We are hopeful that, in some form, Activ Camps will be able to run a number of camps this summer. Unfortunately, there has been little to no guidance provided by the government as to when and how we will be able to open again. Many other holiday camp providers have already made the call to cancel all of their childcare options however, with a statement expected on July 4th, we feel that it is only fair to hold on and continue planning for all eventualities.
If holiday camps are allowed to operate we will hope to open our doors from Monday 27th of July through until Friday 28th of August. We apologise that all camps until this date are confirmed as cancelled.
How might we operate this summer?
If we are to run, we will be implementing a considerable number of changes to our usual provision all of which will focus on creating a COVID safe environment for your children. This will include the scaling back of activities and areas of use, as well as, changes to booking options, drop off and collection procedures and timings. The number of weeks over the summer that we can operate, the number of venues we can run and the number of children we are able to welcome will all be considerably affected too. We have outlined some key adaptations in the section below.
When and where will Activ Camps be?
Although nothing is confirmed and we continue to await government guidance, we would expect that the earliest we could open our doors is Monday 27th of July and we would hope to run through to the end of the summer holidays on Friday 28th of August. We are in discussions with all of our venues however can now confirm that Wimbledon College will not be able to accommodate us this summer.
All camps that we operate will be full day camps, 0830 – 1730.
What will happen to your booking if you have already made one?
We regret to say that if you have made a booking that we are no longer able to accommodate we will have to cancel this, offering the full amount in credit which can be applied to a new booking for a full week and one of our available venues (should we be able to proceed) or for another holiday period. We will also be able to offer a refund.
Cancelled bookings include those:
– For Wimbledon College
– For the period of July 6th – July 24th
– Not for a full week.
If you cannot move your booking, or don’t want to the amount to be held in credit, we can refund you the full amount instead.
To help us streamline the process please complete the form below to request what you would like to do with your booking.
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE FORM!
What can you do with credit left over from Easter, May and cancelled Summer bookings?
Of course, you will be able to use credit held for booking camps later in the summer, should they go ahead.
Unfortunately, our system does not allow us to add credit directly to your account, however there is a simple way to secure your spaces. To process a booking and pay in part or full with credit, make your booking as normal however when the payment option appears click ‘Pay with Childcare Vouchers’. Then email us with details of your booking, so that we can cross check the amount of credit you hold and either confirm or call to collect any remaining balance.
Making Activ Camps COVID Safe…
If we are able to provide any camps this summer, here are some of the adjustments we currently believe that we will have to make.
One Week Bookings Only:
Activ Camps prides itself on providing flexibility for families however to reduce the risk of transmission we must keep children within consistent ‘bubbles’ throughout the week, as they currently are within schools. This will mean that we will be able to accept full week bookings only, rather than being able to choose a singular or couple of days each week.
We have temporarily suspended new Summer bookings in an effort to adjust our booking system for this. If we can go ahead this Summer then the option to book one week bookings will become available as early as next week.
For those who have already made bookings for the summer, there is more information below as to how we plan to proceed.
Groupings:
Each group, or bubble, will be limited to a maximum of 16 children however this may be less if their base class room doesn’t allow for the one metre social distancing to take place. This isn’t much of a change for Activ Camps as we always keep our groups small. So it will be just the same for the 4 – 8 year olds and only one or two less in each group for the 9 – 14 year olds.
We always attempt to accommodate requests for friends to be together and will continue to do so. Groups will be organised in advance and set for the week, so if you do have a preference please do email us and we will try to make this happen.
Staffing:
Activ Camps maintains incredible staff to child ratios on camp, often 1:8, and this will be even better this summer. Each group, or bubble, will be allocated two staff members who will remain with them throughout the week. This will be very beneficial as it will allow the children and staff to build amazing friendships.
Activities:
Activ Camps have always prided itself on the epic array of activities we provide. This year we will unfortunately have to scale things back a little. Certainly off the cards is swimming, Archery Tag, Body Zorbs and rock climbing. These activities pose a particular risk of transmission as the equipment is very difficult to sanitise fully in between sessions. We may be able to continue the use of our giant inflatables however this use will be limited to allow proper cleaning.
A sanitised set of equipment for other activities will be allocated to each group, they will only ever use this equipment so not to risk cross contamination with others outside of their bubble.
COVID-19 Symptoms
As per current government guidelines, any group in which someone contracts Covid-19 or displays symptoms of the virus, including all children and staff, will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. We will, of course, offer credit or a refund for any days missed.
We will monitor children and staff closely for any symptoms of coronavirus. This will include temperature checks twice daily.
We understand that some aspects of this plan are far from ideal, and especially that booking a full week may not be exactly as you wished, however we feel that this is going to be the most likely way by which we can provide a safe, inclusive, active and fun holiday camps during this period.
We know how many of you require a trusted childcare provider and we are doing everything that we can to provide that as we have done for so many years.
We will provide you with a further update as soon as possible.
Best wishes and take care,
Lily, Will, David, Geoff and Tom.