What do we do when a hike does not go according to plan and we have to spend more time outdoors than expected? How do we choose a suitable place for shelter, and what should we know if we are forced to spend the night outdoors?
On day 7 of the Anii Drumeției Summer School, we learn one of those skills that every hiker should know: how to prepare a bivouac or an outdoor campsite.
We will head towards Valea Argintului, and this time the distance covered will not be very long, because the focus will be on learning and practical exercises. Once we reach the location chosen for the workshop, we will begin with the theoretical part: how to choose a suitable place, what rules we need to follow, what equipment we need and what we should pay attention to when preparing a place for camping or an overnight stay.
Then we move from theory to practice. We will put what we have discussed into practice and discover, step by step, how to prepare a bivouac and how to organise ourselves when an unexpected situation forces us to change our plans.
Depending on the time available, we will also address another important lesson: how we can connect two known routes using unmarked trails and how we navigate when the original route needs to be changed.
Because the mountains do not always follow the plans made at home, and a well-prepared hiker must know how to observe, adapt and make responsible decisions.
WHERE AND WHEN DO WE MEET?
Tuesday, 1 September 2026, at 08:30, at the bus stop near the ASTRA Museum.
ROUTE INFORMATION
Route: Cisnădioara – Valea Argintului – Rășinari – Cisnădioara
Activity duration: approximately 5–6 hours
Route difficulty: Easy
Age: 8–14 years
Theme: preparing a bivouac or an outdoor campsite
WHAT WILL WE LEARN?
- How to choose a suitable place for a bivouac or campsite;
- What rules we need to follow;
- What equipment is necessary;
- How to prepare for a possible unplanned overnight stay outdoors;
- How to set up a bivouac in practice;
- How to adapt when the initial hiking plan needs to be changed;
- Practical navigation skills and identifying alternative route options.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- Hiking boots or shoes with good grip;
- Technical trousers or long hiking trousers;
- Technical T-shirt;
- Light jacket;
- Rain poncho, if necessary;
- Water – minimum 1–1.5 litres;
- Snack or packed lunch.
The rest of the collective equipment required for the workshop will be provided by the guide.
COSTS
Participation in the activity is free of charge, as part of the Anii Drumeției Summer School.
Transportation will be by public transport, and the cost of the tickets will be covered by the participants. The exact transportation cost will be communicated to parents after the place has been confirmed and the WhatsApp group has been created.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Participation is only possible with prior registration, by completing the dedicated form.
Places are limited to 12 children, and participation will be confirmed in the order of registration – the first 12 children registered.
After participation is confirmed, parents will be invited to a WhatsApp group, where they will receive all information regarding the activity, including details about transportation, equipment and schedule.
GUIDE
Dumitru Troanca – mountain guide
Contact: 0722 177 001
ANII DRUMEȚIEI SUMMER SCHOOL
A series of hikes and workshops where the mountains and nature become the most beautiful classroom. We learn directly on the trail, alongside guides, about nature, navigation, safety, history and all those things that help us become more curious, better prepared and more responsible hikers.
At #7, we learn to be prepared even when plans change. See you on the trail!
Note: The organisers reserve the right to modify the programme or route depending on weather conditions and participant safety.
By registering their child for this activity, the parent or legal representative declares that the child is fit to participate in outdoor activities and gives consent for photographs to be taken and used for the purpose of promoting the “Anii Drumeției” Programme.
The “Anii Drumeției” Programme is initiated and funded by the Sibiu County Council, in collaboration with the Sibiu County Tourism Association, with the aim of promoting hiking, outdoor education and ecotourism-specific activities in Sibiu County.
