Unit of competency details

Version 

Comments 

1.0

E

Replaces and is equivalent to SITTTOP004B Set up and operate a camp site.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Select camp site.

1.1 Access camp site  according to tour itinerary and land management requirements.

1.2 Where no designated area exists, select site for comfort, safety and minimal negative environmental impact .

1.3 Identify camp site hazards , assess associated risks and eliminate or minimise hazards.

2. Set up camp site.

2.1 Set up camp site facilities , using safe manual handling techniques for equipment and supplies.

2.2 Arrange appropriate shelter for the prevailing weather and conditions.

2.3 Identify and access required water sources.

2.4 Construct camp fires in a safe location minimising danger to crew, participants and environment.

3. Operate camp site.

3.1 Operate camping equipment  according to manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines.

3.2 Establish and follow environmentally friendly rubbish and human waste disposal procedures.

3.3 Brief customers on waste disposal requirements, agree to procedures and monitor adherence.

3.4 Discuss and agree acceptable camp site behaviour with participants.

3.5 Operate camp fires according to land management and safety requirements.

3.6 Monitor camp site operations and make adjustments as required.

4. Break camp.

4.1 Safely dismantle, pack and store equipment and belongings.

4.2 Remove rubbish from the site where disposal facilities are not available.

4.3 Extinguish camp fires fully to ensure there is no danger to the environment.

4.4 Leave camp site in the original or improved condition.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• communication skills to provide advice to participants on waste disposal requirements and camp site behaviour
• literacy skills to:

• read and interpret tour itineraries and customer information
• read and interpret land management requirements
• read and interpret manufacturer instructions

• planning and organising skills to coordinate the set up, operation and break down of a camp site
• problem-solving skills to monitor and respond to potentially unpredictable operational and service challenges.

Required knowledge 

• health and safety issues to be considered when setting up, operating and breaking down a camp site, including those related to:

• open fires
• handling and disposal of waste
• safe manual handling for heavy equipment

• features of a desirable camp site, including considerations related to:

• type of ground
• level of ground
• position of trees
• proximity to water
• local fauna
• shade and shelter

• sustainability considerations for camp site operations, including those related to:

• environmentally or culturally sensitive areas and associated minimal impact practices
• industry codes of practice
• handling and disposal of waste, including human waste
• use of water sources

• laws, regulations and land management requirements and guidelines:

• need for permits in national parks or on land under control of traditional owners
• restrictions on camp site operations and use of open fires

• operational features of standard camping equipment
• challenges and issues that arise during camp site stays and ways to respond.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the ability to:

• select, set up and safely operate a camp site with minimal negative environmental and social impact for a minimum of one night
• safely operate of a range of camping equipment
• demonstrate knowledge of potential environmental impacts of operating a camp site and associated minimal impact practices
• demonstrate knowledge of safety, regulatory and land management issues that impact camp site set-up and operation.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure use of:

• an environment suitable for camping
• a group for, or with whom, the site is set up and operated
• a range of camping equipment suited to local industry conditions
• regulation, guidelines and industry codes of practice that apply to camping in the relevant area.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• direct observation of the individual completing tasks to safely set up, operate, and dismantle and clean a camp site
• review of operational plans, checklists and post-tour reports prepared by the individual
• evaluation of feedback from group members who have participated in a camping tour coordinated by the individual
• written or oral questioning to assess knowledge of camping procedures and equipment, sustainability considerations and work health and safety requirements
• review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the individual.

Guidance information for assessment 

The assessor should design integrated assessment activities to holistically assess this unit with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role, for example:

• SITTTOP301 Load touring equipment
• SITTTOP302 Provide outdoor catering
• SITTTOP403 Operate tours in a remote area.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Camp site  may be:

• permanent
• semi-permanent (seasonal)
• temporary.

Negative environmental impact  may include:

• damage to camp sites and surrounding areas
• damage to culturally sensitive areas or sites
• disturbance or injury to fauna
• instigation of bush fire due to incorrect management of open fires
• noise disturbance to the local community
• physical damage to flora
• pollution from waste.

Camp site hazards  may include:

• insufficient distance and protection from local wildlife
• insufficient shade and protection from other weather elements
• poor access to facilities
• swollen creeks or rivers and possible flood activity
• unstable trees or tree branches
• unstable, rocky or uneven ground.

Camp site facilities  may include:

• dining and cooking areas
• entertainment or scenic viewing areas
• fire sites
• latrines
• pathways
• tents
• wash areas.

Camping equipment  may include:

• cleaning equipment
• cooking equipment
• cutting equipment and tools
• groundsheets
• first aid kit
• lights
• sleeping equipment
• tables and chairs
• tents.