All your Wake Up Wild questions answered

What is Wake Up Wild?

Wake Up Wild is a campaign run by SayYesMore, to encourage more people to camp outside and find themselves a little closer to nature. The SayYesMore community, the YesTribe, was founded on group microadventures, gathering with friends and strangers for a night under the stars. Between April and October 2019, we’re committing to hosting at least 100 wild camps, free of charge with an optional donation for Tree Aid.

Can I take part in Wake Up Wild on Facebook?

Of course! We have a page called Wake Up Wild filled with information about camping, and events happening near you.

Is there a cost?

We’ll set a location and a camp leader, and all you need to do is get yourself there, with your own gear and food. We don’t charge for the camps but we are supporting Tree Aid with this campaign, and will send you a helpful email with discount codes for outdoor gear and food, just to say thanks for donating.

What is Tree Aid?

We’re really proud to be supporting Tree Aid, whose work in Africa has made a difference to hundreds of thousands of people. They also have a small project in the UK, which we hope to work together on in the coming months and years.

TREE AID supports women in the drylands of Africa, including Mali, to use the power of trees to grow food to feed their children and earn an income. Trees are a lifeline, providing fruits and nuts all year round, for generations to come. TREE AID provides the training and tools a woman needs to turn these tree products into nutritious food and goods to sell at the market, such as shea butter, enabling her to grow her way out of poverty.

Over the years Tree Aid have planted over 1 million trees, helping over 635,000 people out of poverty.

I’ve never been camping. Can I see what a camp is like on social media?

We'd love to see photos and video of you preparing for, heading to and enjoying your #wakeupwild camp. If you share anything on social media make sure you tag @theyestribe and #wakeupwild so we get to enjoy your mini adventure through a screen! If you’re looking for pictures of campouts, try typing in #wakeupwild, we’re sure you’ll find something.

Will I need my own camping gear?

Yes. We’re asking all campers to ring their own gear, and will provide a recommended kit list once you sign up. The basics are sleeping mat, sleeping bag and tent/hammock/bivvy bag.

Do I need a tent?

As above, you’ll be required to bring your own camping gear. We’ll be organising camp spots which where possible will allow tents, but we also encourage bivvy bags and, for certain camping spots in woodland, hammocks.

What’s a bivvy bag?!

A bivvy, bivvi or bivi is short for bivouac, and is a waterproof cover for your sleeping bag which will enable you to sleep outside with some protection from the elements, without having to carry a heavy tent.

What if I don’t have my own camping gear?

Feel free to post on Wake Up Wild or the YesTribe to ask if you could borrow some gear.

Will there be a campfire?

This is dependent on the campsite. We’re doing our best to find campsites with an existing firepit, because chatting next to a fire is nice.

What about toilets or showers?

Each one of our campsites will be different. Some will have facilities like toilets, others will be fields or woodland with no infrastructure.

What should I eat?

This is totally up to you. You could eat before joining the campout, or take a small camping stove to cook up a supper and breakfast. If you’re bringing a dehydrated food sachet don’t forget to bring water, too!

Can I drive to my camping location or is there public transport?

In most cases, we anticipate that there will be limited car parking near each venue. As much as possible we’ll be looking for campsites within 30 minutes walk from a train or bus station.

I live somewhere super remote, will there be a campsite near me?

We will try our very best to find camping locations for all, but in the event that we can’t you’ll have the choice to receive a refund or set up your own individual or group camp near your home.

What do I do with my rubbish?

We always leave no trace, so please bring a bag or tupperware that you can put your trash in. Then take it home and pop it in the recycling.

Can I bring my dog?

This is dependent on the rules of the campsite you’re going to, but we’re doing our best to find dog friendly sites. Please remember to pick up any poop and remove it from the site when you leave.

Can I bring my kids?

Absolutely! It’s so important to connect our children with nature and families are very welcome.

How many people can attend?

Each one of our sites will have a different capacity. If past YesTribe campouts are anything to go by, your group will likely be between 10 and 50 people people.

What if there’s a storm?

We’ll be monitoring the weather and being the United Kingdom, of course there’s a chance that the weather might not play ball. Our priority is safety, and we’ll do what we can to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable time. If it’s looking wet, we’ll see if we can organise some larger communal tents for larger shelter.

Why the devil would I want to go camping?

Connecting with nature is really good for you! When you’re outside you’re less likely to want to look at your phone, and spending time with other positive people is good for your mental health. Why not give it a go? Some camping gear is really comfortable, you’d be surprised! If you ever feel stressed or anxious, then perhaps a night under the sky is just what the doctor ordered. Trees, not tablets :)