A Meet is a way of camping cost effectively that is organised by a DA (or Region) normally in a private site, during specific dates and times, exclusively for current paid up members of the Camping and Caravanning Club.
The Organising DA arranges the booking of the site, any activities that will be taking place and ensures the meet has a Steward (more on Stewards further down). You, as CCC members can arrive, normally without pre-booking, and pay for as many or as few nights as you wish. Fees are calculated as Per Unit Per Night (PUN), and a “Unit” is whatever form of camping housing you have (i.e. tent, camper/motorhome or caravan), up to two adults and any children under the age of 16. Any additional adults staying in your unit attract an additional fee.
Unlike Club Sites, Meets, due to the locations used, normally have less facilities, and unless specifically stated, you should assume that you require your own sanitation facilities. There is always a tap providing fresh water and an Elsan (toilet) disposal point which should not be used for grey (waste) water but much past this is usually a bit of a luxury! If you are staying for a few days and have a need for electricity, bring a solar (PV) panel (or a spare battery) as there will not be electric hook up. West Sussex DA owns a marquee which is brought to Meets that do not have a hall or other building to use for social events.
You will often find members of the committee at meets, and we are all friendly and love a chat, so come and say hello if you haven’t already.
The most important person at a Meet is the Steward. They are responsible for your safety, and the organisation of the attending units. They should be the first person you see when you arrive on site so you can book in and pay your site fees. They will explain where the facilities are, and what to do with grey water and are always on hand to give advice (or direct you to someone who can!). Being a Steward is rewarding as you get to meet each and every camper, and don think just because you can’t be at the meet for the entire time you can’t be a Steward. There are other campers trained up on site who can stand in for an hour or two should you have an emergency, or even open or close the meet if you have work commitments. West Sussex DA has a regular set of members who steward, but if you want to have a go, and give something back to your DA, then please contact us as we can discuss details and what “training” may be required. Its not particularly complicated, and there isn’t a written exam, just shadowing a steward at a meet should give you enough information, and as stated above there are always other on hand to help should you need it.
If you want to go camping more often and don’t fancy paying £30 plus per night on a commercial site, and you are a member of the Camping and Caravanning Club, why not join us? You will be very welcome.