Is glamping the future of Scouting?

Wow, what a concept. Glamping (Glamorous camping) isn’t something we associate with Scouting. Scouts expect to learn bush skills, experience outdoor pursuits and become more self-reliant. Starting with the basics of equipment and facilities, creating and living in a working campsite is a big part of this.

Perhaps we need to look at creating a Scouting version of glamping that bridges this popular phenomenon.

Glamping origin story

A 1980s version of glamping were the Contiki Tours permanent campsites in Europe on their 10/15/20 days city stops. The bus would pull in and offload wide-eyed 18-35 year old, not quite backpackers to already-in-place tent villages. If you weren’t on cooking duty, the fun started immediately.

What it was, was a cheaper version of a hotel tour. What it wasn’t, was a camping trip in the true sense, with not a tent to erect, no trenches to dig, no firewood to gather or fire to make. Water was on tap, showers were hot and life was good. But there was no true learning experience.

Glamping’s new dawn

Fast forward to today and glamping has really taken off, with a sky-high trajectory. Now in new and far-flung destinations, the tents are large and lined, richly furnished with carpeted floors, full-sized beds and private facilities. High quality linen, thick soft towels and exclusive collectable toiletries. It’s paying a premium for luxury in unlikely places. It’s camping, sort of, but not as we know it.

What it is, is an alternative to a luxury hotel or lodge stay, often in a place where a permanent structure isn’t feasible, possible or economic. What it isn’t, is an affordable travel option for most people.

Is Scouts Glamping to be ‘Scamping’?

A Scouts glamping model might be a development from what we already have. Not every troop has the latest and best equipment and transport to move it. Not every trip away needs to include setting up a camp when the focus is the activities at that camp. It could be a ‘rent-a-tent’ model in places away from current fixed-built camps.

If the Scouts offer something more like the ‘Contiki model’, where camp facilities are put in place from arrival to departure, this activities emphasis can be offered. This could be seasonal. Scamping (Scouts Glamping) might require  similar eligibility to a Jamboree, so all the camping skills are in place, but don’t need to be called on. Scamping sites could complement fixed camps and reduce costs in further flung places. Getting away might be cheaper, quicker, easier and less weather dependent.

No, glamping isn’t the future of Scouting yet, but could make more destinations accessible. Going on camp, learning bush craft and cooperating as a troop is fundamental to how Scouting sets young people up with skills for life. But, sometimes, maybe, we could make our horizons broader.

Thinking about coming to Camp at Beac. Contact