Dear Activ Family,
We have been bowled over by the incredibly positive response to Activ Camps and very touched by the comments of encouragement and support. We remain proactive and recognise that there are always ways in which we can improve so we thank you for the well considered suggestions and constructive criticism given in our Parent Survey.
We have discussed all concerns at length and here is our response…
What do my children actually do at Activ Camps?
In 2018 we will be introducing a visual timetable of activities, with a brief description of each, for every day of the week. This will be on display throughout the week, encouraging even greater excitement from the children about what’s to come and informing you who sadly can’t stay and play too.
We will also aim to share our Activ Camps Facebook page more widely where we share epic shots from camp. All you’ll need to do is give us a ‘like’!
Can we speed up our sign in process?
Every year we tweak our sign in procedure, attempting to improve its efficiency whilst still meeting our requirements to properly safeguard your children. Unfortunately digitalising the system is not yet a viable option, however there has been a ‘light bulb’ moment! Although we can’t take the credit, the suggestion came from you…
In 2018 we will send out a PDF copy of the sign in slips that can be printed and filled out in advance. They will then only need to be quickly checked by an Activ Camps staff member on arrival, hugely speeding up the process for those short on time.
More football, tennis, cricket and netball please?
Some mentioned the want for more mainstream sports. At Activ Camps we play adaptations of all of these games. These adaptations allow children to escape any preconceived ideas they have of the sport and of their capabilities in it. No more “I don’t want to.. I’m rubbish at that!” or “ughh! That’s a boy’s game!”. It simply means all children can get involved, full of enthusiasm and with thoughts only of success.
All the while children continue to develop their sports specific and fundamental motor skills in a safe and inclusive environment.
Will there be enough children of the same age on camp?
Turning up and realising you’re the oldest at the party is never nice, as most of us probably know! The ages of children on camp can fluctuate week to week so it’s hard for us to make promises but we’ll always help you make best decision so please just give us a call!
We can also assure of the effort made by our staff teams to include and engage children of all ages. For the older children we have specifically developed a Rookie Programme that gives greater responsibility and freedom.
Why can’t four year olds stay all day?
We absolutely love having four year olds at Activ Camps! However, due to our Ofsted registration we are unable to take four year olds for more than four hours a day. We understand that this can be problematic but this restriction is set by Ofsted and is unfortunately, out of our control. As soon as they reach five they can stay the full day, something we hope makes that fifth birthday all the more exciting!
Why can’t there be a six o’clock pick up?
Many of you have asked whether we may be able to provide extended care up until 1800, suggesting that this is a service that you would be happy to pay for.
We understand that pressure on working parents continues to grow so we want to do our bit! We are therefore going to trial an ‘After Camp Club’ at Graveney, La Retraite and Wimbledon in 2018.
We recommend the After Camp Club to anyone collecting their children after 1700. Instead of sitting, waiting and watching whilst others are picked up the After Camp Club children will be whisked away to a separate area at 1630 where the Non-Stop Fun will continue with further structured activities.
There will be a small charge for this option, £3.00 per evening, ensuring that our increased staff costs are covered. This option should be booked in advance via our website, enabling us to ensure our staff:child ratios are met.
We understand that this would be ideal at all venues, however due to the restrictions of our hire agreements this is not yet possible. At camps where the After Camp Club is not an option, please don’t fret, we will of course be maintaining our free extended days until 1730. From 1700 children will be able to play informal games with available staff so, as ever, you will collect them with a smile on their faces.
2018 Prices
In 2018 there will be a slight increase in our prices for daily bookings. However, there will be an ‘Early Bird’ booking option and an increased discount for booking the full week, now 12.5%.
For all Early Bird bookings the 2017 prices will apply. The Early Bird deal for Easter camps will run until the 1st of March and for May half term and Summer the 1st of May.
Daily prices for children aged 5 – 14 will be £39 per day at all venues, with the exception of Emanuel School which will be £44 per day. With the increased discount of 12.5% applied for the week the cost will be £170 at all venues, other than Emanuel which will be £192.50. For 4 year olds at all venues the cost will be £27.50 per day or £120 for per week, a £5.00 reduction from last year!
Thanks again for all of your wonderful feedback and helping us to continually improve our provision at Activ Camps.
As always, if you have any queries or questions please don’t hesitate to contact us!