Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know about Kids’ Camps
Understandably, you’ll probably have a lot of questions about camp and what you and your child can expect. Here are the answers to the questions we get asked the most by parents. Hopefully, they’ll put your mind at rest. If you have a question that’s not covered in here please contact us.
- Does the cost cover everything?
- What’s the accommodation like?
- My child is coming to camp with friends. Will they be together in the lodge and activity groups?
- What is the food like?
- What about special medical requirements?
- What if my child is not a confident swimmer?
- Will my child be able to phone me during the camp?
- What activities will my child participate in and will they be safe?
- What if I need to contact my child in case of a family emergency?
- What if my child is injured or ill?
- What do you do about bullying?
- What can I do to help my child adjust to camp easily?
Does the cost cover everything?
Yes. Food, accommodation, supervision by qualified staff and all program activities are covered. Supervised transport, if offered, may be an additional cost. Check with the appropriate Centre for details.
What’s the accommodation like?
Your child will sleep in a modern lodge. Rooms are allocated according to gender and age. Numbers per room vary from Centre to Centre. Our staff stay in separate rooms in or close to lodges and will be responsible for camper safety and behaviour during the night.
My child is coming to camp with friends. Will they be together in the lodge and activity groups?
You can request that your child and their friends are accommodated together. Just let us know when you enrol.
What is the food like?
Our experienced catering staff prepare substantial and nutritious meals to satisfy the hungriest campers. If your child requires a vegetarian, coeliac or other special diet, please let us know on the Enrolment Form.
What about special medical requirements?
We take your child’s health seriously and our staff are experienced in helping children with conditions such as asthma or diabetes and will record and carefully supervise campers who need to self-administer medication.
What if my child is not a confident swimmer?
All water activities are supervised and personal flotation devices/life jackets are worn when participating in activities like canoeing and sailing. Weaker swimmers are encouraged to use the shallow end of the pool.
Will my child be able to phone me during the camp?
We don’t encourage children to phone home as it can contribute to homesickness. However, each case is considered individually and you’ll find contact details in each Centre’s information pack that is provided to you once your booking is confirmed.
What activities will my child participate in and will they be safe?
General recreation camps may include a range of activities including archery, abseiling, canoeing, orienteering, kayaking, challenge ropes course, swimming, sailing and rock climbing. Activities are age specific and some restrictions do apply. All activities are conducted by qualified and experienced staff who possess resuscitation and first-aid qualifications. All Centre staff are screened for their suitability to work with children and must undergo a national criminal record check and referee checks are carried out before they are employed.
What if I need to contact my child in case of a family emergency?
In case of emergency, staff are contactable 24 hours a day. You’ll find phone numbers in the relevant Centre information pack.
What if my child is injured or ill?
Wherever possible we will contact you immediately to notify you of the nature of the illness or injury. If medical attention is required, children are taken to the nearest medical centre or hospital. Children with minor illnesses or injuries can usually return to camp.
What do you do about bullying?
Our staff actively create a positive environment and poor camper behaviour, such as bullying, is not tolerated. Campers who display inappropriate behaviour towards others and cannot follow staff instructions are disciplined in an appropriate manner. If this behaviour continues the offending child will be removed from the camp and sent home.
What can I do to help my child adjust to camp easily?
If this is your child’s first time away from home, don’t be tempted to say you’ll come and get them if they feel homesick. Experience tells us this just about guarantees that they will! Instead, reinforce the idea that they are going to have a great time and use the Centre information pack to help everything run smoothly.
