Welcome to NECDA Youth

We are really excited to be launching our new dedicated Youth Section

Your NECDA Youth Leaders

We are really excited to be launching our new “youth section” of the North East Cheshire DA. (NECDA). We will be holding a dedicated Camping Club Youth (CCY) section at some of our regular weekend meets throughout the year. Your new Youth Leaders are Sharon Beevers and Phil Edmondson. The two leaders have both been accredited by the Camping and Caravanning Club, and hold current DBS checks and safe-guarding certificates. The youth leaders will also be carrying their identification at all times whilst on site.

Phil is best known as North East Cheshire DA’s dedicated Chairman. Phil joined NECDA at a young age with his parents in 1977, this will be his third time acting as a Youth Leader. Phil was brought up attending the youth section himself, although this was certainly a few years ago now!!! Phil has campaigned for sometime, to get our Youth Section up and running again. To assist him with a successful Youth Section, I Sharon, have agreed to help out. Our main aim is to grow the new Youth Section, as currently there are no Youth Sections at any of the North West DA’s.

Let the adventures begin

North East Cheshire DA Youth Section, Camping Club Youth (CCY) is the part of the Camping & Caravanning Club, dedicated to helping youngsters who would like to develop their camping skills further. Activities such as cooking, map reading, basic first aid and outdoor games will be available at our meets. Don’t worry if you’d prefer to sit and chill outside your tent, our main aim is to make sure you have bags of fun, and make plenty of new friends.

Here at North East Cheshire DA, young people are given the opportunity to camp together, independently away from their parents. Joining North East Cheshire DA Youth Section is FREE to everyone from the age of 12 to 17. Free membership continues right up until you’re 25, subject to passing the National Youth Test before your 18th Birthday. To apply for a membership card and get involved please visit myccc.co.uk/campingclubyouth and register your details.

The National Youth Test is designed to make sure that young people can camp efficiently and safely when alone. There are both practical and oral examinations to make sure that you fulfil the Test requirements. The Test is based on the information contained in Fundamentals of Good Camping, a copy of which will be given to you by your Youth Leader once you start working towards your Test. The age limits for taking the Test are 12 to 17 years old.

So, What’s in it for you?

  • Gain recognition for your natural camping ability.
  • Stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs or university.
  • Camp without adult supervision on UK club sites from the age of 14.
  • Be able to attend the National Youth Rally.
  • Be able to attend the International Youth Rally.
  • A free CCY hoody.
  • A free Youth Test Pennon and Certificate.
  • Save up to £200 with free youth campers membership.
  • Free membership until your 25th birthday.

So now that we’ve got your attention, here’s all you need to know:

  • Preparation – before taking the test, you are required to camp for six nights under the supervision of a Youth Leader. Normally this involves six weekends, during which period the Youth Leader will be there to give you any help you need.
  • Arrival for the Test – you will be expected to arrive at the site carrying your kit, suitably packed and containing everything you need for your weekend camping. You must be completely self-supporting for the Test weekend. You should be in possession of a current membership card, which must be handed to your Tester on arrival. The Tester will indicate the area where you will pitch for the weekend.

The Test – to pass the Test you must complete the following elements:

  • Kit Packing – give a practical demonstration of packing the kit and answer questions on the method of packing.
  • Stoves and Fires – candidates will be expected to use their normal stove for cooking during the weekend, but must have knowledge of both liquefied petroleum gas and paraffin pressure stoves.
  • Map Reading – demonstrate an ability to find your way by using a compass and a map, read a map reference correctly and know what information about the terrain may be obtained from the map.
  • First Aid – a small first aid kit should always be carried. While candidates are not expected to have medical training, they should be able to cope with the types of accidents most likely to arise while camping.
  • The Code for Campers – candidates should know and work to this Code. Rubbish Disposal know what to do if there is no disposal point on site.
  • Sanitation and Grease Pit – demonstrate the procedure if facilities are not provided on site.
  • Cooking – candidates will provide the Tester with a menu arranged for the weekend and will keep to this programme. One meal must consist of freshly cooked meat (or vegetarian alternative) and vegetables, and the menu should provide a balanced diet.
  • Choice of Pitch – attention to type of ground, wind direction, etc.
  • Erection of Tent – put up the tent you usually use and know how to pitch other types of lightweight tent.

Camping Club Youth Rallies

Rallies are a great way to show off your camping skills and meet new people from across the county and even the world. As a member of Camping Club Youth, you will have the opportunity to attend the National Youth Rally, The Autumn Youth Rally, around October, AND (provided you have completed your National Youth Test and are over the age of 14), the International Youth Rally. Each Rally welcomes people from all over, whether you’re a new member or a veteran, everyone is welcome.

National Youth Rally – Generally in July, is the highlight of the year, a place where members from different regions come together to compete for the infamous Austin Trophy. It’s hosted by a different region every year, so whether you want to show off your incredible sporting skills, dance the night away at the evening disco or just catch up with your friends. Why not take on the ultimate challenge and compete for your region in a series of races. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. 2023 see’s the North West Region hosting at Longridge Showground.

International Youth Rally – Generally around Easter time. Is one of the most exciting events of the year for Camping Club Youth and is a chance to meet up with friends from across the globe. In 2023 this took place in Hazerswoude, Netherlands. During the trip, planned activities were organized including bike tours, city excursions, an Easter egg hunt, discos and much, much more. Don’t forget, to be able to attend , you must first have passed your National Youth Test and be over the age of 14. If this is something that you would like to get involved in, but have not taken your test yet, then speak to your Youth Leaders.