09/07/2019
Worried about booking a summer camp for the first time?
It can be nerve wracking booking an activity camp for the first time. We understand it’s a step into the unknown as we welcome many new children to camp each year.
If you’re thinking about booking a camp for the first time but are feeling a bit nervous we’ve prepared some answers to some common concerns we hear from first time bookers.
How will my child be looked after?
This might seem like an obvious one but we understand that new bookers won’t necessarily be familiar how activity camps work. We understand how schools work (we went there too ourselves). We know our kids are looked after by Teachers and Teaching Assistants and are monitored at lunch and break times, but what about at camp?
At Barracudas each group is led by a Group Coordinator, or Early Years Manager for the younger ones, with additional staff supporting. We have preferential child:staff ratios at Barracudas camps so there’s plenty of support in each session. You can find out more about our age groups here.
We also have fully trained instructors for our specialist sessions such as archery, fencing, motorsports (for 7 years plus) and lifeguards in every swimming session.
What will they do?
Barracudas have over 80 activities on offer at our day camps. There are 6 sessions each day and a choice of activities for each one. Kids get to be masters of their own destiny at our activity camps. They get to choose what they do every session and so will have a great time with us whatever they’re into. We’ve designed our range of activities to suit every interest, from sports to creative sessions to science. There really is something for everyone! Timetables are confirmed on the morning of camp and are clearly displayed in the registration area on large colourful charts for you to take a look at during drop off and collection. You can even take a quick pic of this so you can sit down and discuss your child’s activities at the end of the day.
What if they don’t know anyone?
Some kids come to camp with their friends or siblings, some meet up with friends they’ve made at camp before and many children will come to camp not knowing anyone! There really is every combination on every day in every group. If your child is coming for the first time and doesn’t know any other children, don’t worry, they won’t be the only one.
Our seasonal staff are well practiced at settling children in quickly and helping them to make friends. We love to see the friendships that develop at Barracudas! Kids get to know their group members as soon as they enter their base rooms in morning. There are various activities available for the kids to take part in whilst other children arrive and the Group Coordinator will help break the ice and get the kids chatting quickly. A strong sense of belonging is created immediately at Barracudas, with kids going to and from activities chanting their group names and getting the chance to create artwork to decorate the base rooms with.
What if there are any problems at camp?
Every child has a keyworker, also known as a Group Coordinator. If you have any concerns at any time you can arrange a time to discuss this with them through the Camp Manager. There is a board available to view at the end of the day where we’ll write the names down of any children we’d like to discuss with the parents at the end of the day. If there is anything we need to discuss immediately, we’ll contact you straight away.
I’m worried my child is too young for camp
Children are welcome to join us from 4 ½ years old. We’ve not picked this age out of a hat, we’ve fixed this age because this is when they can start to get the best out of busy days. We know that each child is different and they develop at different rates. The developmental gap can be particularly significant at this young age. You’re the best judge and know what your kids will enjoy and if they’re likely to thrive with us. Our stipulation is that children will be 5 years old by the end of February the following year to join us at summer camp.
We provide a supportive environment with trained Early Years Managers and preferential staff:child ratios for our Early Years group. We tailor our activities to be suitable for each age range at Barracudas camps and always have an ‘explore and play’ session during the day to give them the chance to wind down and take part in quieter activities of their choice. The Early Years Group receive more support from the camp staff, appropriate for their age such as help applying sun cream and getting changed for swimming etc.
I’m worried my child is too old for camp
We take children up to the age of 14 years old. We know that teenagers can be a bit too cool for school but there’ll be plenty to entertain them at Barracudas. As kids get the chance to choose the activities they take part in, even the older kids get a buzz out of their day. For 13-14 year olds we also have our BX+ course which kids can do at no extra cost. They get to see what it’s like to work for Barracudas by shadowing a staff member for part of the day at camp. They get the best of both worlds with this course and also get a T-shirt, workbook and certificate to prove it!
What if it doesn’t work out?
We’re confident that every child will have an amazing time at Barracudas but understand that you can worry that your child won’t. Fear not, our Money Back Guarantee gives first time bookers that added reassurance.
If you’re thinking of booking but aren’t yet sure, we welcome you to come and visit the camp with or without your child. You can arrange this with the Camp Manager once your camp is open. You’ll get the chance to see our fantastic range of activities in action, take a tour of the great facilities and see how we organise lunch as well as getting kids to and from activities.
Whilst these are common questions we’re asked by first time bookers, you may have another one that we’ve not covered here. Please take a look at our FAQ’s for more information. We can also be contacted by phone, email or live chat if you’d like to discuss anything else with us.