Year 7 Camp Presentation 2019 Monday 22nd July – Thursday 26th July

1. Year 7 Camp Presentation 2019 Monday 22nd July – Thursday 26th July

2. Why Year 7 Camp? Imagine a place where young people are inspired to learn and grow; where challenges are faced, skills learnt, minds opened and potential nurtured everyday. • Year 7 camp… this is what we do: • Inquisitive minds are encouraged to celebrate change. • Creative risk taking is always promoted and challenges tackled head on. • Confidence is built, resilience developed and self-esteem boosted along the way.

3. Where are we staying-Blacklands farm Situated in the heart of the picturesque Sussex countryside, students enjoy a back to nature experience. Set in oak enclosed meadows, Blackland Farm is a multi-purpose activity centre. It is located on a 120-acre site, comprising woodland and grassed areas. On the nearby lake there are canoeing and kayaking facilities, and if you listen carefully you can hear the steam trains of the bluebell railway pass by.

4. The Year 7 Camp Experience Young people get so much more out of camp than just having a lot of fun. The benefits gained are immense, and most will develop new life-skills without even realising they’re learning. • Increasing confidence in themselves and their own abilities • Developing new friendships and strengthening existing ones • Trying new activities and igniting interest in new hobbies • Experiencing the camaraderie of an overnight stay and an experience shared • Development of a healthy sense of self awareness and empathy for others and their environment • Increasing concentration, listening skills and attention span • Greater respect for those – both teachers and peers alike – who have shared the same journey • Accepting challenges and overcoming fears (both teachers and students!).

5. Facilities-Blacklands farm • Teacher and student tents. Students sleep in tents of four to six and use gender separated bathrooms. • Facilities include, a swimming pool and high-adrenaline activity activities. The activity park includes some of the most exciting sessions available in the UK Including indoor and outdoor climbing and abseiling towers. • Canoeing and kayaking on nearby lakes. • Rock scrambling available on nearby rock formations. • All instructors are fully qualified and used to working with teenagers!

8. It’s all in a day- A typical day at Camp is….. • Breakfast between 8am and 9am • The first activity starts at 10am • Lunch between 12pm and 1pm • A full afternoon of activities (x2) • Evening Meal between 7pm and 8pm • Sundown evening entertainment at 8.15pm • Return to tents at 9.30pm • Torches out by 10.15pm • Varndean choose their preferred activities prior to the trip and the Centre will then create a program to fulfill this. • Minimum of 3 sessions per day plus one final evening session. • Group sizes of no more than 12 plus a fully qualified Blackland’s instructor and a teacher. • Students are encouraged and praised during activities but are NEVER forced to take part if they are not comfortable doing so.

9. Sample timetable for the day

10. Activities include... • Abseiling • Archery • Bouldering • Climbing • Canoeing • Crate stack • Eco trails • Field games • Jacob's ladder • Leap of faith • Low ropes • Nightline • Orienteering • Problem solving • Zipwire

11. Food glorious food! It’s important for students to maintain high energy levels throughout their stay, so 3 freshly-prepared, healthy meals are served in the communal dining area every day. A varied choice is always offered, with both hot and cold meals, and a vegetarian option Plenty of juice and water is available at all times. Most dietary requirements can be catered for as long as we are told in advance – forms are issued at the end of presentation and to establish any dietary and medical needs.

12. Safety & Wellbeing We know how nerve-wracking it can be letting your child go on a residential visit, so we do everything we can to make it a safe and enjoyable experience for all. We choose Blacklands because it makes sure it adheres to the highest safety standards at all times: • Continual safety and first aid training for all staff • Regular checks on equipment before and after every activity session • Qualified First-Aider on centre 24/7 All Blacklands staff are fully CRB checked and are trained to take responsibility for the well-being of the children in their care. We have found the best way to help children cope with being away from home is to keep them busy, having fun from dawn ‘til dusk. We create a warm, supportive environment for students so they quickly feel at home. The activities are progressive, allowing students to join in at whatever level they’re comfortable with.

13. Week overview. • Overview • Students drop off luggage in the canteen and register with tutors/activity group leaders in the canteen by 8.40am • Leave Varndean on Monday 22nd by 9.15am by coach to Blackland’s Farm arriving at approximately 10.15am • Instructions & check into tents. Unpack get ready for activities that start at 11.00am-some will be kayaking! • Thursday 26th 3.30pm onwards coaches leave to return to Varndean due back from 4.00pm onwards • (See website and Twitter page for updates)

14. Our expectations. • Make the most of all opportunities and challenges. • Once in tents they stay in tents! Unless there is an emergency! • Be polite and respectful to adults and peers. • Follow instructions from group leaders at all times. • Be prompt to assemble for activities. • Have an amazing time!

15. How can I prepare for camp? • Start to collect items on the kit list - collect one today. • Final payment due if not paid for. • Fill in and return the residential trip permission form. • Make sure the school are aware of any special • Dietary requirements. E.g. Vegetarian, food allergies. • Medical requirements.