Camping Leader Course
Beyond the Edge’s Camping Leader Course equips leaders with the skills needed to supervise novice or young campers, teaching them campcraft skills and creating a safe and enjoyable overnight experience. It’s the perfect qualification for anyone supporting Duke of Edinburgh groups, youth expeditions, or outdoor programmes.
The course is delivered in a friendly, engaging manner – providing practical advice and information that takes you beyond simply passing the assessment. We’re proud to say that many of our participants book with us multiple times!
What You’ll Learn
The Camping Leader course focuses on practical leadership skills, campsite management, and personal competence in a camping environment. Topics include:
- Expedition planning, preparation, and leadership
- Tent selection, pitching, and maintenance
- Sleeping equipment selection and use
- Safe stove operation and cooking on site
- Choosing, packing, and carrying appropriate camping equipment
- Nutrition and hydration planning for groups
Whilst the course is an assessment, we take every opportunity to upskill you. Our structured coaching ensures that what you learn in the course can be applied directly when supervising your own groups.
Camping Leader Course Format
This course includes a non-mandatory e-learning package, sent after registration with Mountain Training. This explains the syllabus and assessment day in detail.
On the day, we start at 9am with introductions, then cover the full range of practical camping skills above. The day concludes at 5:00pm, where participants will have learned new skills and be confident in leading a safe and enjoyable camping experience.
Mountain Training Registration: £67
Register online via: Mountain Training Camping Leader
You can also find short videos explaining the award and other useful resources included in the Candidate Handbook.
Why Choose Beyond the Edge?
Our instructors bring decades of professional outdoor leadership experience, including:
- Mountain and expedition guiding backgrounds
- Academic qualifications in management and leadership
- Expertise in developing high-performance teams in challenging environments
The Camping Leader course is more than training – it’s practical, hands-on experience designed to make you confident in leading groups safely outdoors.
Course Details
- Location: Peak District
- Cost: £105 per person
- Duration: 1 day
- Ratio: 1:6
- Level: Instructor
More Information
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Course Dates
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Bespoke Dates and Locations
If there are two or more of you who want to undertake your Camping leader, or you would like some different dates or a specific location, please contact the office and we will arrange something to suit your diary.
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Meeting Point
The Camping Leader course will meet at 9am in the Anglers Rest, Bamford (S33 0DY) in the Hope Valley.
Tea, coffee and the legendary biscuit tin 🍪🍪 are available from about 8:45.
Bamford has ample free parking, good bus and train links to Sheffield and a good train link to Manchester. It is a 1km walk from Bamford train station to the Anglers.
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Equipment Required
You’ll need to bring all of your own personal clothing and enough camping equipment to lead a group for a day – relative to the conditions on the day. Full joining instructions are sent upon booking.
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Recommended Reading
We provide detailed suggestions and resources in our Camping Leader joining instructions. Key references include:
- Mountain Training Candidate Handbook – This contains all of the details of the syllabus and remit of the qualification.
- Mountain Training Handbook – Volume 1. Hillwalking by Steve Long – This is the official handbook of Mountain Training’s walking schemes.
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Eligibility
In order to attend the Camping Leader course you must meet the following requirements:
- Be registered specifically for the Camping Leader with Mountain Training.
- Have logged an absolute minimum of 5 overnight camps.
- Have assisted with at least two group camps (these can be included in your personal camps)
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Accommodation Options
Accommodation isn’t required, as the Camping Leader Course has no mandatory overnight, so you are free to select whatever makes you most comfortable if needed.
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FAQs
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How Do I Book a Camping Leader Course?
The best way to book your Camping Leader course is via this webpage. Choose the date from the options above and then submit your booking and request an invoice or pay. If your course is under six weeks away, you must pay the full amount.
For bespoke Camping leader courses, get in touch first so we can check diaries and, if required, give you a quote. Get in touch by either calling the office on 01142 631 155 or emailing us. -
Does the Camping Leader Course Include Accommodation?
Not usually! We prefer to let you choose where you will be most comfortable. This may be in a tent or in a luxury hotel.
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Children, Dogs, Parking, COVID and Everything Else…
You will find all of the most frequently asked questions and their answers on our FAQ webpage.
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Do I Need Previous Experience?
Yes, you’ll need some prior experience before attending the course. As a minimum, you must have completed at least five overnight camps and assisted two group camps. This ensures that you already have a basic understanding of camping before developing your leadership skills.
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Is There an Assessment for the Camping Leader Qualification?
The one-day course typically combines training and assessment. During the one-day assessment course, you’ll be observed throughout the day while demonstrating practical skills such as pitching tents, using stoves safely, and making appropriate decisions as a group leader. We will, however, always offer advice and teaching, so you leave confident in best practice.
