Wapenshaw? What?
Tidying
the tent isn't exactly anyone's idea of fun, but living in an untidy tent can be
worse. That's why we do wapenshaw, at least occasionally.
And for those who think that an indoor wapenshaw occasionally is still far too
often, below is the description of how to do outdoor wapenshaw every morning
from "The Woodcraft Way", the bible of the Woodcraft Folk for many years (and
well into my elfinhood), published in 1962.
Lay groundsheet in front of tent with head up to
and level with front main guy line pegs ; place rucsac at head of groundsheet
(neatly fastened up of course) ; in front place blankets neatly folded or
sleeping bag rolled or folded ; on top place night clothes neatly folded ; fold
lower half of groundsheet back and forward to leave a narrow strip in front of
bed ; on ground at one side of groundsheet (head to front) boots or shoes,
folded oilskin or souwester with folded towel laid on and wash satchel or soap
box on top ; on other side of groundsheet personal billy-can, then plates
with mug (open end up) and cutler arranged on plate (not ground).
As
your wapenshaw includes your tent area, make sure the ground is quite cleared
inside (except for milk or food tin – if you have not a camp larder). Tent door
should be tied back, and brailings or side wals tied up to allow inside of tent
and floor to be thoroughly aired. After inspection, night clothes and bed may be
placed to air if necessary or packed away in rucsac to keep dry if damp mist or
rain is promised.
Finally, your wapenshaw is spoilt if the camp chief or Keeper of Garbage finds
one speck of litter in or around your tent, so give yourself time for a throough
look round after you have laid out your kit.
Now don't let me hear you complaining about tidying up your tent again!