Parents Presentation for Laches Wood 2013 - Photograph Free Version.

1. Introduction
Kit Lists – Do’s and Don’ts
A Typical Day
Any Questions
Photos from last year

2. Kit List: Do’s:
1 Single Duvet Cover 2 Pillow Cases
*Please pack on top of bag as they’re taken out on arrival.
7 Underwear 2 Nightwear
7 Pairs of Socks 1 Swimsuit
7 T-Shirts 1 Toilet Kit (toothbush, paste, soap & flannel)
7 Trousers / Tracksuits 2 Towels
3 Warm Jumpers / Fleeces 1 Unbreakable Mug and Bottle
1 Indoor Shoes 1 Torch (with longlife batteries)
1 Outdoor Shoes / Trainers (£10 Max) Pocket Money in change
1 Wellingtons (Named Please) 5 Plastic/1 black bag for dirty/wet clothing
1 Waterproof Coat 1 Pack of biscuits
You may like to add:
Suncream, sun-glasses, older trainers for canoeing, winter clothes
(hat, scarf, etc), lipsalve, disposable camera(s), travel sickness pills (in separate
envelopes for both journeys)

3. Kit List: Don’ts:
Please no:
Expensive / designer clothes.
No electronic games or mobile phones.
No extra drinks or sweets.
Try not to overpack.

4. Activities:
Climbing . (½ day ). The centre’s 6m climbing tower offers a variety of routes each
challenging in it’s own right. The indoor rock room ( ¼ day/evening) for traversing can be
used in conjunction with the tower. The labyrinth (evening) is an indoor caving system
creating an exciting atmosphere in a safe environment. Low ropes and balance courses
(1/4 - ½ day) in the woodland with a range of exercises to test agility and balance .
Archery (1/4-1/2 day) can be undertaken outdoors on the purpose–built range, or
indoors in inclement weather . Canoeing (1/2 day) in open Canadian canoes is available in 3
seasons and is most frequently done with ‘canoe catamarans’ on the Staffordshire and
Worcester Canal adjacent to the centre. Problem-solving (1/4-1/2 day) using a variety
of tried and tested exercises to challenge team work and ingenuity, eg ‘shark-infested
custard’, ‘stompers’ etc. Karting can add another dimension with participants pushing and
wheel-changing against the clock! Orienteering (1/4-1/2 day/evening) around the 12
hectare grounds , half in woodland, offers plenty of opportunities for a variety of courses
including compass use. Search and Rescue (1/2 day) is an integrated exercise involving
radio communication, map skills and teamwork. Similarly Mission Impossible takes this
off-site in the locality. Woodland shelters and campfire cooking (1/2 day) is a favourite
activity in Laches Wood with a first taste of al fresco cooking!

5. A Typical Day:
7:30am Wake Up
8:00am Breakfast
9:00am Duties
9:15am Bed Inspection
9:30am Meet for Morning Activities
12:30pm Lunch
1:45pm Meet for Afternoon Activities
5:00pm Evening Meal
6:00pm Duties
6:30pm Tuck Shop
7:00pm Meet for Evening Activities
8:00pm Base Time
9:00pm Supper
9:30pm Bedtime

6. Please check:
Any outstanding money is paid as soon as possible.
Medical forms are filled out.

7. Any Questions?
Photographs from last year.

8. Common Questions 1:
What happens with pocket money?
An adult runs the ‘camp bank’. Tuck shop is open after dinner. Children receive
a maximum £1 per day for sweets and pop. On Thursday night, children have
the remaining money to spend on souvenirs if the choose. Please stick to the
£10 maximum.
What are ‘duties’?
As part of the camp experience, children are asked to do two duties per day.
In teams, they are asked to help maintain the site by sweeping the
yards, hovering the communal areas and tidying resources.
How are the meals?
Meals are served buffet style and portions are good. Breakfast consists of
cereals, toast and then a cooked breakfast. Lunch and dinner usually have two
courses and a vegetarian option.
Why do Lakeside ask for biscuits?
After our evening activity, we have cocoa provided by camp. We find offering
children a biscuit helps settle their stomach for bed.

9. Common Questions 2:
What if my child is homesick?
Children are rarely homesick on camp – they are always too busy to dwell on
things. If the staff feel a child is genuinely suffering (despite trying all our
usual strategies) and they are not enjoying camp, we will contact you directly
to arrange them coming home.
Can my child bring a mobile / Call home?
Please don’t bring mobiles or other electronics. We discourage children from
calling home, as it often brings on homesickness. Parents will be contacted
immediately if we are worried about a childs well-being.
What if my child is scared of heights / doesn’t like an activity?
We encourage children to take part in every activity, and at least try. If a
child has a phobia or cannot take part, they complete an alternative activity.
What about poor behaviour?
The school behaviour system is applied to camp. If needed, children may be
asked to sleep in a single room. In extreme cases, school and parents will be
contacted. However, we find most children live up to expectations.

10. Common Questions 3:
What if my child is unhappy with their team / dorm arrangements?
We ask that parents support us by sticking to the original arrangements. We
regret that due to the size of the dormitories and arrangement of the
children into their teams, it is impossible to cater to all the children's and
parents wishes. Camp is all about trying new things and making new
relationships. Children who pose a risk to themselves or others are not invited
to camp.
Photographs have been removed from the public version of the presentation to
protect our former pupils.