What is the best practice way to book a coach company?
Always look local; firms closer to home will most likely provide you with the best price. Ask the company manager for a safety record and risk assessment information when transporting young people.
How far should we travel?
As short a distance as possible means you have the maximum time available to enjoy the centre. Our advice is to travel no more than one hour from your school.
What type of clothes should pupils and staff bring?
Some centres will provide a range of outer clothing suitable for adventure activities and wet weather; these are good centres to choose. The best advice is to bring clothes people are happy to get dirty in.
What type of activities will we be doing?
Your pupils could be climbing, tunnelling, hiking, canoeing, rafting, taking a rope course or having fun with team building exercises.
Since we know activities will vary from centre to centre and the type of countryside that surrounds them, it’s always best to assess the activities a centre can offer before you book.
In addition to ‘action’-based activities, evening time bonfires and games help build a sense of belonging. And room inspections help promote attention to cleanliness and a feeling of personal achievement.
How do we provide feedback?
It is very important to provide feedback about the trip.
Take pictures of the activities and post them on the school or CukT website so that people back at home can see what a fun time the group is having. Encourage pupils to enter their experiences on the trip blog and contribute to the timeless record of the benefits of the trip.
Please note – the CukT website is currently being developed, however these features will be available by September 2009.
How do we reassure parents that their children will be safe, especially if this is the first time they have left home.
If you haven’t travelled too far, invite any parents up on the second day for 1 hour so that they can see the great time their loved ones are having. This interaction always works really well.
If a parental visit is not possible, use the CukT website to post pictures and messages back home.
How do we help generate interest and support for next year’s trip?
This is where CukT can help. One of the most successful ways is to organise a celebration and presentation evening. The celebration element is for the pupils and their parents who have been on the trip. The presentation element is for the pupils and their parents who will be going on the next trip.
As funding from CukT reduces over three years the trust will help you link with local community supporters. These supporters could be businesses, ex-pupils, local organisations. Call or e-mail the CukT office for more help and advice.