FAQs
Welcome to our section for parents and carers! Here you will find our frequently asked questions and key information. However, if you cannot find the answer to your question here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
What time is camp open?
Our camps are typically open from 8 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday. However, you can book your child into camp for the times that suit you best. Please visit each of our venue pages to discover the precise times that each camp is open.
My child has a medical condition, do I need to tell you?
Yes – when you book with us please tell us anything we need to know about your child’s health. We want all children to have a brilliant time with us, so the more information you provide us with; the better quality of care we can give your child. If your child needs to take medication while at camp, we will ask you to complete a medication form. This also helps all staff members to be aware of your child’s needs. If there is any information you feel you missed when booking, please don’t hesitate to let the Manager or Leader know when you drop your child off.
What happens when I drop my child off at camp?
We understand that dropping your child off can be stressful, especially if it is their first time with us. But we can assure you that the process is simple. In the morning, you will be met at the front door by either a Leader or the Manager. They will have a register with your child’s name on it. Our staff is there if you need to talk to them! Once your child has been signed in, a Young Leader will walk with your child to the venue’s base room, where they can put down their bags and begin to get settled in. Our other friendly Leaders and children will be waiting in this room, ready to support and launch into the fun!
If you arrive at camp later in the morning, the Camp Manager’s phone number will be on display at the front door. Give the number a ring! The Manager or a Leader will then come to the door to meet you and your child.
What if my child struggles to settle in at camp?
We understand that children may be worried about coming into camp, especially if it is their first day with us. Our staff members are trained to deal with these situations sympathetically and know exactly how to comfort your child. Time and time again, we welcomed nervous children at the beginning of the day and waved them off in the evening excited to come back! You will be astonished at how much your child’s confidence grows with Athena/Minerva Activities.
It is unlikely that your child won’t settle into camp, but if they don’t, please speak to one of our Camp Leaders or the Manager so that we can resolve this the next time they are at camp!
Will friends be placed together in activities?
At camp, we believe that our children should have the freedom to choose which activities they take part in. We are mindful that every child is unique and has different hobbies. If your child attends camp with a friend or sibling, they can choose to do the same activities.
If it is your child’s first day, and they find a friend they know from outside of camp, we implement a ‘buddy up’ scheme at the beginning of the day. This means that friends can buddy together and look out for one another.
However, we find that most children form new friendships during their time at camp, so we fully support each child in taking part in whichever activity they would like to.
Can I visit my child during camp?
We understand that you may be anxious to know how your child is getting on at camp. Unfortunately, due to stringent safeguarding policies; all adults must undergo an enhanced DBS check and background checks before entering camp. Due to this, parents and carers are not permitted beyond the entrance of our venues.
If you would like to know how your child’s day has been with us, please feel free to talk to one of our Leaders at the collection area. They will be more than happy to tell you all about how fabulous and exciting your child’s day has been!
Will camp still be open if it rains?
Of course! – At camp we are not scared of a little rain. As much as we would love to depend on British weather, we know that it can sometimes be unpredictable. In the case that it rains and we conclude that it is a safety risk for particular activities to go ahead, we will plan an alternative that your child will equally enjoy. We ask that parents could check the weather ahead of time so that the children attend camp in appropriate clothing eg. such as a raincoat.
Should my child bring a water bottle?
Yes – we ask that parents send their child to camp with a water bottle. At every camp, all year round, your child will need to have a water bottle to hand, especially during the warmer seasons. Through all of the activities, your child must remain hydrated. Our venues have ways in which your child can refill their water bottle throughout the day, and the staff at camp will highly encourage this! Whether your child runs out of water in the middle of an activity or during lunchtime, we ensure that there is always a staff member available to help them refill and rejoin the group.
Should my child bring lunch?
We ask that parents send their child to camp with a balanced packed lunch. We ask this so that they can have lots of energy to partake in our afternoon activities.
For our children who are funded, we provide a healthy, balanced packed lunch with water. If you are unsure whether your child will receive lunch at camp please don’t hesitate to give us a call and we can let you know!
My child has left their belongings at camp, what should I do?
At each of our venues, there will be a lost property box. Once the tidying up has been completed at the end of each day, any forgotten items will be placed in the box. When you drop off/pick up your child, please ask and look through our lost property box – chances are it’s in there! If it isn’t, you can describe the lost item and a Leader or Young Leader will have a thorough look inside the camp to see if we can find it. We ask that items (water bottles and coats, etc.) are labelled clearly so that staff members can identify the item and ensure that they are returned to their owner.
We are not responsible for any items left at camp, so we ask that children leave high-value items at home (mobile phones, etc.)
What happens if my child has an accident or is ill at camp?
We understand that it can be worrying if your child is ill or has an accident at camp, but we can assure you that we are well prepared. At each of our venues, we have trained first aid staff on-site at all times. We are ready to act if your child is ill or has an accident at camp; from scraped kneecaps to sore bellies, we know exactly what to do! And in the event that your child suffers a more serious injury or falls ill at camp, please be assured that you will be contacted immediately.
I need to pick my child up early from camp, what should I do?
If you need to pick your child up early from camp, please let either the Leader or Manager know at the front door when you drop your child off. If we are aware of this, it will result in a smooth sign-out process for your child. We can ensure that your child has their belongings together and are ready to be picked up when you arrive.
However, we know that sometimes plans change, and you may have to pick your child up from camp unexpectedly. Once you arrive at camp, please call the Manager’s phone number at the front door. We pride ourselves on our amazing communication between staff members! So whether your child is in the middle of a football match or getting their hands dirty in Arts & Crafts, the Manager will be able to notify the Leaders that you are here to collect your child. We can then ensure that a Leader is available to bring your child with their belongings to meet you.
How is the day organised?
The day runs the same every day, so your child has a reliable routine and structure. Once your child has put their belongings in the base room, they will be able to sit and talk with other children. The Leaders will offer some breakfast, such as cereal if they would like it. A Manager or Leader will then deliver a ‘Camp Talk’ where the staff encourages the children to be excited for the day ahead. We will go through the camp rules, register, and announce what activities will be running that day. This part usually gets a little loud!
The day contains four activities which have breaks in between each. The first break is snack time, where we ask that parents send their child in with a snack. If not, don’t worry; we usually have some fruit to offer during this time. The second break is lunchtime when the children eat, go outside and have some free play. If the weather is rubbish, we plan an indoor alternative, such as the use of sports halls. The third break is the ‘Awards Ceremony’ where we hand out certificates and prizes to the children who have amazed us throughout the day. Every Friday, we have an extra award called the ‘Camp Superstar’ where the winner will receive a medal to keep and a prize. All of our staff love this part of the day! After this, the children who go home at 3 pm will go with the Leaders to collect their belongings. The children that stay until 5 pm will go into their final activities for the day. At 4 pm, it is time for an afternoon snack, where our amazing team prepares a delicious and nutritious meal. From pasta to fajitas, our staff are trained in food safety and hygiene, so they can prepare and serve incredible meals to the children. Then at 5 pm, we wave goodbye to the final group of children and begin to clean the venue, ready to do it all again the following day.
My child doesn’t enjoy sports, how will they stay active?
We know that every child is unique and has different hobbies/interests. That is why we offer a wide range of activities so that every child can partake in the things they enjoy. We have many activities which keep our children active but don’t involve sports. For example, our scavenger hunts require running and walking to discover hidden clues. We enjoy playing games at break times, such as ‘duck, duck, goose’ etc. At lunch, our staff encourages the children to stay active by partaking in games such as ‘catch’ or ‘tag’ At many of our venues, we offer ‘Just Dance’ as an activity. So if your child enjoys dancing but not football or basketball, they will be able to find activities that keep them active yet don’t feel like sports.
What are my payment options?
We offer a range of payment options so that we can support you as parents and carers.
- Childcare Vouchers
- Pre-agreed Payment Plans
- Pupil Premium
- Sports Premium
- Parents can also receive support if they claim Universal Credits.
