Who will look after my child on ADVENTURE?
We have an experienced TEAM who will look after your child while they are on ADVENTURE. Children will have their own SUS (small group) leaders who will look after them throughout the week. We also have designated Medical and Safeguarding officers and House Parents who look after the children’s medical and pastoral needs. TEAM will give general reminders for any personal care that may get overlooked – such as hair brushing and making sure they change their clothes too!
Can my child have a bath?
Unfortunately, there are no baths on site, but we encourage children to use showers and practise good levels of personal hygiene throughout the week.
Who will look after my child at night-time?
We have House Parents who are on site to look after the children while they are on ADVENTURE. They help supervise the children with the morning wake up and evening bedtime routines and are there for your child throughout the day as a friendly face, able to offer both practical and pastoral support.
SUS group leaders will be on hand to help with bedtime, to say a goodnight prayer and to turn lights out. Lights out is at 8.30pm to ensure everyone has a good night’s sleep and is well rested for the day’s activities. Children tend to sleep well at ADVENTURE.
We have a designated girl’s and boy’s Night Leader. If a child is feeling unwell or homesick during the night they can go to the Night Leader for help.
What happens if my child feels unwell or homesick?
Each child has their own SUS (small group leader) who will look after them during the week. We also have a designated medical and safeguarding officer who are on hand to help with medical and pastoral issues. Bumps, headaches, and tummy aches are given appropriate first aid and then encouragement from the TEAM to return to activities when they feel well enough. In instances of persistent illness we will inform parents, and in cases of vomiting children will be kept separate from the group and looked after by a leader until they can be picked up.
We often find children are so busy having fun that they do not have time to feel homesick. That said, feelings of homesickness are perfectly normal, and our experienced TEAM are here for them, whether it’s a chat over hot chocolate, a fun activity or a familiar voice on the phone we endeavour to make your child feel at home.
How will you help my child settle in and make friends?
On ADVENTURE your SUS group (Bible study group) becomes a family unit, and activities and team challenges are often completed in that group. The games are designed so that enjoyment is experienced with others and not at the expense of others, and where problem solving needs to be done as a team. As the children spend so much time together in activities, they quickly form strong friendships. Our experienced TEAM are also great at bringing children together and making sure everyone feels like they belong.
How will you keep me informed of my child’s wellbeing?
We understand that it’s a big step sending your child on a week-long residential, potentially for the first time and at such a young age. We send out regular email updates to you during the week so that you can be reassured that your child is having a fantastic time. We like to include highlights from our teaching and activity programme as well as some photos. We have a strict no mobile phone policy on ADVENTURE but if you do need to contact your child for whatever reason this can be arranged. Please contact the conference Administrator or Coordinator, contact details for them will be given to all parents before the conference starts.
How can I help my child prepare for ADVENTURE?
We host a “Meet the TEAM” Zoom call for you and your child. This is an opportunity for you and your child to meet the TEAM, other children in their small group and ask any questions you or your child might have. We look forward to meeting you then!
We also send out a pastoral questionnaire prior to the conference. This asks you questions about your child so that we can prepare well for them. Please do complete this as it really helps us support your child on ADVENTURE.
My child has a Special Educational Need, will they find Contagious challenging?
At ADVENTURE we want all the children to have a fantastic week. We welcome children with SEN and make sure our leaders are briefed about specific support that will help your child thrive. We ask you to provide details about your child in the booking process and we will contact you to talk about how we can best care for them. Please feel free to contact us before booking your child’s place if you have any specific questions or concerns.
How will you accommodate for my child’s dietary requirements or fussy eating?
There is space in our booking form for you to let us know about any dietary requirements/allergies. One of our TEAM will then inform the Conference Administrator and the venue about these dietary requirements to ensure that you will be properly looked after during the week. We work with our venues to get age-appropriate food so that everyone enjoys mealtimes.
My child has specific medical needs – how will you manage these?
We have a designated and well-trained Medical Officer who will look after your child during the week and ensure any medical needs are taken care of. On arrival you will get to meet them and hand in any medication at registration. Please add any medical needs to your booking form and our they will be able to contact you to discuss this further. Our Medical Officer will be able to ensure any necessary medication is administered correctly and will be available to talk, should you or your child have any concerns.