T: 01283 795000 E: Enquiries@whitemoorlakes.org.uk
T: 01283 795000 E: Enquiries@whitemoorlakes.org.uk
We’ve seen it all over the years. From massive, stuffed luggage bags that are almost bigger than the person rolling it in, to teeny tiny little plush animals sitting on the windowsill enjoying a view of the lake. Our extensive residential kit list (found HERE) contains everything you might need during your visit, and some helpful advice to allow you to meet our guidelines for our activity sessions (like wearing close toed shoes!) But with all the things we’ve seen over the years, what do we think are the most important to bring that will boost your visit to the next level of enjoyment?
Let’s talk about it!
You can always tell which group leaders have been on a residential trip before, it’s always the ones sitting in style on a cushioned camp chair! Our activity session ratios leave one space free to allow the adult leader of the group to have a go and join in on the fun. We wouldn’t want you to miss out after all! But, when you aren’t having a go at the activity, you will often find yourself standing to the side supervising those in your care. With up to five activities offered over the course of a day, that’s a whole lot of time on your feet! So, our very first special item, is a nice comfy folding camp chair.
Nights away from the comforts of your home and family members (both the human and animal kind) can be a little bit daunting at first. The first thing we suggest is following your normal bedtime routine as closely as possible to calm your nerves, and then when it comes to going to sleep, pack your favourite comfort item (or a few) to help you catch those ZZZ’s in no time!
Parents, we know it can be tempting to give in to those homesick pleas, trust us – we hear them all the time and it can be a real challenge to not give in to those adorable eyes! But remember, time for independence is time for growth and can lead your child to becoming more confident, brave, and resilient as they grow up. Remember, they are not alone, they are safe, and they are surrounded by close friends and staff members who will ensure that they have the best time.
If you want to help your young adventurer, there are a couple things you can try to make them feel more relaxed. You can provide them with a personal item that has your scent (such as a sweater to wear to sleep), this will make them feel close to you even when not at home. Try writing them a handwritten letter to read before bed, reminding them of how proud you are of their bravery and how excited you are about all the adventures they are having. Phone calls are known for increasing emotions, so try and avoid the ‘call home’ option, if at all possible, to help your young one settle down for the night. Finally, we recommend sitting down with your child before the event and talking about it! Sometimes setting goals, chatting about expectations, and building excitement before the event is enough to keep your child focused on the adventure rather than focused on the feeling of homesickness.
This is a MUST HAVE item for everyone! Now, before you say anything, we know a waterproof jacket is already on our kit list. But the number of times we see guests arriving with nothing more than a thin fleece coat, or a big down or synthetic puffer jacket (which are notoriously not waterproof) is surprising! Our activities primarily take place outside, and are 1.5 hours each – meaning if you have a full day of activities you can expect to spend a minimum of 7 hours outside – that’s a long time outside if it’s pouring rain all day!
So, when you are packing make sure to bring a waterproof jacket (ideally with a hood). In fact, if you have a second jacket available, we recommend bringing a spare! The reason for a spare jacket is mainly for water sports, as you are almost guaranteed to get wet, and putting back on a soaking wet jacket for your next session defeats the purpose of wearing a jacket at all.
Now, if you really want to achieve that perfect event status, there is another bonus item we highly suggest: A pair (or two) of waterproof trousers! Jackets are designed for standing upright, keeping your body dry by protecting from rain coming from above. But what happens when you are climbing, crawling, jumping, and more during your outdoor activity sessions? That’s right, it doesn’t work anymore. Muddy knees? Soaking wet trousers? That sounds like no fun at all!
Got a campfire on your programme? This is the recommendation for you! Our team of fantastic outdoor activity instructors will lead your group through a fun, action-filled session of songs, games, riddles, stories, and more. It’s a great time for everyone willing to get a little bit silly. But you know what makes it even better? Roasting marshmallows of course! The food industry has soared recently with all new vegan, halal, flavoured, and giant marshmallows, giving everyone something to enjoy around the campfire. We wouldn’t normally advise sugar right before bed, but you’re on a residential trip – now’s the time treat yourself. Add the cherry on top of your evening with a freshly prepared cup of cocoa before bed. Bonus points for a swirl of squirty cream, a shake of rainbow sprinkles, and some deliciously melty mini marshmallows.
Alright, this last one might be a bit obvious, but the most important thing we can recommend you bring is a go-get ‘em, can-do, attitude. Residential trips offer once-in-a-lifetime type experiences, from conquering your fears on the zipwire, to connecting with other like-minded individuals from across the nation. These events, for many people, are not something they will get to do often (if ever again). By making the most of your experience with us, giving everything a try (even if you don’t actually complete it), staying up late to take advantage of every last hour of bonding with new friends, and having a taste of everything on the menu, you can really push your visit from good to GREAT making it an event to remember for the rest of your life.
We cannot wait to welcome you and your group. Contact us today to book in your next conference event. Don’t forget to check out our SPECIAL OFFERS page for huge discounts on our standard packages.
