday to come no earlier than 11:00 am and no later than 5:00 pm. At 5:00 pm we will gather for our camp introduction, followed by the evening service at 6:00 pm.

What to expect when arriving on Monday:

• Along the main road you will see a steward wearing a high-visibility vest directing arrivals into the lane leading to the campsite.
• As you come down the lane you will pass two large barns. Additional stewards will guide you to the parking area.
• After parking, please go to the reception area before unloading your belongings. You will need to sign in and receive your wristband.
• Once you have your wristband, our stewarding team will help you unload and take your belongings to your accommodation.

Arriving on another day

• Before unloading your belongings, please find a steward wearing a high-visibility vest or a yellow armband.
• During the day, a steward will usually be near Barn 1 (on the left as you arrive).
• You will be signed in and given your wristbands.
• A steward will assist you with unloading and getting to your accommodation.

Day visitors (not staying overnight) will still have ask a steward for a wristband on arrival.

Departures

When leaving camp to return home, everyone must sign out. The reception area will have the sign-in / out sheets available. Please inform one of the leaders before you leave so we can ensure you are signed out properly. This is for health & safety reasons, so that we always know who is on-site

Please note: you do not need to sign out if you are only going to the shops or sightseeing during the week. Signing out is only required when leaving camp to return home

Volunteering

Our summer camp depends on the willingness of each camper to serve in at least one area during the week. This may only be for a few hours or a single day – many hands truly do make light work, and every contribution helps support those organising the camp.

Serving one another is a key part of our summer camp. Scripture reminds us that believers have been given gifts for the building up of the body of Christ. As you are encouraged and strengthened during the week, we invite you to also help build up others through practical service. As our Lord commands, we seek to “love others as I have loved you“.

Below is a list of areas where you can volunteer. Please let us know where you can help, during the registration process (note that some areas have specific requirements).

We thank you in advance for your service, in Christ and for Christ.

Areas of service

Little Ones Assistant (kids 0 – 2 y/o)
Our Little Ones’ space provides parents of the youngest camp attendees with a dedicated, safe area for playtime – the volunteers will help to ensure that this is set up and maintained throughout the week for parent-supervised use. A valid DBS is required and will be checked by our team

Sunday School Teacher or Assistant (kids 3 – 11 y/o)
Sunday School is a key part of our camp, providing Bible teaching and engaging activities for children during service times. We require:

• All teachers and assistants must be DBS-checked in order to volunteer in the area of Children’s Ministry. If you hold an existing DBS then this will be checked by our team. If you do not hold an Enhanced DBS certificate, we can assist with obtaining one but please note that this can take several weeks to complete so applications must be made as early as possible.
• Teachers to have experience and, if possible, a pastor’s reference confirming previous teaching experience.
• For assistants, no prior experience is required.

Youth group Teacher or Assistant (kids 12 – 16 y/o)
As young people grow, they need a balance of biblical teaching, discussion and fellowship. Alongside fun activities, we will study Scripture together and support their growth in faith. We require:

• All teachers and assistants must be DBS-checked in order to volunteer in the area of Youth Ministry. If you hold an existing DBS then this will be checked by our team. If you do not hold an Enhanced DBS certificate, we can assist with obtaining one but please note that this can take several weeks to complete so applications must be made as early as possible.
• Teachers to have experience and, if possible, a pastor’s reference.
• For assistants, no previous experience is necessary.

Worship Team – Visuals & sound
This role supports the congregation during worship services by managing sound and projecting song lyrics. Volunteers should arrive 30 minutes before services to assist with sound checks and preparation. Songs will be preloaded in advance. Previous experience preferred but not essential, as training and a run-through will be provided.

Cleaning Team
Serving through practical care, the cleaning team helps keep shared spaces ready for everyone. Each evening, teams will clean toilets, shower blocks, parts of the kitchen area, the Barn areas and empty bins. Teams of two men and two women serve once during the week in the evening. No prior experience is required, just a willingness to serve.

First Aid Team
Responsible for the safety and wellbeing of attendees throughout the week. Each day we aim to have two first aiders on duty, equipped with walkie-talkies and available if needed while still participating in camp life. Volunteers must be qualified first aider (medical background preferred).

Bring & Share Team
On Tuesday evening we gather as the body of Christ for a shared meal and communion. Volunteers will help with setting up, serving food and clearing away afterwards

Stewarding Team
The stewarding team has two main responsibilities:

• Monday arrivals: Stewards must arrive by 10:00 am to guide campers to parking, pitches, and lodges, assist with luggage, and help where needed.
• During the week: at least two stewards should be available daily to sign in new arrivals and assist visitors. Walkie-talkies will be provided for communication with the lead team

Hospitality Team
Responsible for overseeing the kitchen and breakfast bar areas – restocking breakfast items, teas & coffees (provided), loading used tableware into the commercial dishwasher, putting away clean tableware and maintaining general tidiness in shared spaces.

Tuck Shop
This runs daily (except Monday and Wednesday) from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Volunteers help set up, serve during opening hours and close afterwards

Camp BBQ
A highlight of the week! Volunteers are needed to help prepare, cook, and serve food. The BBQ takes place on Friday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with volunteers needed from around 3:00 pm for preparation.

Accommodation

To help manage expectations, below are descriptions of the different accommodation types available. Further information can also be found on Hampshire Christian Trust.

Dorms

There are 4 available, with 10 beds and 2 toilets each, which can be split into two separate living quarters with 5 beds and a toilet and enough space for a travel cot. They include electric points, a private toilet and sink, and oil heaters. As dorms are reserved for young families or participants with disabilities, they can’t be accessed via the registration form, but should be requested via administrator@discipleschurch.co.uk  Mattresses and pillows are provided, but you must bring your own sheets and pillowcases.

Lodges

There are 8 open style cabin lodges, sleeping 10 people each, with a large door opening in the middle toward the field for a lovely view or eating area. The lodge is basic, with bunk beds, great for large families or large groups. Please note that these are open-plan, although you may manage to put sheets up as a divider (not provided). Lodges don’t have toilets, showers, or electric points, and unless otherwise arranged, you will be sharing with others. There is light and space in the middle for a small table and chairs. Mattresses and pillows are provided, but you must bring your own sheets and pillowcases.

Caravan / motorhome pitches

There are 12 available along the site perimeter, with electric hook-ups sufficient to support small or large caravans, situated behind the lodges. Only the pitch is provided – not caravan, motorhome, or camper. If your vehicle does not already have appropriate electrical fittings, you will need a suitable hook-up lead with damp-proof sockets compatible with standard plugs.

Tent pitches

Dozens available, large enough for family-sized tents, and by far our most popular for those who love a true camping experience. Pitches closer to the washrooms will be allocated to groups with elderly people and young children. Please note that tents or electricity are not supplied.

Facilities

Most facilities are located within Barn 1 and Barn 2, which you will see upon arrival:

Barn 1

• Main stage for services and activities
• Disabled toilets
• Tea and coffee stations
• Washing-up stations
• Communal eating area
• Kitchen area
• First aid room
• Food storage and freezers
• Upstairs Sunday School / devotional room
• Several electrical outlets and a mobile phone charging station available.

Barn 2

• A large sports hall (used for Sunday School and activities)
• Pool tables, table tennis, and foosball (when not in use for sessions)
• Main toilet and shower blocks (male / female)
• Disabled toilets and showering areas
• Family shower rooms
• Electrical outlets

Kitchen area

The kitchen area is restricted to adults only (18+) for insurance purposes. During service times and after 10 pm it won’t be possible to use it to prepare food. Facilities include:

• Several large ovens
• Four microwaves
• Four shared fridges
• Four large freezers (located in the hallway)

Where possible, please store food in your accommodation. Any food placed in fridges or freezers must be clearly labelled. Please be mindful of the quantity of food you bring, as fridge / freezer space is limited and has to be shared between many people. There are several shopping options in nearby Romsey to re-stock during the week. Seating is available in the communal area outside the kitchen

Tea & coffee/breakfast station

Located next to the communal area in Barn 1. Please wash up after use and return all items. An industrial dishwasher is available for larger quantities.

Pantry

The pantry is reserved for camp supplies and communal resources and is not available for personal use.

Washing and drying clothes

Clothes washing will need to be done manually using sinks. Outdoor washing lines are available. In emergencies, a laundry in Barn 1 may be used with permission from a camp leader.

Health & Safety

Children

Parents and carers are responsible for supervising children at all times unless they are participating in organised activities or Sunday School. Before Sunday School, children should attend the service in Barn 1. After prayer, parents will take them to their classes and collect them again at the end of the service.

Bonfire

Subject to consent from Hampshire Christian Trust, the bonfire will take place in the evenings. This is a highlight of the evenings but requires careful safety measures:

• A fire marshal will oversee the area each night.
• Children must never be unsupervised.
• Boundaries around the fire must be respected.
• Marshmallow sticks must remain outside the safety boundary.

Activities

Please participate sensibly in physical activities such as football, volleyball, archery or the camp Olympics. Warm-ups and stretching are strongly encouraged

Wristbands

Wristbands help identify authorised attendees. Please always wear yours. Under-16s should have an emergency contact number written on their band. Report anyone without a wristband to a camp leader.

Camp leaders

Camp leaders will wear yellow armbands labelled “Camp Leader” and carry walkie-talkies. Aaron Evans is the camp organiser, with Mike Addley overseeing in his absence

Food Provided

This is a self-catering camp. In addition to the several purchasing options available in the nearby town of Romsey, it will be possible to purchase breakfast and lunch on site:

• Breakfast: rolls with various hot fillings, as well as cooked breakfasts, will be available daily from 8:00 – 9:30 am in Barn 1.
• Lunches: on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, a cooked meal will be available to purchase from 12:00 – 1:00 pm in Barn 1. The proposed menu will be shared via email prior to Camp to assist with your meal planning.
• Food Truck: a pizza van will be onsite outside Barn 1, most likely on Monday.
• Tuck shop: open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 2:00 – 3:00 pm in Barn 1. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Note: card or mobile payments are preferred, although cash is also accepted

Camp BBQ

Provided, for free, by the camp committee on Friday from 4:00 – 6:00pm. With marshmallows !

Bring & share and communion

On Tuesday evening, there will be a Camp ‘Bring and Share’ meal. Each group or individual is asked to contribute with food/drinks to share. Suggestions will be listed on the sign-up tables in Barn 1.

Groceries and Restaurants

The nearest town is Romsey (15 minutes driving away) with Waitrose, Aldi and cafes / restaurants. Salisbury and Southampton are approximately 30 minutes away. There are ‘street food’ style outlets at the beach on the Wednesday or you can bring a picnic lunch

Cleaning & Bins

Everyone shares responsibility for keeping the camp tidy. Volunteer teams will clean main public areas daily, but all attendees should clean up after themselves. When using the kitchen or communal dining spaces, please wash, dry AND put away the items you have used. Cleaning products and tea towels will be provided: please note that no anti-bacterial products are allowed to be used on site. Bins must be used correctly and sorted according to the labels provided by Hampshire Christian Trust.

Activity sign-up and schedule

All activities are optional. Sign-up sheets will be located on tables at the back of Barn 1. Please add your name (or your child’s) in advance, as some activities have limited capacity. A printed camp leaflet with the full schedule will be provided upon arrival.