Groups
Groups, Clubs, Families and Friends
PARENTS LEAFLET
DEAR PARENT
As the date for the course at Skern Lodge approaches we wanted to reassure you of our commitment to high standards of care. Having read these notes, if you feel you need further clarification please do contact us.
Skern Lodge supports all initiatives that improve standards of safety in outdoor activities. Skern Lodge is licensed to operate under the Adventure Centres (Young Persons Safety) Act and the Skern Lodge safety policy is to ensure the highest standards.
All adventure equipment is provided. It is modern, has BSI and EN standard if appropriate and is carefully maintained.
Please see the kit list below for details of personal clothing.
All instructors have first aid and lifesaving certificates as a basic requirement. All activities are supervised by instructors with the approved qualification for the activity. All staff, regardless of qualification, are regularly trained, reviewed and appraised.
The maximum ratio on adventure activities is 1 qualified instructor to 8 clients and this includes adult helpers.
Most of our instructional staff live on-site. There is a Duty Instructor on call on-site out of “normal” hours. Flood lights are kept on all night and the gates locked for security. Bedroom or building doors have locks.
Skern Lodge has a modern automatic fire detection system and regularly holds practices and drills. We have on-site first aid posts and each instructor carries a first aid kit at all times. The local doctor is on call at all times.
All drivers are over 21 and have PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) driving licences for minibuses. Driving standards are rigorously enforced. All our vehicles are modern minibuses that are inspected daily and regularly maintained. All buses have forward facing seats with seat belts for every person.
We look forward to giving your child an exciting, educational, adventurous and safe experience at Skern Lodge that will be of value forever.
Yours sincerely
The Skern Lodge Staff Team
Pocket Money
What You Need to Bring
Rules
POCKET MONEY
Normally only a small amount of extra pocket money is required. We do have a shop on-site that sells sweets, drinks, toiletries and souvenirs.
Please follow any guidelines the school/group leader has set.
| Hoodies | £20 |
| T-shirts | £6.50 |
| Other souvenirs | 50p to £5 |
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
This list is a guide for what to bring on a one-week stay at Skern Lodge, please adapt it for weekends. Bring warm old clothes rather than new.
|
Set of casual travelling clothes Lots of socks Ample underwear 2 pairs of old trousers Shorts 4 shirts/t-shirts Long sleeved pullovers |
Swimming costume Nightwear Waterproof anorak/cagoule Over-trousers, if you have them Gloves & hat (winter) 2 pairs trainers/plimsolls 1 pair of old trainers/wet-shoes, Towels & wash kit |
Small personal first aid kit Dustbin bag for wet clothes 1 small drinking water bottle Torch Pencil & pen Suncream (summer) Pocket money |
RULES
We try to have very few rules at Skern Lodge, please ensure that your child understands them:
1. All medication to be under the control of the group leader.
2. Have regard for other groups staying at the Lodge, which means in particular
a) Quiet after 11.30pm (at the latest)
b) No entry to any other bedrooms
c) No anti-social or aggressive behaviour
3. The swimming pool, assault course, high ropes and climbing areas are out of bounds unless accompanied by a Skern Lodge staff member.
4. Do not enter other accommodation areas. (i.e. if you are in the Farmhouse then there is no need to visit the Orchard or the Courtyard).
5. Respect all property and equipment.
6. Be responsible for your own valuables. They can be locked in the office safe if required.
7. The bar is for the use of adults accompanying young people and for all adult groups. No under-age drinking is allowed at any time, on or off-site. Where a group consists of predominantly 16-19 year olds we are unable to serve them alcohol (inclusive of the 18 and 19 year olds) as stated under our premises licence.
8. No smoking anywhere indoors, or in the minibuses, stores or on activities.
9. The possession or use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated.
10. In the event of an emergency please telephone
(01237) 475992 between 9am and 5pm or
07 977 259 633 between 5.30pm and 8.30am.
‘The girls have benefited in so many ways, they have tried lots of new
activities and succeeded where they thought they night not. They have
enjoyed the friendly interaction with the instructors and have made new
friends within their peer group. They have been responsible for their own
equipment and timing and have enjoyed their freedom within a safe environment’
the staff. A high sense of self awareness and self belief, reserves of
strength have been drawn on’
The staff are relaxed, welcoming but professional. It’s the perfect combination’
from their parents. We did have lots of tears and worries before we left,
however, all of the children loved the experience and many didn’t want to go home’
