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Writer's pictureמערכת מידברן

Guidelines for camp layout / tent compounds



  1. All of the guidelines in this document are valid also to living and tent compounds that are free camps. Whenever “camp” or “compound” are mentioned, it refers to both (theme camp / free camp).

  2. The living compounds at the event are separated to segments that are separated by circular roads (identified by a name or letter) and roads perpendicular to them (identified using hours). All are used as evacuation paths, as illustrated in the attached drawing marked as appendix A. The streets mentioned above will not be less than  4.2 meters net in width.

  3. Every segment may include one to eight living compounds at various sizes. A 2 meter wide escape route in case of an emergency will remain free for movement and open between each living compound in a segment, as described in appendix A.

  4. Each living compound functions independently and uses all of the necessary infrastructures for itself (e.g., gas, water, electricity).

  5. The camp's structure is required to meet the licensing standards of the Israeli police and fire department. These include: minimum distance between groups of tents and/or RVs, free paths, etc.

  6. For efficiency and best use of logistical means, there is an advantage to a standard camp structure, with fixed locations for main functions: kitchen, shower, water tank, gas tanks, etc.

  7. Some camps include structures, installations or constructions that require permits, control and inspection. These include any installation higher than 2 meters, or has moving parts, or is intended to carry people / used / operated by or for the participants.

  8. Everything written in this procedure will be expressed and implemented in the safety plans of the event.


  1. Camp participants:

  2. Knowledge of the procedures.

  3. Up to the required permit conditions.

  4. Up to the required safety regulations in the camp and living compounds, per the various procedures and instructions.


  1. Camp setup and construction

  2. Arrival to the event grounds according to the camp setup schedule.

  3. Scanning the area by the camp builders for dangerous animals (snakes, scorpions), suspicious objects and other disruptive factors.

  4. Safety briefing (daily or one time, depending on the activity) by the camp’s safety supervisor and collecting the signatures of all those active in building the camp on the general safety procedures. The signed form should be provided to the theme camp department.

  5. Setup of the shade structures and tents according to the procedure for building tents and shade structures

  6. Setup of structures in the camp

  7. Get an approval from a safety engineer for the camp and installations in it.


  1. How to build a camp

  2. Water tank placement - The water tank will be placed so it can be reached by a hose from the nearest street. Try to place them adjacent to the tanks of a neighboring camp.

  3. Kitchen -  the kitchen setup will be done in accordance with the procedure for use of fire and procedure for use of gas based cooking systems.

  4. Electrical board placement - The electrical board will be placed at the entrance to the street according to the electricity use procedures.


  1. Placement of tents in the space 

  2. Tents will be placed with their entrance facing a clear path.

  3. Tents should not be placed with their entrance facing each other and preventing a quick exit in case of an emergency.

  4. Tents should be placed at the center of the space in groups of two rows with their back side facing each other.

  5. Between each group of tents maintain an open path, 2 meters in width at least.



  1. RV placement

  2. RVs will be placed at the perimeter of the camp.

  3. Keep a clear path, 2 meters in width, between RVs and the nearest tents.

  4. RVs will be placed a day before the opening of the event.

  5. RVs will be placed on a flat surface. RVs should be leveled.

  6. The handbrake of the RV should be engaged.

  7. Stoppers should be placed under the RVs wheels

  8. Each RV will be required to provide an approval of safety for the gas systems in it, or have them checked and approved on the event grounds.

  9. Bringing RVs into the event area is subject to the RVs Ruidelines.


  1. Setup of installations and/or their use: 

  2. Allowed only according to their approval in the theme camp brief, and subject to the approval conditions.

  3. An example layout for a tent only camp or tents and RVs is shown in appendix B.

  4. MOOP: Search and pickup MOOP at the end of setup and clearing out of any unnecessary objects. 


  1. General safety guidelines

  2. Each camp will have at least two, 6 Kg, dry powder fire extinguishers - one in the kitchen area and the other at the entrance to the camp.

  3. Each RV will have a 6 kg dry powder fire extinguisher, unless the RV is in a camp that has the extinguisher (per the bullet above). 

  4. If a camp/compound has more than 5 RVs, an additional extinguisher should be placed next to them.

  5. Every theme camp / living compound will have at least 3 entrances/exits that remain clear and free for safe passage throughout the event.


  1. Immediate response to an emergency event in a camp/compound

  2. Each compound will have an immediate response team which includes at least three team members in a compound of up to 50 people and at least 5 in a compound above 50 people.

  3. The team should be trained at the following topics:

  • Safe use of gas and electricity

  • Immediate response in case of an emergency, including, reaction to different emergencies and knowledge of the relevant procedures.

  • Scanning the grounds and reporting in case of an emergency evacuation event.

  • Use of the relevant emergency equipment.


Appendix A: Illustration of the city streets layout

Appendix B: Illustration of a suggested camp layout (tents camp only).




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