Camp (Falkland Islands) facts for kids
The Camp is a special name used in the Falkland Islands. It refers to all the parts of the islands that are outside of Stanley, which is the only big town. It also usually means areas away from the large RAF base called Mount Pleasant. The word "Camp" comes from the Spanish word campo, which means "countryside" or "rural area".
The Camp is home to many small communities. Some of these include Fox Bay, Goose Green, Darwin, and Port Howard. These places are often just a few houses grouped together. Port Louis, located in the north of East Falkland, is the oldest place where people have lived permanently on the islands. It was started by the French in 1764. Port Egmont on Saunders Island was the first British settlement, but it is now empty. Most people living in the Camp live on East Falkland, and then on West Falkland. Some smaller islands like Pebble, Sea Lion, West Point, Weddell, and Carcass Island also have people living on them. The term "Camp" is used in official ways too, for example, the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly has areas called Stanley and Camp for voting.
What You'll Find in the Camp
The Camp has some important British military spots. These include RAF Mount Pleasant, Mare Harbour, and Mount Alice. You can also find the Bodie Suspension Bridge there. This bridge is the most southerly of its kind in the entire world! For a long time, many parts of the Camp had landmines from the time of the Falklands War. These were especially common just outside Stanley. But good news! As of November 2020, the Falklands were officially declared clear of all landmines. This means the land is now safe.
Time in the Camp
Officially, the Falkland Islands use UTC-3 time all year round. Before September 2010, this time was only used in the summer. However, many people living in the Camp use a different time zone, UTC-4, all year. This is known as "Camp Time" on the islands. This difference once caused some confusion in 2009. A team of Royal Engineers working in Hill Cove didn't realize that West Falkland was on a different time from Stanley.
Life and Work in the Camp
The main job in the Camp is sheep farming. This means raising sheep for their wool and meat. Other important jobs include fishing and tourism. Many tourists visit to see the amazing wildlife or to learn about the Falklands War. The people of the Camp are represented by three members in the Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands. Currently, these members are Roger Edwards, Ian Hansen, and Teslyn Barkman. They help make decisions for the islands.
See also
- Falkland Islands
- West Falkland
- Lafonia
- Geography of the Falkland Islands
- Falklands War
