Parents & Children
Going away on a school residential can be a worrying time for parents & children. We've tried to answer some of the most common questions below.
Meet the Team
All of our staff are qualified, experienced, and enthusiastic.
Memorable Experiences
It is really important for us that everyone who comes on our trips:
Find out a bit more about us here
Top Ten Facts
1
It took four months to first build our Balcombe camp near Dartmouth.
2
The zipwire at our site near Dartmouth is 70m long.
3
4
Some of our staff have been instructors for over 25 years.
5
Our biggest abseil is over 100ft long.
6
Our Dewerstone Cottage bunkhouse is over 200 years old.
7
Last year nearly 2000 children (safely) climbed, abseiled, canoed and much more with us.
8
One of our instructors is a descendant of Sir Walter Raleigh.
10
Some of our staff camped at least 100 nights in 2014.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a parent it’s natural to have some questions and concerns when your child is going away on residential. We have tried to address some of the most common questions we are asked below.
If you have any specific questions please speak to your child’s teacher. You may also find our pages on Accommodation, Team Members and Safety to be of interest.
"Why do these activities?"
Challenging ourselves is very much part of what makes us who we are. It can teach us what we are good at and what we need to work on. Being out of our comfort zone is where we learn most and it is our job as instructors to gently find where that zone is and work carefully with each person to get the best out of their visit. Wild living can very much challenge people's ideas about what they can't live without and seeing the world in a more simple way can give us real perspective.
"Are staff qualified and checked?"
A basic requirement for all our staff is that they have a current DBS check and First Aid certificate. All instructors leading specific activities will hold National Governing Body Awards for that particular discipline. Those assisting receive targeted in-house training. See more information here
"Do you have risk assessments?"
All of our sites and activities are risk assessed and we are inspected by the AALA to ensure our policies and practices are appropriate and up to date. You may see the risk assessments and policies on request.
"What is your ratio of staff to children?"
The school will bring their own staff, but our normal ratio is between 1- 8 and 1- 10 depending on the activities and conditions. For activities like knife work we use a 1- 2 or 1- 1 ratio as appropriate.
"What if our child is upset or unhappy?"
We are very experienced at supporting both children and adults when anxious or upset and will work very hard to resolve things for them. However, due to their already established relationships, problems like these are often handled better by school staff and we will make them aware of any issues as quickly as possible.
"Can we make contact with our child while away"
Most schools do not allow children to take mobile phones and we do not recommend it either. We provide both mobile and landline numbers to the school, and the school will provide a range of numbers to parents. On our main sites mobile phones work well and we can easily communicate when needed.
"Do you stay overnight?"
Our staff and school staff stay overnight while camping and at least one member of Young Spirit staff is always on duty in case of any problems.
"Are sites secured?"
Fences and locked gates are not what the wild is about, but we do take group safety extremely seriously. Our fixed sites are in private and/or remote areas, and the children are supervised in controlled areas by an appropriate number of staff.
"What if someone is hurt or ill while camping"
In simple cases we can deal with this on site, but if someone needs more help we have 4x4s available at all times to drive children and staff to a more accessible point or directly to professional help. In the most serious cases we have comprehensive evacuation policies in place.
"Do I need to be sporty or fit?"
Our challenges are open to all and can be adapted to specific needs. If you have any concerns please make contact and we can discuss the best way of making the programme accessible.
"What do we eat"
Generally we have range of normal foods like pasta, bread, pizza, sausages, fruit, and biscuits. Much of the cooking is done as part of the activities. We take pride in providing wholesome, good quality food.
We can adapt our menus to most needs so no one goes hungry!
"Do I need any particular equipment?"
We will provide all technical equipment. Most things on our kit list are everyday items. We have stock of waterproofs and sleeping bag we can lend on request prior to the residential.
"While camping, how do you stay clean and where do you go to the toilet?"
This will depend on the nature of the camping, but in most cases we have soap and water for general washing. Alcohol gel sanitizer is also available. For two-night camps most are happy to not shower, however if a shower is needed we can arrange one on an individual basis.
Address
Spirit of Adventure
Powdermills
Princetown
Yelverton
Devon
PL20 6SP
United Kingdom
Useful Information
Registered Office: c/o Spirit of Adventure, Powdermills, Princetown, Devon, PL20 6SP, UK
Registered in England no. 03766767.
