Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How up-to-date are your programmes?
A: From the very outset, Ecoventure has employed teachers and adventure instructors who are fully up to date with the latest intiatives in the industry. Our Field Studies and Adventure Camp programs use the very latest equipment & methodologies for the delivery of our courses. Ecoventure works closely with teachers to ensure the educational benefits of our course.

Q: Why is a residential school visit so important to my class?
A: In addition to meeting several requirements of the National Curriculum, IB and American Curriculum, a visit to an Ecoventure Centre provides your pupils with a brand new learning environment that is exciting, challenging and fun. They will have opportunities to expand their horizons & build their confidence & independence by trying new adventure & educational activities in a safe, secure setting.

Q: Can you arrange insurance?
A: Whilst in our care, all students and staff are covered by Ecoventure Public Liability Insurance. We also require all students to have their own private medical insurance.

Q: What is included in the fee per student?
A: The fee is all inclusive and covers the following: Transport, all meals, accommodation either tented or in bunks depending on the Centre, all equipment, qualified instruction, pre trip meetings and parent presentations. Teachers attend the trip for free.

Q: How secure are the centres?
A: Each Ecoventure centre has secure & clearly defined borders with perimeter fencing, and to maintain the highest safety standards at all times. We employ night watchmen on all main gates.

Q: Do you have fire drills?
A: Arriving at the centre all schools receive a fire safety briefing, where all emergency exits & meeting areas are pointed out and procedures for evacuating buildings are rehearsed. This is followed by an emergency fire drill that involves everyone – pupils, teachers and staff alike.

Q: What are your accommodation arrangements like?
A: Pupils sleep in six person tents separated by gender. Toilet and shower facilities also form part of the centres facilities.

Q: What about dates and prices?
A: For dates and prices, please call our Head Office and we will be happy to provide you with more information, answers to any questions and a quote for your chosen dates.

Q: What is your payment process?
A: Once you have reserved your dates with Ecoventure, the first, non-refundable deposit will be due within 21 days. Final payment will be required 3 working days prior to the trip departure.

Q: What pastoral care is available during the night?
A: Teachers are located metres away from the student accommodation and there is an Ecoventure Duty Manager on call throughout the night.

Q: What are the special safety provisions for watersports?
A: All students who will be entering the water will be required to wear an International Safety Standard Bouyancy Aid.

Q: Where are the nearest hospitals in the unlikely case of an emergency?
A: All our centres are based within a 20 minute car journey of a hospital.

Q: What’s the food like?
A: The choices vary from day to day, according to season and individual centre. There is always a choice of hot & cold dishes, vegetarian selections and fresh salad bars. We can also cater for students with special religious or dietary needs if we are informed well in advance.

Q: What about emotional upsets?
A: All Ecoventure staff are trained to take responsibility for the wellbeing of the pupils who are in their care & to offer them all the attention they need. We serve to create a warm & supportive environment at all times.

Q: What about pupils with special needs?
A: Ecoventure has a commitment to improving its ability to work with special needs groups. We can cope with many needs as long as teachers make us aware of them at the time of booking. Pupils with special needs who are used to taking part in activities with the rest of the class are given extra care and attention as soon as they are identified to us. We will advise you if we think we are not equipped to cope with a specific situation.

Q: Can parents telephone students?
A: In special circumstances, of course. However it is often easier if the teacher in charge of the trip sends regular text messages back to school and the school communicate with parents. We do strongly advise that pupils do not bring mobile phones on site.

Q: Are Ecoventure staff first aid trained?
A: There are fully qualified first aid staff on site at all times.

Q: Can you assist with launching & promoting the trip to parents?
A: Once you have made a booking, we will send you an Ecoventure Pack to help organise your trip and promote this to parents. In our experience, a Parent Evening is an invaluable element to launch your visit. With this is mind, we will be happy to come & host your evening.

Q: Do pupils need any specialist clothing?
A: No, but sturdy foot-wear are often an absolute must and water based elements of the trips will require students to wear old shoes that can get wet. The Ecoventure Pack includes a list of suggested clothing.

Q: What should teachers do regarding the Swine Flu / H1N1 virus?
A: We ask teachers to be vigilant both before and during their trips and notify our instructors immediately if a student is unwell.