Testimonials
Frequently asked questions
Are you open to the general public?
Everyone is welcome!
Please be aware that all activities require pre-booking. Some activities need to be set-up, or we may need specialist trainers on the premises, so we need to know in advance who is coming.
How long has Skern Lodge been operating?
We first opened in 1976 and moved to our current site in 1982. The owners and managers all work on-site full time.
Does the cost depend on the activity that you do?
No the costs are based on the the type of course rather than your activity choices. If optional extras are available, e.g. visit to local attractions these are listed within the price list.
How late can I book?
In some circumstance we may be able to arrange the following:
Bookings made the day before.
Booking on the Adventure Days prior to the 9am or 1.30pm starts
Last minute pool hire
Last minute RIB Powerboat charter
With the exception of the above we require at least 24 hours notice for most activities.
How do I book?
The booking process varies depending on group size, age, activities, etc. But we do try to make it as simple as possible regardless. Give us a call and we will check availability before explaining the remainder of the process.
Due to the complexity and individual tailoring of each course and to ensure we continue to offer you a personal service we have decided that it is not feasible to publish current availability or make the working groups list and activity options available on the website.
What about the weather?
What about it? On the whole activities are carried out regardless of the weather. Each morning and just before starting any activity an assessment is made about the weather. Sometimes strong winds can make kayaking unsafe or winter cold may make surfing unsuitable. In these cases great alternatives will be found. Safety is never compromised.
What qualifications do the instructors have?
All instructors are qualified in the activities they instruct. All have a first aid qualification and those that work (not walk!) on water have beach and pool lifeguard. For high elements the Single Pitch Award from the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is the norm and for remoter walking either Summer Mountain Leader or Walking Group Leader also BMC qualifications.
Kayaking is run by British Canoe Union (BCU) Level 2 Coach (kayak)/UKCC BCU level 1 and 3 star sea or above coaches. A Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Power Boat Instructor drives the powerboat and supervises beginners. All other activities are covered by a carefully designed in-house training system. Qualifications are available for inspection.
What is the ratio on activities?
On the majority of activities the ratio is 1:8 but we never exceed the ratio advised by the Governing Body of that sport.
How safe is it?
There is risk in all we do in life and outdoor activities are no exception. We cannot say there is no risk but careful management reduces this to a very acceptable level.
We are regularly inspected by several bodies: Adventure Activities Licensing Authority, BCU, RYA, Health & Safety Executive, many Local Education Authority inspectors, the insurance company, company health & safety departments and several others. Furthermore, we have and regularly review risk assessments not only on all the activities but on fire safety, kitchen hygiene, bunk beds, security and stair cases to name but a few.
The BMC have published a booklet 'Young People - Climbing, Hill Walking, Mountaineering - A Parents Guide' which contains a good explanation of the risks associated with activities.
Further information on all safety aspects can be found by following the links below:
'Young People - Climbing, Hill Walking, Mountaineering - A Parents Guide'
We have looked at the option of putting Health and Safety documents such as the risk assessments as downloadable items on the website. However, as part of our ongoing quality assurance, these documents are continually being reviewed and updated so we have decided to continue with e-mailing them on request.
Will I be made to do the activities?
Certainly not, Skern is about success and positive outcomes. The programmes are all designed to have a variety of activities so that in a stay of a few days you will find, hopefully, all activities fun, some easy and some more challenging. No one will be made to do an activity they do not want to but equally we will encourage you to have a go. Skern is a great place to learn more about yourself and to achieve more than you thought you could.
What about transport to activities?
Many of the activities are on-site. For those off-site then either a local coach company is used or, more normally, one of our minibuses. These are Passanger Carrying Vehicles (PCV) run under an operators license and as such checked very regularly. All drivers have PCV licences. Of course working seat belts are provided to each seat.
How secure is it for young clients?
Again, this area is risk assessed. Firstly they will never be off-site unsupervised. The buildings are locked at night (but they can easily exit if they had to e.g. fire) and all windows have restricted openings. There are both Skern staff and group leaders resident on-site. The gates are locked at night and the site well lit. All staff are carefully checked to ensure they are appropriate to work with children. All instructors have CRB checks. When unaccompanied children visit, a Skern member of staff is allocated as “house parent”.
Will there be other groups in at the same time?
Almost certainly. We are always very careful with our client mix. However, there are three completely separate accommodation units that are individually secure.
I have a food allergy, will I still be able to eat!?
Of course. The food at Skern is renowned for quality and quantity. We always have vegetarian options and can cater for any dietary requirements but please let us know in advance.
A sample menu is available to download in the catering and domestic section of the website.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Only personal effects – clothes, shoes, towels etc but you will be sent a kit list before you come. All adventure equipment is provided, it is modern, checked regularly and has quality standards where available. All bedding is provided but once again no towels so you do need to bring these.
Do I need to bring my own bedding?
No the beds are made up for your arrival with duvets and pillows. The only thing you do need to remember ot bring is a towel.
Do I need much extra money?
Very little. Almost everything is included and any extras will have been clearly detailed before you book. We do have a small shop on-site that sells toiletries, sweets and drinks, postcards and T-Shirts etc. There is also a small bar for adult clients so some “pocket money” is advisable but not necessary. There are soft drink vending machines on-site.
I can't find the answer to my question!
If you can't find the answer to any of the questions you have please contact us, the firls in the office love to talk and we are more than happy to help you with any queries you might have.
My son just came back from a school residential trip to Skern Lodge. I have to confess to being a
complete nervous wreck for the whole 5 days he was with you at Skern! Being an 11 year old boy
he clearly wasn’t remotely bothered about leaving his Mum but I know him well enough to recognise
the signs of a somewhat nervous, apprehensive and fearful little man as I waved the school minibus
on its way!
time of my life!” He has talked non stop about the food, the people (Alex and Mark have featured
highly in his recount of various activities, and in a very fond way), the accommodation, the things
to do, how much fun everything was and how he just LOVED every single minute of it! Having spent
5 years in partnership with the school trying to build his self confidence, allow him the space to be
himself and just be great, I am astounded how, in 5 days, your centre and the people who worked with
Mikey specifically has achieved all of that and so much more. He hasn’t physically grown in inches
but in stature he has sprouted! He has poked fun at himself for the first time EVER, has volunteered
to stand up in assembly and share his funniest experiences, has taken himself to bed every night
without so much as a huff and has developed a self belief that is beyond anything I thought would
happen. I sound like a zealot I know, but I cannot tell you how so many positive things have presented
themselves as a direct result of him coming to Skern.
