LM/CF
4 May 2010
Dear Parent/Carer
Re: Three Day Year 9 Educational Camp – 21-25 June 2010
It is a tradition that Longhill students have the opportunity to take part in Year 9 Camp. There are many reasons why we still uphold this tradition, not least to prepare them for GCSEs and some of the skills they will need for life in KS4. The activities are all designed to promote teamwork, leadership, problem solving, self-reliance and citizenship. Living together in the camp situation has to lead to tolerance and understanding, and fosters positive relationships between students and staff.
Many students look back on Year 9 Camp as one of the main events of their time at Longhill and we feel it helps the year group grow and mature together as a team. Many staff look forward to this yearly event and have some great memories too, despite being exhausted at the end of the two weeks.
GENERAL PLAN
During this concentrated course each student will experience lightweight camping, map reading, orienteering, rock climbing, swimming and kayaking. They will also participate in a number of teamwork exercises and do their own cooking. A full programme will be issued nearer the time.
INSTRUCTION
Instruction will be given by fully qualified teachers from the school, supported by climbing and canoeing instructors from Blacklands Farm. Stringent safety precautions will be adhered to at all times, e.g. life jackets for canoeing, helmets and climbing ropes for rock climbing etc.
COSTS
Parents are asked to make a contribution of £75 to cover such items as food, tents, transport, insurance, site costs and equipment. In cases of financial difficulties, assisted places will be available for this trip. Cheques should be made payable to “Longhill School”. Payment should be returned to the Cashier’s Office in a sealed envelope labelled with the student’s name, Mentor group, Mentor and “Year 9 Camp”. Please note that payments will be non-refundable.
INSURANCE
This will cover limited personal accident insurance, details of which are available. If parents wish to extend the scope of this they will need to make private arrangements.
VENUE
Blacklands Farm
Sharpthorne
East Grinstead
PERSONAL GEAR
This should not deter anyone as the emphasis will be on old clothes (jeans, tracksuit, and good strong walking shoes - trainers). A suggested clothing list will be supplied.
CAMPING EQUIPMENT
This will be provided by the school and included in the costs. However if you wish to bring your own tent you are more than welcome.
TIMETABLING
To facilitate arrangements, these courses will be organised on a group basis.
GROUP 1 – 21-23 June inclusive
GROUP 2 – 23-25 June inclusive
Students will be notified as to which camp they will attend closer to the date. This is normally done on a House basis, but group dynamics will be looked at closely.
The enclosed data checking sheet provides the information needed by members of staff at Camp in the event of an emergency. It is vital that this information is correct and we would request that the forms are returned to school with any amendments clearly marked. The forms must be returned even if no amendments are necessary.
The school will make the final decision about students who may present a health and safety concern, either to themselves or others whilst attending this trip. The school must ensure that trips are conducted safely and this may result in students not being given permission to go.
Please complete the attached form, sign and return it to the school by Friday 14 May 2010 with a deposit of £20.00 and the data checking sheet. There is no need to send back the data checking sheet if your daughter/son is not attending camp.
Completed payments must be made by Friday 11 June 2010. Unfortunately, if payment is not received by this date we will be unable to guarantee a place on the camp.
Yours sincerely
A.Lynch, K.Abingdon, P.Weir
Camp Co-ordinators
LONGHILL SCHOOL YEAR 9 CAMP
21-25 JUNE 2010
NAME OF STUDENT …………………………………… MENTOR GROUP………………
To be returned to Cashier by FRIDAY 14 MAY 2010
I wish my daughter/son to attend the Education Camp as outlined on the attached sheet, and confirm that she/he is:-
a) Physically fit to undertake the type of activities planned. YES/NO
b) I confirm that my son/daughter is competent in the water, unlikely
to panic should they fall in and can swim approx 50 metres. YES/NO
c) She/he has my permission to take part in kayaking taught by
Blacklands Staff. YES/NO
d) She/he has my permission to take part in rock climbing or abseiling. YES/NO
e) She/he has my permission to go swimming in the swimming pool. YES/NO
f) Please indicate any medical condition.
………………………………………………………………………………………….…..
g) Please indicate any allergic reactions to medicines, dressings or ointments.
………………………………………………………………………………………….…..
h) Any medication required to be taken on a regular basis (name, dose and frequency).
………………………………………………………………………………………….…..
i) Any dietary considerations.
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
I agree to the Camp staff treating my daughter/son with First Aid as necessary, and give them permission to authorise medical treatment should I be unavailable.
I also agree to them being taken climbing/canoeing/abseiling by qualified instructors of Blacklands Farm and by qualified school staff.
NAME OF PARENT/GUARDIAN ……………………………………………………………….
SIGNATURE ………………………………………… DATE …………………………
LONGHILL SCHOOL YEAR 9 CAMP
21-25 JUNE 2010
NAME OF STUDENT …………………………………… MENTOR GROUP………………
To be returned to Cashier by FRIDAY 14 May 2010
In order to help us with putting the students into groups, please could you indicate any dates where your child may have previous commitments and will be unable to attend that camp. Failure to disclose dates now could cause problems with groupings later, as it may not be possible to move your son/daughter into another group.
Could you also please indicate below four friends whom your child would like to be with. There are no guarantees that this will be possible, but we will endeavour to try to put students with at least one of their close friends
Unavailable Dates
GROUP 1 – 21-23 June inclusive…………………………………………………………….
GROUP 2 – 23-25 June inclusive……………………………………………………………
Friends
1. ……………………………………………………………………………………………..
2. ……………………………………………………………………………………………..
3. ……………………………………………………………………………………………..
4. ……………………………………………………………………………………………..
NAME OF PARENT/GUARDIAN ……………………………………………………………….
SIGNATURE ………………………………………… DATE …………………………
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