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Kibblestone is a unique camp; it offers green field camping in the magnificent parkland of the former Kibblestone Hall. It offers modern and continually improving amenities, buildings of varying sizes with cooking facilities, a shop, toilets and showers. It has unrivalled facilities for on-site activities and is in easy reach of Alton Towers, Wedgwood Visitor Centre and the Peak District.

The property of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle Scouts, it has become a popular international venue, and the regular International Friendship Camps bring visitors from many countries. Mostly, campers are from Europe, but recent camps have been particularly popular with young people from the old USSR - from Kazakstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine and Byelo-Russia, also from Poland, Turkey, Korea, Croatia, Israel and even St. Helena. British Scout Groups are freely invited to take part as hosts with an overseas group in Kibblestone International Camps.

All Scouts are invited to use Kibblestone all year round. During winter November 1st - March 31st) parties should include a leader over 17 years old. Beaver and Cub Scouts can make use of the buildings, and/or camp under the conditions outlined in P.O.R.
For safety, Beavers and Cubs require adult supervision at all times, both in buildings and when outside.

Kibblestone is available for Guide camps and Brownie pack holidays. Leaders will need to make arrangements with their own camping advisers and must inform our area camp adviser.

Kibblestone is also available to other organisations including schools, colleges, first aid organisations, Duke of Edinburgh award schemes etc. Applications for the use of the facilities at Kibblestone should be made to the Warden and are considered on an individual basis. In general terms, recofnised youth, education and training organisations may use the site. The site is not open to the general public.

Kibblestone's buildings are quickly booked for weekends, but are often available mid-week during school terms. The camp makes an excellent venue for outdoor activities for schools and other youth organisations.

Main Entrance, Baden-Powell Gate drive leads to:

RECEPTION, WARDEN'S OFFICE, COUNTY & DIVISIONAL OFFICES, TRADING POST AND FOX GLEN

This entrance is on Kibblestone Road. As you approach the gate from either the Stone/Oulton or the Longton/Stoke-on-Trent direction, prominent road signs indicate "230 Yards to Kibblestone Scout Camp".
Coaches are advised to enter this part of the site from the Longton/Stoke-on-Trent direction.
There are numerous camp sites in this area; we can accommodate over 2,000 campers. The camping area is south facing, with well drained soil and contains a number of specialised buildings:

Fox Glen :- All purpose, all weather building. Main floor area 18m x 12m. Accommodates 400 for meetings, 250 for meals, with well equipped kitchen and large serving hatch. Asphalt floor. Metered gas heating and cooking. Metered electric lighting and cooking. Adjacent toilet and shower block. If to be used as a dormitory, camp beds & bedding are required.

Copeland Cabin :- 2 storey wooden building. At ground level, room 5m x 10m with open brick fire place. Underneath - large undercroft with cooking and dining area. Electric lighting. Accommodates up to16 at ground level (your own mats or camp beds required) and 6 in bunks in undercroft. Your own cookers and utensils etc. are required.

Dale Shelter :- Wooden lined cabin with sleeping for 9, with adjacent open shelter Shelter suitable for cooking and eating. Washroom and toilet. Electric lighting. Your own cookers and utensils etc. are required.

Outpost :- Wooden cabin with sleeping for 7, with integral open shelter suitable for cooking and eating. Electric lighting, heating, hot water and domestic type cooker (daily electricity allowance included in fee with excess units being charged, all as stated on fees & charges sheet). Your own crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils etc. are required. Male, female & disabled toilets. (Disabled WC available to all site campers).

Barratt Centre :- Designed as a room for meetings for up to 50 and also to house some fascinating memorabilia of Kibblestone, Scouting and the Camp's historic and international connections. There is limited car parking near the centre.

This is the area north of Kibblestone Road. When Kibblestone Hall was demolished in 1953, only the building now used as the Training Centre was left. Access generally is off the Kibblestone Road via the Edge Gate. Coach access is via the Copeland Gateway and is best approached from the Oulton/Stone direction.

Ronald Copeland Training Centre :- This building consists of: Activity room/dining room (11m x 5m); kitchen with gas and electric cookers, cupboards and serving hatch; (crockery is provided but you will need your own cutlery); Electric heating throughout (daily electricity allwance included in fee with excess units being charged, all as stated on fees & charges sheet); Patrol room for chairs and tables; Stable with bunks for 8; Dormitory, above, with bunks for 28 and Leaders room for 6.
This is an old building with the charm of age. The centre has polished wooden floors - soft footwear is essential. Adjacent toilet block with basic facilities. The male and female toilets adjacent to the RCTC are available to all campers. The wash room is available to the RCTC and all those camping on the 'training side' of the site in the vicinity of the RCTC. Groups are advised to liaise with each other to avoid congestion at likely busy periods.

The lawn site is not automatically booked with the RCTC. If you wish to camp on the lawn or adjacent areas you must ensure that it is booked for you - failure to do so may result in other groups camping there.

The Cub Lair :- This purpose built building was opened in 1966 and consists of: Magnificent first floor main hall (15m x 11m) equipped with pull out bunk beds for 30 and additional dormitory rooms for 6 and 9 leaders; Kitchen and dining area downstairs,connecting hatch; (Crockery is provided, but you will need your own cutlery); Male & Female toilets and showers alongside.
Cub Lair main hall has polished floor - soft footwear essential.

The male and female toilets at the Cub Lair are available to all campers. The wash room is available to the Cub Lair, Chalet and all those camping on the 'training side' of the site in the vicinity of the Cub Lair and Chalet. Groups are advised to liaise with each other to avoid congestion at likely busy periods.

The Chalet :- Designed for families of leaders, particularly when used in conjunction with the Cub Lair. An attractive wooden building with open-plan layout seats/beds for 3 and floor space for a further 3 camp beds. Electric cooking, heating and lighting. Blankets and pillows provided. Need to bring sheets, towels and pillow cases. Wood block polished floor. Toilets at Cub Lair, adjacent.

The Lawn :- The training side main camping site especially attractive in spring with masses of daffodils and bluebells. Has camping space for 100. Campers use toilet block at the Training Centre.

The buildings are in great demand particularly at weekends for training, pack holidays, conferences, meetings etc. They can be, and normally are, booked 12 months in advance.

Alton Towers :- Britain's premier Theme Park. Special terms are available if booked in advance.

Canoeing :- River Trent and canal at Stone (See also 'Sailing', below).

Caving :- Pot holing in the Peak District.

Climbing :- Rock climbing on the Roaches, Peak District. Indoor climbing wall - Stone District Scouts HQ.

Cycling :- Peak District - several converted old railway tracks . Bikes are available for hire.
Peak District National Park - (01538) 308 609
Brown End Farm - (01538) 308 313

Factory Visits :- Kibblestone is close to 'The Potteries', centre of the British pottery industry. Many famous factories encourage visitors. The nearest is Wedgwood - a good walk from Kibblestone (3 miles): (01782) 204 141

Hiking/Walks :- Kibblestone is an excellent centre from which to enjoy the rolling Staffordshire countryside.

Horse Riding :- Riding stables at Barlaston with good rides on the Downs Banks. (01782) 373 638

Orienteering :- Permanent course established at the Downs Banks, only 1 mile away. Maps available from Kibblestone. 60p per map with instructions.

Sailing :- Rudyard Lake, Chasewater and Stanley Pool.

Steam Railway :- Foxfield Steam Railway, Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on-Trent. (01782) 396210. (Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays generally).

Swimming :- At Hanley, "Waterworld" (01782) 283 838
Stone Alleynes Sports Centre (01785) 815 715 - (1 mile away)
Also at Stafford, Stoke and Newcastle swimming baths.

Tourist Information :- Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent (01782) 284 600
Stafford (01785) 214 668
Newcastle Under Lyme (01782) 711 964

Transport :-
Bennetts Travel (01782) 791468
PMT Ltd (01782) 747 000
Stone Van Hire (01785) 815 242

Activities :- On-Site: See "Facility Charges" sheet
Off-Site: See "Local Off-Site Activities" sheet

Alcohol :- NOT PERMITTED on site, except when permission is given specifically. Anyone wishing to provide a licensed bar must seek approval from the Operations Team by sending an application, in writing, to the Warden at least 3 months in advance. In order that the safety of all young people and adults on camp can be maximised, the following rule will be enforced:- Anyone who attends, or attempts to attend the campsite and who is, in the opinion of the Warden or a member of staff, impaired under the influence of alcohol, will be required to leave the site immediately. If this involves the site in any expenditure (taxi fares, etc.) this will be charged to the offending person's group at the time of fee settlement.

Bus Services :- Service runs between Stone, Longton and Hanley, through Oulton Village. Some routes along Kibblestone Road pass the camp site entrance.

Camp Fires :- There is a large camp fire circle by the Copeland Cabin and a smaller ones near the Cub Lair and opposite the R.C T.C.

Caravans :- Available space is very limited. Applications must be made in advance. There are no mains hook-up points.

Checking Out :- In the event of a group leaving a site or building without receiving a satisfactory final checkout inspection, the camp reserves the right to invoice the group with the cost of any rectification incurred.

Conservation :- Kibblestone lies within a designated conservation area. We try to maintain a high standard of cleanliness. Please do not disturb any nature e.g. trees, flowers, animals, birds. Keep the Country Code.

Cooking :- Some camp sites include a hearth. We also have a limited number of altar fires.

Doctor/Dentist :- The nearest doctors and dentists are located in Stone.
Doctors :- Abbey Street 01785 815555
Stoneygate House, Eccleshall Road 01785 815533
8 High Street 01785 813538

Dentists :- Regency House, Station Road 01785 815818
9 Abbey Street 01785 818037
The camp has no special arrangements with the above and inclusion in the above list does not guarantee that treatment will be given.

Dogs :- and other pets are NOT permitted on site - except for special needs

When You are in Camp Continued.

Emergency Services :- Call 999 (or 112) for Fire, Police or Ambulance via the camp payphone opposite reception or by internal telephone (dialling 9 for a line first).

Fires :- See "Cooking". Campers may NOT dig up turf to make fires on the ground, nor should they dig wet or dry pits (see under 'Refuse and Rubbish' disposal).

Fire Precautions :- Keep at least a fire bucket filled with water or sand near to your fire. A fire extinguisher is also recommended. For fire protection reasons, and in deference to subsequent buillding users, we request that all budilings be regarded as no smoking areas. If you discover a fire - IMMEDIATELY evacuate the area and inform Kibblestone staff if available. Only if it is a minor fire should you tackle it yourself using either the fire bucket or extinguisher, etc.. Call the Fire Brigade.

Firewood :- Kibblestone has good supplies which usually includes pallet wood. These may be full of nails and it is, therefore, vital to wear strong footwear and not to climb over the wood piles. Please use a bow saw, not an axe, and return any unused wood to the pile.

First Aid :- Each camping group must have a first aider with a basic first aid kit.

Flag Break :- Kibblestone will normally offer a flag break for all campers at 10:00.

Food Shopping :- MILK and BREAD can be ordered at the Kibblestone Trading Post, and if ordered 2 weeks in advance, can be delivered to the site to await your arrival. Stone, with its shops and supermarkets is 1 1/2 miles away.

Fuel Safety :- Store minimum amounts of fuel on your camp site, and store NO petrol. Do not store more than 1 full LP gas cylinder. Check the connections carefully before ignition. Remember - Empty cylinders can also be dangerous!

Hospitals :- There are hospitals situated at Stafford, Newcastle and Stoke. The nearest hospital is located in Stafford. Go into Stone and half way round the bypass/ring road head out towards the A34 roundabout. Turn left (south) onto the A34 at the roundabout, cross straight over the first island, then turn left at the next island, pass RAF Stafford then turn right at the next island. Stafford District General Hospital is less than 1km on the right.

Insurance :- Make sure that you are covered. Kibblestone insurance does not cover your losses or accidents. Groups other than Scouts and Guides must have 3rd party insurance cover.

Leader Meetings :- When there are several groups camping at the same time, a meeting may be arranged to co-ordinate camp fires, religious services etc.

Lights Out :- Campers are asked to be quiet between 22:30 and 7:00 hrs.

Litter :-Please use the litter bins provided. Keep the site as you would wish to find it.

Lost property :- Handled by reception. Please hand in any property you find and report any property you lose. After 3 months any unclaimed property may be disposed of or sold and the proceeds go into camp funds.

When You are in Camp Continued.

Parking :- We request that ALL long term parking is on car park A and B. Only when dropping off or collecting campers or equipment, should access roads and other areas be used, and they should be cleared as soon as possible. For the convenience of users of buildings, they may if they wish, park vehicles by the building to the following maximum numbers: Cub Lair - 3, Training Centre - 3, Outpost - 2, Chalet - 1. Vehicles must be kept on the tracks and not drive onto the camping area.

Post :- Incoming post is delivered daily to the camp office. Outgoing post is collected daily from the post box in the Trading Post and at Oulton Post Office, Kibblestone Road, Oulton where parcels and overseas mail may be despatched.

Programme :- Campers should provide their own programme. On-site activities can be booked in advance, but please try to avoid monopolising any activity for a whole day or weekend if possible.

Radios :- Your radio is your responsibility, please look after it. Please make sure that your radio does not disturb anyone else and turn it down, if asked.

Reception :- On arrival - all campers and visitors must report to Reception. On departure - let Reception know, including when you are going off site for visits.

Refuse & Rubbish disposal :- Plastic bin liners are supplied by Kibblestone for campers to collect their refuse and place it in the large bins by car park B. No wet or dry pits are to be dug. Litter bins are provided for litter only and are not intended for camp refuse or rubbish.

Religious Services :- Kibblestone can run short "Scouts Own" services on Sunday after flag break if required. Church of England and Roman Catholic services are available in Oulton Village. Larger Church of England and Roman Catholic churches are situated in Stone. Non- conformist churches, Jewish and Moslem worship are all available in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.

Service :- The campsite is largely maintained by volunteers which is, of course, reflected in the fees charged. If any group would like to offer assistance with any of the various tasks that require doing around the site, then please do not hesitate to contact Reception and arrangements can be made.

Shopping :- See "Food Shopping". The ONLY shop in Oulton village is the Post Office & garage for stamps and newspapers.

Special Needs There is good access and appropriate toilet facilities available on site. Contact the Warden for further details

Swimming Pools Unheated on-site swimming pool is available during daylight hours. Groups must provide a qualified lifeguard. Bathers must shower before swimming and have bare feet on the pool side.

When You are in Camp Continued.

Telephone & Fax :- There is a payphone located opposite the Trading Post. Campers may make outgoing calls but are unable to receive incoming calls. Kibblestone has its own telephone located in the Warden's office (01785 813407) but this is for camp business only. The camp's telephone is normally answered between 09:00 and 16:00 hrs each day including weekends. There are two incoming lines which means that at times when only one person is on duty, the switchboard may ask you to hold until they are available. There is also a 24 hour incoming fax facility available on 01785 817631.

Trading Post :- This shop is manned by volunteers as a service to Kibblestone. It stocks sweets, soft drinks, souvenirs, Scout & Guide literature, badges and useful camping items such as tent pegs and sisal. They also stock a very limited range of foodstuff. Opening hours vary.

Valuables :- The Warden can lock valuable items entrusted to him in the office safe. Space is limited.

Vehicles :- See "Parking". In the interest of campers' safety, please park only in the designated car parks. Please observe the on-site speed limit of 4 mph (7 kph) (fast walking pace)

Visitors :- There are 3 categories of visitor:
1. Those coming to make use of the site facilities e.g. Beavers using the Beaver obstacle course, or to run their programme on the grounds. These will pay the appropriate day visit fee which is payable, to the Warden, on departure or when settling camp/building fees.
2. Those collecting or delivering campers etc. are not required to pay a fee. Such visitors should first call at Reception to inform them of their presence on site.
3. Visitors who do not meet category 1 or 2 should first report to Reception. It is hoped that all other visitors taking advantage of Kibblestone's facilities will agree to be considered as category 1.
There are no parking charges, unless specifically stated for special events/days.

Wardens :- The site employs a full time resident Warden and a full time Assistant Warden. This does not however imply a 24 hours per day x 7 days per week presence. Please respect the privacy of the Warden when at home at Wetmore Mill.

Water :- We use a lot of water. Water is a precious commodity. All tap water on site is drinking water quality. Please do not waste water or leave taps running.
Please report any leaks to Reception as soon as possible.

SAFETY & HYGIENE

• Establish your fire alert arrangements - Congregation fire point = flagpole.

• Establish your first aid arrangements.

• A leader or adult from your group must supervise use of any rope swing.

• A leader or adult from your group should supervise use of the assault course.

• A leader or adult from your group must supervise use of the plunge pool.

• Do not climb over fences, there will be something dangerous/delicate over it.

• Parental consent is required for scouts aged under 18 to do rifle shooting.

• Do not interrupt, dam or contaminate the Scotch Brook (stream) or mill race.

• Keep to the onsite vehicle speed limit of 4mph (fast walking speed only!).

• Only park vehicles in the official parking areas (access for emergency services!).

• No crockery/cutlery washing at the water container filling sinks.

• No crockery/cutlery washing in the wash hand basins.

• No dogs onsite except guide dogs for the disabled.

• Camp rubbish/refuse to be bagged & binned in Eurobins by main car park B.

• Put only litter in the litter bins (not camp refuse/rubbish!!).

GENERAL

• Safeguard your valuables. The camp is not liable for losses due to theft!

• No loud noise after 10.30pm - consider your neighbours!

• Return trolleys to trolley park next to main car park B.

• Observe the country code.

• No wet/dry pits to be dug.

• No cutting or felling of trees, shrubs, bushes, etc.

• Do not take vehicles onto the camping areas/grass.

• Conserve water.

• Remove trail markings/clues etc. when completed.

FIRES

• No earth fires - fireplaces or altar fires only for open fires.

• No excessively large fires.

• Be careful at the woodpile - stout footwear & no climbing.

• Return unused firewood to the woodpile.

• Return altar fires to storage area next to main car park B.

• Dispose of ashes in the appropriate place, next to the main refuse/rubbish bins

IN CONSIDERATION OF YOUR HOST SCOUT DISTRICT

If any of your group are involved in an incident off site that may potentially be raised in future discussions between Stone District Scouts and others, i.e. residents, shop keepers, emergency services etc. then please inform Stone's District Commissioner as soon as practical:-

(e.g. Road Traffic Accident on Stone High Street, Accusations of unruly behaviour)

• Each Group using the rifle Range will pay the appropriate fees as listed on the current price list.

• Written Parental consent to undertake rifle shooting must be obtained for each member of the Scout Association (under 18 years old) and should ideally be for a specific camp/event or at most a period equivalent to one school term (4 months).

• Instructors must have a minimum qualification of the NSRA Tutors Diploma. (This must be available for inspection prior to and during use of the range).

• Only air rifles supplied by Kibblestone may be used in the Rifle Range unless prior permission of the Warden to use your own rifles has been obtained.

• Only .177 rifles (maximum muzzle velocity of 12 ft.lb) are allowed.

• A maximum of 8 people may be in the range at any one time, one instructor, one adult/leader, 6 shooters (3 shooting, 3 waiting).

• Protective goggles must be worn by all shooters.

• Anyone found touching a rifle whilst targets are being retrieved will be ejected from the range immediately.

• The instructor's word is final.

• Instruction for those aged under 14 years must only be carried out by instructors aged over 21 years. - User Groups with members aged under 14 years must inform the Warden - failure to do so may result in shooting being withheld from those members.

• Shooting at humanoids or animal shapes is not permitted.

• Indiscriminate shooting is not allowed and will result in immediate ejection from the range.