Climbing Masterclass Residential. APPROVED GOLD DUKE OF EDINBURGH S AWARD RESIDENTIAL

Transcription

1 Climbing Masterclass Residential. APPROVED GOLD DUKE OF EDINBURGH S AWARD RESIDENTIAL Course information Pack 1 st 5 th August 2016 **lower our carbon footprint** This document contains many pages - please consider if you need to print it all. SCHOOL CAMP Ltd. Unit 15, Neath Vale Supplier Park, Neath, SA11 4SR. Tel: info@schoolcamp.co.uk

2 COURSE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE Join other award participants for a week of climbing in one of South Wales best climbing locations. If you are a beginner, have enjoyed climbing in the past or want to develop your climbing and want to understand more about outdoor (trad) climbing then this is the residential for you. Whatever your current climbing ability, our enthusiastic instructors will take you to new heights in breath taking venues on the sea cliffs of the Gower. When is it? Monday 1 st August to Friday 5 th August. Where is it? The Gower South Wales Based from Pitton Cross Campsite (Pitton Cross Caravan Park, Pitton Cross Caravan & Camping Park, Rhossili, Swansea, SA3 1PH.) What is the Cost? 300 Price includes food, clifftop camped accommodation and climbing tuition and activities. If arriving by train you will need money for the local bus. How do I get there? You need to make your own way to the course meeting point/accommodation by car or train and taxi or bus. The closest train station is Swansea Train Station and we will meet you there and coordinate everyone to catch a local bus or share the cost of a taxi to the campsite, which is roughly 30 minutes away and is expected to cost approximately 8. What s the accommodation like? Camping (tents included in price) Small Marquee and tented field kitchen facilities. Quality toilets and showers 3 person tents with large porches What activities are included in the programme? Climbing. Abseiling Bouldering Beach Games BBQ Is food and drink included? All food and drink is included (3 meals a day). You will need a packed lunch for day one. Please bring personal snacks for between meals Is all equipment hire included? All climbing activity equipment is provided (accept climbing shoes) Please see the equipment list in this pack for more information. How do I book my place? You will need to complete a booking form Make a deposit payment by bank transfer or by card (calling the office) Full information is contained later in this pack. PAGE 2

3 WHAT TO EXPECT PAGE 3 SCHOOL CAMP Ltd. Climbing Residential Info Pack 2016

4 ABOUT SCHOOL CAMP Ltd School camp Ltd provide a wide range of innovative off site adventurous outdoor activity events. Our products include, Outdoor Activity days, Adventurous Activity Camps, Curriculum Enhancement Camps, Teambuilding days, BTEC / PE Outdoor Adventurous Activity Modules and Geography Field Trips. We pride ourselves in providing high quality, cost effective outdoor education solutions for individuals, families, schools, colleges and youth groups. An Approved DofE Activity Provider (AAP) School Camp Ltd is proud to be a Duke of Edinburgh's Award Approved Provider of both the Expedition section and the Residential section. Formally incorporated in 2010 we have been be involved in the expedition section of the award in many formats for many years and understand the needs of groups and individuals. We offer Bronze, Silver and Gold expeditions across the UK both by Canoe and on foot. An Adventurous Activities Licence Holder (AALA) School Camp Ltd is certified by the Adventurous Activities Licencing Scheme. Holders of this badge are able to offer adventurous activities to groups and under 18s and undergo annual inspections from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) WHY BOOK WITH US? We have never cancelled a course We are proud that we have never let a participant down or cancelled a course. All our events are well attended with on each, but even if the numbers are less than we would have liked, unlike some, we still run the course. An experienced company - Our director is a trained teacher and our experienced instructors have been working with DofE participants for many years. Our full time instructors have a combined wealth of expedition experience and are backed up by a team specialist part time staff. Big enough to manage, small enough to care - We pride ourselves in providing a personalised service to all our clients, you will meet many of our full time staff on the course and our director often pops in for a coffee or even to run some activities! We have all our own transport and equipment, a central office and support staff so we don t need to rely on other companies. Fully risk assessed and insured - All our activities, accommodation and activity locations are fully risk assessed. Copies of the risk assessments can be made available should you require this. All our activities and residential camps are covered by our comprehensive outdoor industry specific insurance policy. Our insurance will always satisfy local authority and AALA requirements. Telephone and support We have a full time operational office who you can contact if you require support through your booking and will be available to answer your every question. Modern regularly replaced equipment - We are proud of our equipment which is regularly maintained and replaced to ensure it is of the highest standard. Our policy is not to buy cheap, but to buy equipment that allows people to develop skill and not just participate in the activity. Highly qualified friendly staff - All our staff have been hand-picked for their ability, to work safely and have fun, relate to clients and develop client s skills. We are lucky to have a strong instructor base from which you can be assured that you will receive only quality staff. All of our staff have been CRB checked in line with our company policy. PAGE 4

5 RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMME All activities are provided by School Camp Ltd using our own equipment and instructors. The price of which is included in the course cost. Multiple activity groups will rotate all the activities provided over the week, so you may not follow the exact order of the following programme. AM PM EVENING 1 Arrive for Midday start Bouldering and climbing skills BBQ 2 Full climbing day Gower climbing day Knot Master class 3 Full climbing day Gower climbing day Beach games 4 Full climbing day Gower climbing day Free evening 5 Sea cave and cliff climbing & abseiling Depart 2pm Wet weather plan - This programme is subject to change as required by the weather. Alternative options will wherever possible have the same challenges and sense of adventure as those they replace. It is our normal procedure to simply change the programmes around so wet activities are undertaken on wet days etc. The comfort of the group will also be considered in the case of cold and wet weather, but whenever possible it will be business as usual, and for this reason full waterproofs are essential. ACCOMMODATION This camping accommodation is independently managed and privately owned, not by School Camp Ltd. More information can be found via this link. The price of the camping is included in your package Pitton Cross is a campsite located on the Gower, its cliff top location means that we are close to beaches and will enjoy scenic views. The campsite is right in the heart of our activity locations and there will be no need to use your own transport to get to activities. The campsite has nice toilet and shower facilities available, as well as on-site laundrette and shop. We will provide a small marquee and field kitchen facilities, as well as 3 person tents with large porches throughout the week. Accommodation Address: Pitton Cross Caravan Park, Pitton Cross Caravan & Camping Park, Rhossili, Swansea, SA3 1PH. PAGE 5

6 MENU Food is provided by School Camp Ltd using our own equipment and instructors. The price of which is included in the course cost. Our menus are designed to allow flexibility so minor alterations can be made in order to cater for all needs and tastes. Vegetarian, allergy free and halal options will be available for those who have indicated this requirement in advance of the trip. We encourage and expect everyone to become involved in catering and find this a great time to develop relationships and review and share stories from the day. BREAKFAST LUNCH EVENING MEAL SUPPER 1 Own Lunch brought from home BBQ, Sausages, Beef Burgers, Salad, Rolls. Pudding. Hot Drinks Cake or biscuits Cereal, Toast and jam. Tea, Coffee Cereal, Toast and jam. Tea, Coffee. Cereal, Toast and jam. Tea, Coffee. Cereal, Toast and jam. Tea, Coffee. Various Filled Sandwiches, Crisps, Cereal bar and fruit. Pasties / sausage rolls, Crisps, Cakes and fruit. Various Filled Rolls, Crisps, Cereal bar and fruit. Various Filled Sandwiches, Crisps, Cereal bar and fruit. Pasta with Bacon and tomato sauce / cheese. + Pudding. Sausage casserole, Mashed potato and beans + Pudding. Chicken curry or sweet and sour with rice. Pudding. Hot Drinks Cake or biscuits Hot Drinks Cake or biscuits Hot Drinks Cake or biscuits COURSE MEETING POINT The course meeting point is the Pitton Cross Caravan Park indicated below with a red arrow. Meeting Time: 12 Midday. Crown copyright OS Licence PAGE 6

7 GETTING TO THE COURSE By train: The closest train station: Swansea Train station, which is approximately 30 mins away from the campsite. A short local bus or taxi journey will get you to the campsite and we will help organise this for those arriving at the station. Whatever time you arrive, we will meet you at the station at and organise transport so that you can share costs. In 2015 Taxis cost 30 divided by the number of people on board and the bus cost 6. Most courses have 5-9 people arriving by train, so please ensure you have some money with you. By car: The postcode and address provided should take you straight to the campsite. There are kites and a small kite shop at the entrance way to the camping. RESPONSIBILITIES & OUR DUTY OF CARE School Camp Ltd will be responsible for: o The cost of providing all activities, meals and accommodation during the event as outlined in this pack o Your health and the safety of the group through-out the scheduled activities. o For those under 18 maintaining supervision throughout whole event. o Ensuring a first aider is always on hand. o Ensuring that our staff are CRB checked in line with our company policy. o In the event of an emergency our instructors will act in the best interests of the individuals involved and adopting the loco parentis role. You are responsible for: o The cost of any additional services arranged at the event or with the accommodation providers. Eg washing, or any tab created during your stay. o For the arrangement and payment of your transport to and from the event. o Supplying medical / dietary information via our own consent forms at least 2 weeks before your event. o For the arrangement and cost of your own transportation home if you opt out of the activities or are removed from the activity for breach of the conduct contract below. PARTICIPANTS CONDUCT CONTRACT In order to ensure the smooth and safe running of our events we request that you agree to the following conduct contract. o Not to bring, purchase or consume any alcohol or drugs during the event. o To smoke only in designated areas and not to smoke whilst on activity sessions. o To treat each other, staff and the equipment with respect. o To accept and tolerate differences in other participants. o To be supportive of each other and of School Camp staff. o To participate in all activities fully and to the best of your abilities. o To use appropriate language at all times. o To enjoy the experience and have fun! SUPERVISION OF UNDER 18s Notes for parents We are aware that this is an area of concern for parents. The company will adopt the Loco Parentis role throughout the residential. Having worked as a teacher for many years the Director oversees the training of very staff member to ensure they are suitably qualified and experienced in working in this role, and in addition each staff member will be CRB checked. In the event of a concern or problem then you (the parent) will be our first port of call, should we be unable to make contact with you then we will act in the best interests of the participant. Should a parent wish to contact their child, and can t make contact directly, then you may do so through our 24 hour out of office number PAGE 7

8 There will be occasions when participants will be more remotely supervised. Examples include in and around the accommodation, and whilst equipment or vehicles are being moved between locations. Clients will never be left unsupervised in dangerous environments, only locations deemed within their normal everyday experiences. There will be periods of free time where clients will be free to move around within the boundary s set by the instructors. This will include areas of the villages, shops and parks which surround the building. We will operate a check in and check out procedure and ask participants to stay in groups. Please note that it is impossible for us to accept any duty of care during their travel, either before arrival to the course and after their departure. ACTIVITY EQUIPMENT LISTS Being ill equipped can cause safety issues and can ruin your enjoyment of the planned activities. With this in mind you will need to have the following equipment. Please bring all items on the list. Just because it s the summer does not mean you might not want a hat and warm coat on a windy rainy cliff top day! Residential Trips Equipment List: o Waterproof trousers o Waterproof jacket o Warm coat. o Sleeping bag o Sleeping Mat o Pillow o Small rucksack with straps on two shoulders required for day activities and walks. o Water bottles (min 2 litres) o Waterproof Walking boots o Swim suit / shorts o Well fitting shoes/trainers that you can climb in o Towel o Wash kit o Night clothes o Underwear + socks o Trainers o Trousers (only one pair to be jeans (tracksuits preferable) o T-shirts o Sweatshirts / jumpers o Sun cream o Sun hat/cap o Sun glasses o Basic first aid kit o Personal medication o Insect repellent - Optional o Snacks and drinks o Warm Hat + gloves o Camera - Optional o Climbing shoes Optional PAGE 8

9 COURSE COST The cost of the Residential Activity Week as outlined in this pack is 300. You will be required to make two payments. o A 20% deposit at the time of booking = 60 o The balance due 4 weeks before the residential = 240 This event is accounted for using the Tour Operators Margin Scheme and no VAT is applicable. PACKAGE TRAVEL REGULATIONS This event is a package, containing accommodation and activities, as a result you will benefit from the protection offered by this government legislation. The terms and conditions of this booking, provided in this pack, are in line with the requirements of the legislation. It is a requirement of the regulations that your payments are protected up to the completion of the event. Any monies paid before your event will be held, securely, in our dedicated client account. TRAVEL INSURANCE Whilst we have full liability insurance ( 5 million pounds) our insurance does not extend to your cancellation due to illness or travel disruption nor to the loss or damage of your belongings whilst you are with us. Similarly to when you book a holiday, we suggest that you ensure you have an adequate insurance policy that covers adventurous activities. We work with Endsleigh who provide a specialist insurance policy, covering all our adventure activities, your cancellation and belongings. BOOKING FORM Please note that you will need to complete a booking form in order to reserve your place. The PDF booking form can be saved to your computer, completed electronically, and ed or can be printed, completed by hand before being scanned or posted to us. The individual booking form can be accessed via this link. MAKING YOUR DEPOSIT PAYMENT Once we have received your booking form we will send you an invoice for the deposit. You will be able to pay by direct bank transfer (using your internet banking) or by debit or credit card over the phone, or by clicking on the pay now button on your invoice. By bank transfer: Please use attendees name as the payment reference and pay fund into our client account. Sort Code: Account Number: By card payment: Call our office on to pay by debit card. Cheques: Please note that we do not accept cheques. PAGE 9

10 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Will this count towards my gold residential? o Yes. This course is designed to meet all the requirements of the gold award residential section. The course has been approved by the DofE head office so you can book in confidence, knowing that this will course for your residential section. If you are unsure you can check with your award centre, school or organisation to check that they are happy with your residential choice. - Just or show them this booklet. Will I need to bring money? o No. There is no requirement to bring any additional money. All costs are included in the course. However, you may wish to bring some money for snacks and drinks at local shops should we pass them and a taxi or bus if arriving at the station. Will there be a safe place to leave valuables? o There is no safe. We will be able to direct you towards any available storage options available (vehicles and possibly locked rooms). However you bring all items at your own risk and we are unable to accept liability for any loss or damage. Sorry How many people will be on the course? o The course has an upper limit of 24. What are the instructor to participant ratios o There will be one Event manager attached to the residential, they are available 24hrs. We will provide a minimum of one instructor per activity group of 7-10 persons. Our average group size is normally 8. Will I have free time during the residential? o Yes. In the evenings you will have free time on and around the accommodation site. If you are under 18 then School Camp Staff are required to remotely supervise you during this time. We are realistic supervisors and this does not mean that we watch you constantly or severely restrict you in what you do, merely that we agree and guide you in your decisions! What if I am ill? o If you are unable to participate in the activity we will arrange for you to take part in a limited way, watch the activity or remain in a safe environment. If you are unable to complete the course then we will help to arrange your transport home. Unfortunately this will be at your own cost. If I m over 18 will I be able to drink alcohol? o School Camp Ltd have a no drugs and alcohol policy on all their outdoor activity based events. This enables our instructors to ensure you are fit for the activity and you to make the most of each activity. Can I smoke? o School Camp Ltd discourages smoking and encourages a healthy lifestyle. However, we understand that some people have already made life choices and we will provide opportunities and safe areas to smoke on request. Cancelling my place after I have paid my deposit? o We are realistic about changes of plans and will offer you alternative dates / locations where ever possible. Please see the booking terms and conditions. Can I book with a group of friends? o As you will be aware, the Gold Residential is about meeting new people, experiencing new environments and activities. For this reason we limit the number of people from the same school, organisation and award group to 2 persons. If I come by car is there parking? o There is on-site parking at the campsite. Will there be mobile reception or telephone access? o Most of our locations have poor mobile signal. Our instructors will know the areas where signal is available and be able to direct you as to where and when your phone may work during your stay. In an emergency we will be able to provide you with phone access. How do people contact me in an emergency? PAGE 10

11 o The best way to make contact if you do not have signal is via the School Camp office on or This phone line is monitored 24 hours but should be considered for emergency use only outside of normal office hours. Is there WIFI? o Unfortunately there is not a public access WIFI at the accommodation. o If you need internet access for results or otherwise we can arrange this. INDIVIDUAL BOOKINGS TERMS AND CONDITIONS It is vital you read, understand and accept the following conditions prior to signing the attached booking form as on receipt of a signed and dated booking form, or your deposit payment, full terms and conditions will apply. PAYMENT 1. For Individual bookings a 20% deposit is payable on receipt of the booking form. 2. The balance is due no later than 1 month prior to the event. 3. School Camp Ltd. will invoice individuals for any costs that accrue during the event. Such costs include but are not solely limited to; the loss or malicious damage to our property or other equipment; services or items ordered by you or your young people from a third party (campsite, food outlet etc) and invoiced incorrectly to us. Such invoices are due payable on receipt of the invoice. AMENDMENT OR CANCELLATION 4. Amendment. If an individual wishes to amend any of the booking details (including the event date) after payment of the deposit then we will endeavour to make the change, but cannot guarantee this. Please be assured we will do everything to assist in conforming to your wishes. In order to protect ourselves the following amendment terms apply a. School Camp Ltd can only accept written requests (mail or ) for amendments. b. School Camp Ltd cannot accept major amendments less than 4 weeks prior to delivery of a programme and reserves the right to revert to any original booking if necessary. c. Amendments are only confirmed once you have received written confirmation from the company. d. If there are any cost implications posed by the amendment, seasonal or otherwise, then you will be informed of this in writing and a written confirmation that you accept these costs will be required. 5. Cancellation by Client. a. If you wish to cancel an event booking then School Camp Ltd must receive formal notification in writing (mail or ). b. Any cancellation takes effect from the date we receive notification, and will be confirmed by us by . c. The following cancellation fees will apply. i. After payment of the 20% deposit and before full payment date (20 working days before the event date) - The deposit will be lost or can be transferred to another booking. ii working days prior to delivery - 50% of the full event cost will be payable or this figure can be transferred to another date or booking (subject to availability). iii. 10 working days or less -100% of the full event cost will be payable d. In the event of transferring the booking then the value of the new booking must be of the same value to the cancelled booking, or an additional fee will be charged. e. School Camp Ltd. Reserves the right to charge a 50 administration fee to cover the cost of making any amendments and the issuing of new paperwork. f. In the event that you are unable to attend. Your place is fully transferable to another person and you may resell or gift your place to another similar person who meets the requirements of the course. Please contact us to arrange this. 6. Cancellation by School Camp Ltd. a. In the event that we are forced to cancel the event (other than force majeure) then a full refund will be issued. 7. Amendment by School Camp Ltd PAGE 11

12 a. In the event that we are unable to provide the course as described in this pack, we reserve the right to amend the course and will ensure the quality of the described provision remains comparable. You will be ed regarding any changes and will have the option to withdraw from the event. b. Any changes to the programme that are made during the event due to weather, or that are based on safety grounds, are unavoidable. Such changes will be replaced by a comparable activity or activities of a differing nature in negotiation with the attendee(s) at the time of the change. It is essential that any dissatisfaction with the proposed change is voiced to our staff at the time of amendment rather than after the event. NON ATTENDANCE OR NON COMPLETION OF THE ACTIVITY 8. In the case of non-attendance by any individual(s), in the case of them opting out of the activities, or going home before the end of the event then no refund will be made. 9. Any participant excluded from an activity or sent home by the company for behavioural, medical, social or emotional reasons will not be eligible for a refund. FORCE MAJEURE 10. School Camp Ltd. will not be liable to pay any compensation for the cancelation or change in any aspect of a programme due to circumstances beyond the companies control. This includes any issue that we or our suppliers would not have been able to reasonably foreseen. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to war or threat of war, terrorist activity, riots or civil strife, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disasters, fire, extreme weather etc. 11. In such circumstances, and subject to availability, School Camp Ltd will make every effort to offer an alternative event on the booked dates or offer an alternative product at a later date. HEALTH AND SAFETY 12. Individuals must supply School Camp Ltd with a completed medical / permission forms. In the event of the individual being under 18 then this form must be signed by a parent or guardian. 13. School Camp Ltd. must receive a copy of the medical and dietary information no less than 10 days before the event. After this form is submitted School Camp Ltd must be informed of any changes to the supplied information in writing. 14. School Camp Ltd accepts no responsibility for any ailment or further aggravation of any existing ailment suffered during or after a programme, disclosed or undisclosed. 15. School Camp Ltd accepts no responsibility for any injury caused whilst participating in the activity in any other manner other than directed by the instructor. 16. School Camp Ltd accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage to personal belongings whilst on our courses and events. PAGE 12