activity breaks Tag

by Joe Dale

Everything You Need to Know About Orienteering With a Disability

If you want to have an adventure in the great outdoors, then orienteering is the sport for you! Whether you want to go on an exciting escapade through the wilderness or just get to grips with using a map, there are plenty of ways to experience orienteering.

While something like orienteering might initially seem inaccessible, there are many ways it can be adapted to suit the needs of each individual taking part. At Calvert Exmoor, we endeavour to make all our adventure activities accessible to all, ensuring that no matter your ability, you can enjoy a wide range of exhilarating outdoor experiences.
 
 
 

What is Orienteering

Orienteering is an activity where you find specific markers or checkpoints using a map and compass.

There is no set course, and the aim is to make your way to each point on the map, figuring out the best route as you go. Deciding how to get from A to B in the best way is all part of the challenge and fun of orienteering; it is something that takes concentration, practice and skill.

In competitive orienteering, the aim is to find each marker (a square made of a white and orange triangle) in the fastest time. If you’re just taking part for fun, it’s all about the journey you make and the skills you pick up along the way.

The Benefits of Orienteering For People with Disabilities

Our adventure breaks encourage people with different disabilities to enjoy the benefits of spending time outdoors doing exciting activities. Orienteering is a wonderfully adaptive activity that allows you to take things at your own pace and appreciate the natural world around you.

Most of the time, orienteering will take place outdoors, and you’ll explore trails and moorland or woodland paths. So long as you ensure the route and surrounding area is accessible, there is no reason why everyone cannot have a go at this sport.

Benefits of orienteering include:

• Spending time outdoors, which can improve health and wellbeing.
• Providing an opportunity to exercise, improve physical fitness, coordination and stamina.
• Learning how to map read and use a compass, which encourages you to focus on a goal and concentrate.
• Bonding with others and improving communication skills.

Safety Considerations When Orienteering

We wouldn’t recommend orienteering alone, especially for those who haven’t done it before. Instead, treat it as a group activity where everyone can contribute to the quest as you figure out where to go next as a team.

Everyone can contribute to the activity by recognising map colours, using the compass or looking out for buildings and features.

How is Orienteering Adapted for People with Disabilities?

Trail Orienteering, or TrailO, is a version of competitive orienteering that ensures people of all abilities can participate. This form of the sport is designed to reduce the physical components of orienteering, with a greater focus on the puzzle-solving aspect, making it more accessible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

Unlike other forms of orienteering, there is a set route to follow, as shown on a map. The challenge is to find the right markers, among many.

Participants use map reading and navigational skills to complete the course and find the correct markers as they go along. Several markers can be found at a site, but only one will exactly match the description and position.
 
 
 

Orienteering at Calvert Exmoor

Orienteering is one of the many exciting activities we offer as part of the Calvert experience. The sport is a great way of exploring the trails around our accessible site and encourages guests to enjoy spending time outdoors.

We have a range of fun ‘themed’ markers around the site for guests to find as they learn how to navigate and map read. This offers a great opportunity for guests to work together, develop friendships and work on their problem-solving skills.

Guests are also welcome to ask reception staff or instructors to do orienteering in their own time as our trails are safe and easily navigable.
 
 
 

Expert Orienteering Tips for Beginners

So you like the sound of orienteering but don’t know where to start?

Back in 2020, Sam, one of our activity instructors, gave his top tips for those that want to have a go at orienteering and enjoying the great outdoors in this exciting way.

1. Use Your Map & Compass

“Figure out where on the map you are before going anywhere. Often the starting point is identified on an orienteering map, but if not, you can do this by looking around you.

Roads or paths marked on the map that lead north are a great way to identify your location, perhaps things like a split in the path with one route going north. Check your compass to make sure.

I like to orientate the map, so the path I am currently on is in line with where I am going; this might mean turning the map so the path points in the same direction of travel. Make sure to keep north in mind and to turn the map northwards are regular intervals.”
 
 
 

2. Plan Your Route

“Pick the first point you have been tasked to find, and before moving off, plan where you are going. It is a good idea to visualise where you will be going at all times. I find identifying a shape useful. For example, if you know the overall route is a rough circle, then most of the turnings will bear in the same direction.

Say to yourself and the other people in your group things like ‘OK so we take this path, then a left, and after some distance, we should see a gate’ as you go along.”

3. Keep Locating Yourself on the Map

“A control point or marker is great for confirming your location. Once you have found and confirmed it, you will be able to say with certainty where you are on the map. You can then use your compass to orientate yourself in the direction of the next control point and plan the next leg accordingly.

However, it’s very important to check that the point you have found is the correct one. It’s easy to see a marker on the way to another and then assume your position, which could cause navigation errors or make you lose your place on the map.

Relocation – finding your position on the map if lost – is not simple and can seem scary. Often there is no single way to relocate your position on the map straight away, so continue onwards until you can find features that you can relate to on the map.”

4. Use Your Surroundings to Your Advantage

“Landmarks; buildings, roads, hills and lakes are obvious features both on the map and when looking around that can help guide you in the right direction.

‘Line’ features (paths or fences) visible on the map can be followed or used to orientate yourself in a direction.

This is useful in relocating yourself if you have gone wrong and are lost.

Again communicate with each other and ensure you have shared goals as you travel: ‘We need to keep this hill on our left-hand side as we cross this field’ or ‘the next marker should be on the other side of that stream’ and so on.”

5. Figure Out Distances

“It is very easy to overshoot and miss a set point or marker, especially early on when excitement and energy levels are high.

If you know the next point is, say, 100m along the path, then keep this in mind, and if you feel you have gone farther, then you might well have missed it and gone too far. Time to turn around and relocate!”

Anyone can enjoy orienteering and all the benefits it can bring! If you or someone you know is interested in our orienteering activities or any of our other accessible adventure activities, why not book a break with us a Calvert Exmoor?

If you have any questions about booking an adventure holiday with us, please get in touch with our fantastic team.

by Joe Winfield

How to Get your Child Excited for a Residential Trip

Initially, spending time away from home on an overnight residential trip can feel daunting – for both parent and child.

However, trips like this can provide invaluable experiences as they encourage children to become more independent, boost their confidence and offer exciting new opportunities for learning outside of the classroom.

Not to mention, a residential packed with activities and adventure is loads of fun, and somewhere kids are bound to make loads of fantastic memories!

As an accessible holiday site, we’ve seen the positive impact that our outdoor activity school residential trips can have for children of all ages and abilities.

Hopefully, some of our tips below will help clear some of those activity break nerves, leaving your child with plenty of excitement for their upcoming trip.

Talk About the Residential Trip

Begin by asking your child how they feel about the trip. They might be nervous because they are unsure about what to expect or are worried about a particular aspect of their break away.

Expressing worries can do a lot to release those initial anxieties. Take the time to go through each concern and give reassurance by creating solutions together.

If your child is nervous about a visit to us at Calvert Exmoor, take a look at our website together so they can see our array of photos, get an idea of what to expect, and learn about how their trip will work once they arrive.

Create a List of Positives

Even if your child is feeling nervous, there may be some aspects of the trip they are especially looking forward to.

Discuss these positive feelings with your child and create a list of all the accessible adventure activities they are excited to try. This can help them become more open to embracing the experience and replace feelings of anxiety with anticipation.

Turn the Positives into a Poster

After creating a list of all the exciting opportunities coming their way, try turning these ideas into a visual.

Creating something like some simple doodles, a poster or scrapbook helps your child visualise the activities they’ll be doing, making them more of a reality and less of a scary unknown.

Flip the Fear

Instead of using words like nervous, anxious or worried when talking about the overall experience of the residential trip, encourage your child to reframe these thoughts more positively and replace the word with ‘excited’.

With the understanding that nervousness and excitement have incredibly similar physical responses, transforming nervous energy with positive energy can be an effective solution.

Get to Know the Location

Familiarising yourself with an unknown situation or location can be one of the best ways to temper fears.

Look up your child’s destination with them and explore the area together. Have a look at pictures of the surrounding sites to help your child build up a picture of where they’re going and what they’ll be doing.

This process can also uncover facts about the place that might be of special interest to your child, helping them feel more excited about visiting someone or somewhere they want to find out more about.

Arrange a Sleepover or Mini Trip Away

Easing your child into the idea of a residential with a smaller trip helps them acclimatise to the idea of spending time away from home.

A trip to a friend’s or grandparent’s house means your child can get used to you not being there while still being in a familiar and comfortable environment.

Create a List of Things to Take

When the trip gets nearer, compile a list of things to take. Write this list together, so your child feels they have some ownership of the experience and are involved in every step.

Having a physical list to check can also ensure that your child doesn’t leave anything behind when it’s time to return home.

Take a look at our essential things to pack for an accessible activity holiday to ensure your child has a comfortable time away.

Pack for the Trip Together

Packing for a trip can build up a sense of excitement and anticipation. Ensuring they’ve got everything they need will also help your child feel more involved and will encourage a sense of independence.

Inspire Independence

This might be your child’s first trip away without you – which can be a big step. Explore this idea of independence with them and discuss all the things they will be able to accomplish on their own.

When it comes to saying goodbye, remind them that you’ll see them soon and can’t wait to hear about all the adventures they have.

Making the Most of a Residential Trip

Residentials often provide exciting and memorable experiences, so encourage your child to appreciate this and make the most of their adventure holiday.

You could give them a special journal or even a camera to document their break and remember all the wonderful experiences they had.

The Benefits of Residential Trips for Children with Disabilities

Ensuring everyone can take part in exciting adventure activities is at the heart of what we do at Calvert Exmoor.

When your child visits our accessible activity centre, they will be well looked after and have the opportunity to participate in an array of activities – whether they can’t wait to have a go at climbing, cycling or bushcraft, there are loads of things for them to look forward to.

A residential trip full of activities can offer many benefits to children of all abilities. It can:

• Encourage independence and resilience
• Boost confidence and self-belief
• Reduce feelings of anxiety and stress
• Provide new experiences and opportunities
• Provide the chance to make new friends.

Many of our guests have experienced ongoing benefits from their time with us as they get the chance to grow and develop at their own pace.

Hopefully, we have inspired some confidence and excitement in you and your child as you prepare for their adventure break.

As well as running school residential trips, Calvert Exmoor also welcomes adult guests with disabilities, encouraging the mindset that no matter who you are and no matter your circumstance, it’s what you can do that counts.

To find out more about what we do and the exciting opportunities available, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our wonderful team.

by Joe Winfield

Things to Pack for a Residential Trip or Accessible Activity Holiday

Going away on an adventure is always exciting no matter your age – whether your child is venturing on a school residential trip or you and your family are planning an accessible holiday, there’s a lot to look forward to.

But before the excitement can begin, you’ll need to think about preparing for the trip and organising everything that needs to be packed.

Preparing for an Accessible Activity Holiday

The accessible adventure breaks we offer here at Calvert Exmoor are designed to be enjoyed by everyone; we are dedicated to ensuring all our guests can take part in a diverse range of exciting, accessible activities and, most importantly, have a brilliant time!

While a stay with us is all about having a go at things you might never have done before (and having loads of fun), we understand that some guests may be anxious about their stay and unsure what to expect.

Making sure you have everything you need for your journey and holiday is a practical way to temper some of this wariness to ensure you can focus on making memories and trying out new activities.

We’ve provided a basic holiday packing list and some additional preparation tips to help you stay organised for your time away.

To get more of a sense of what to expect from a break with us, you can read our guide to weekend breaks at Calvert Exmoor.

Packing List for Accessible Adventure Holidays

Many of our activities take place in the great outdoors, so it’s important to take this into account when deciding what to bring along.

There might be a couple of essential everyday items that you’ll need to pack, but it isn’t necessary to go out and get a whole new wardrobe for the different activities you’ll be doing!

So, what will you need?

Appropriate Shoes & Footwear

You’ll likely need a couple of pairs of shoes to suit the different activities you’ll be taking part in. We recommend considering:

• Durable shoes: Walking boots or Wellington boots are ideal for exploring outside, especially where it’s wet or muddy.
• Trainers: You may need a couple of pairs, including backup trainers, for when you do water-based activities.
• Sturdy shoes: Boots or shoes with a small heel are necessary when horse riding, so consider this if you’re looking to participate in the activity.

Clothing

• Waterproof jacket or coat: This will keep you dry and warm throughout your adventure.
• Waterproof trousers: These might not be absolutely essential but will come in very handy if the weather takes a turn, or you just want to feel more prepared.
• Trousers: Tracksuit bottoms or comfortable trousers are ideal – jeans will be less comfortable when taking part in activities. You may also want to bring shorts if that’s what you prefer but note that full-length trousers are mandatory if you’re horse riding.
• Jumpers and T-shirts: You’ll likely want a couple of thin layers, so you can bundle up when cold but easily take off layers when you get warmer.
• Casual clothes and sleepwear: Practical clothing is best for when you’re out and about doing activities, but when you relax in the evenings, you may want to change into more comfortable clothes.
• Socks and underwear: Remember to bring plenty to last for the duration of your trip!
• Swimwear: You’ll need this for swimming in the pool and for any other water-based activities. Goggles can also be useful, and you’ll need a couple of towels too.

Weather Protection

The British weather can be more than a little temperamental, so it’s often best to pack for a couple of eventualities.

Before you set out on your trip, looking up the weather forecast will give you an idea on which items to prioritise. Weather-specific items that you’ll need to consider include:

• Waterproofs: These will keep you dry and comfortable.
• Sun protection: If the sun makes an appearance, you’ll probably want a hat or cap, sunglasses and plenty of sun cream.
• Cold weather clothing: If the weather’s going to be a little chiller, you might want to bring along a woolly hat, scarf and gloves.

Remember to Pack Toiletries

Aside from clothing, you’ll need to pack a bag of everyday hygiene items and toiletries, including things like:

• Soap or shower gel
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Towels & flannels
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Hair ties & clips
• Comb or hairbrush
• Feminine hygiene products
• Prescriptions

Specialist Personal Equipment

While we have a wide range of accessible equipment here at Calvert Exmoor, to make your stay as comfortable as possible, you may want to bring along any specialist personal equipment in order to ensure that you have everything you need to feel relaxed during your stay.

This could include items such as wheelchairs, hearing aids or any specific medical equipment; whatever you need to feel at ease, we’d encourage you to pack it.

Holiday Packing Advice

If you’re worried about forgetting anything, making a physical packing list to tick off the items can be helpful – this will also help ensure you or your child don’t forget anything when returning home.

Adding labels to your personal items and clothing may also be useful, especially for younger adventurers.

If you’re packing things like phones or cameras, remember to take their chargers and perhaps a secure bag to ensure they’re kept safe over your stay. Books and journals can also be great things to bring along for when you have a quiet moment in the evenings and you want to reflect on the adventures and activities you’ve enjoyed during your stay.

If there’s anything else that you can’t go without during your day-to-day routine, remember to pack this too – there’s no reason why you can’t be as comfortable as possible when you book an accessible trip away.

Once you’ve packed your bags, you’re all set to enjoy your break with us!

If you’d like to find out more about our accessible outdoor activity holidays, whether for families, schools or other groups, please get in touch with the Calvert Exmoor team.

by Joe Winfield

How Can SPELL Support People With Autism?

How Can SPELL Support People With Autism?

Life for people with autism can be made more challenging by an exclusive society. Many people with autism may communicate in different ways from neurotypical individuals, which can put them on the periphery of wider society when others are not correctly educated about different methods of communication.

At Calvert Trust Exmoor, we are dedicated to making the world a more welcoming place for all. Our inclusive and adaptive activity holidays for people with disabilities cater to people of all ages and abilities, including those on the autistic spectrum.

Learning about frameworks like SPELL is just one useful place to start when considering how to better understand and respond to people with autism. What are the benefits of SPELL, and how can the structure support communications for people with autism?

What is the SPELL Framework?

Developed by the National Autistic Society, SPELL is a guideline that can help those interacting with people with autism recognise someone’s individual needs and understand how to best meet these needs. There are five elements that go into creating the framework:

• Structure
• Positive Approaches and Expectations
• Empathy
• Low Arousal
• Links

How to Support an a Person With Autism

Using SPELL provides a useful baseline when it comes to supporting people with autism. The guidelines it gives can be adapted for people of all ages.

The five principles focus on assessing the unique needs of individuals with autism and explore the ways we can change our environments to make communication more accessible and effective. How can each element support people with autism?

Structure

Many people with autism may struggle with change or unpredictability, so providing structure can be hugely beneficial.

A sense of structure can give individuals more independence and confidence as they’ll know what to expect from a situation or person. Facilitating structure, stability and routine that is catered to individuals can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

Positive Approaches & Expectation

This element focuses on building self-esteem and confidence through focusing on interests and strengths and building goals around these positive attributes.

Creating realistic targets that take into account the barriers an individual might face helps support development. Many people with autism may struggle with trying new experiences, but a structure of positive encouragement can help support progress.

As individuals progress, they can start setting higher goals that will support their overall well-being.

Empathy

When a neurotypical person communicates with someone with autism, empathy can be a helpful tool. Seeing the world from their perspective may help you understand their reactions to certain things and what you can do to help improve the environment or reduce stressors.

Developing successful relationships will often come down to communicating in a consistent, logical and empathetic manner.

Low Arousal

Different people will be able to deal with different levels of stimulus, so consider how the environment might affect a person with autism. Environments should be ordered and free of distractions to help keep communication relaxed and clear.

Some may need more time and focus to digest information, so keep control of any input to avoid a chaotic environment. Remain aware of noise, light, colours, smells and anything else in the environment that might cause a sensory overload.

Links

This point refers to the importance of communicating with people with autism and the other people in their life, whether this means family, friends or caregivers.

Considering this support network as a unit helps avoid any instances of miscommunication or a fragmented approach. By keeping all involved on the same page, relevant information can flow more effectively.
 
 
 

Understanding and Responding to Autism

With this framework, hopefully, caregivers and others who interact with people with autism can gain a better understanding of the most productive ways to communicate with and support them.

It should be noted that everyone is different and will have different needs, so tailor your approach to them rather than following the framework blindly.

If you are or you know a someone with autism who would love to take on a new adventure at our autism-friendly activity centre, why not get in touch to find out more about our activities and opportunities?

by Joe Winfield

How to Make the Most of Your Adventure Holiday

How to Make the Most of Your Adventure Holiday

Adventure holidays that are packed with activities and fun experiences can feel like a whirlwind. Amidst all the excitement, there are various things you can do to make the most of your break and have the best time possible.

Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, our activity holidays for disabled people provide lots of opportunities to learn new things and create some wonderful memories! We share our top tips for embracing your time spent on an adventure holiday and making the most of all the new experiences.

Prepare Beforehand

Before any kind of holiday or adventure away from home, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for everything to come.

Make sure you think about what you’ll need to pack for your activity holiday and how much. You’ll need to consider the best kinds of clothes for adventuring and be prepared for whatever the weather throws at you with both waterproofs and suncream.

It can also help to find out what to expect from the activities you’ll be doing and where you’ll be staying. Knowing what to expect before arriving can reduce any nerves, helping to grow feelings of excitement and anticipation instead!

You can read more about what to expect on a weekend break at Calvert Exmoor with our handy guide.

Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Things

Going on an adventure is all about getting out of your comfort zone and finding new things you didn’t know you could do or enjoy before.

At Calvert Trust Exmoor, we offer a wide range of accessible activities that will probably be totally new to you and our other guests. Having some anxiety before trying something like abseiling or canoeing is normal, but overcoming fears can be a great motivating force, helping to boost your overall experience.

Make Friends and Embrace the Social Aspect

Embarking on an adventure holiday where lots of other guests are also taking part in the activities can be an excellent opportunity for making friends and building up some social confidence.

Try to have fun with the others who are trying out the activities – you’re sharing these unique experiences together, and the friends you make and memories you share can end up being one of the most memorable parts of the holiday!

To make the most of this social aspect of an adventure break, check out our blog below:

Enjoy the Local Scenery!

When on holiday, you are also given the opportunity to enjoy the local scenery and escape to locations different from everyday life. Adventure breaks are great for celebrating the outdoors and taking in all that nature has to offer.

At Calvert Trust Exmoor, we are lucky enough to be situated in a stunning location, surrounded by countryside views on the edge of Exmoor’s National Park – there are plenty of chances to enjoy the local scenery here!

Take a look at some of our favourite accessible beaches in North Devon to see what we mean.

Ultimately, making the most of an activity break comes down to letting yourself be present, having fun and enjoying your adventure!

To find out more about the Calvert Experience and the exciting opportunities offered by our accessible holidays, you can get in touch by calling 01598 763221 or emailing us at receptionexmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk.

by Joe Winfield

How an Adventure Break can Help You Set Goals

How an Adventure Break can Help You Set Goals

Embarking on new challenges through disability adventure activities can be a great way to help you set and achieve your goals.

Whether your goals are oriented around overcoming fears or focus on pushing yourself to try something new, getting involved in exciting adventure activities can help anyone reach their full potential.

When surrounded by support and encouragement, new accomplishments can be achieved in no time!
 

The Benefits of Setting Goals

Setting clear goals is one of the best ways to help you make positive changes in your life. It helps you look to the future and make plans about what you want to improve or overcome.

Thinking about your goals, whether they are long or short term, also gives you an opportunity to reflect on yourself, thinking about your feelings and aspirations. It will prompt you to really think about what you want to do and how you can make it happen.

Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, we’re dedicated to supporting our guests as they work towards their goals on their adventure break. With unique, fully accessible experiences, we are always striving to help everyone achieve their full potential!
 

Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone

A goal is something you have to work towards. It will likely be a challenge, but the sense of the achievement you will gain when you reach it will be more than worth it!

When taking part in an adventure activity, you might find yourself leaving your comfort zone a little bit. This can be nerve-wracking, but it’s also a good thing!

It will allow you to work towards any goal, big or small, and prompt you to gain new experiences that you might not have had if you hadn’t pushed yourself slightly.

Gaining Confidence

This point goes hand-in-hand with the idea of getting out of your comfort zone.

One of the biggest obstacles to overcome when setting goals is the fear that comes with thinking you can’t achieve your goals or when you are too nervous to try.

An adventure break can really help when it comes to building general confidence and showing you you’re capable of much more than you thought possible!

Our friendly team at Calvert Trust will support you when building your confidence as you participate in a range of exciting outdoor activities.

Check out our blog below for more advice on struggling with confidence and dealing with adventure activity anxiety:
 

 

Learning Something New

When you try a new activity, there’s always something to be learnt from it. An adventure break is full of great, new experiences that might help you think about what kind of future goals you want to set or what you want to try next time.

When you do something you’ve never done before, you’ll learn things about yourself and the others around you, giving you a fresh perspective!

If you want to find out more about our adventure breaks and the exciting experiences we offer, please get in touch today. You can speak to one of our team members by calling 01598 763221 or emailing receptionexmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk.

by Joe Winfield

Looking After Your Mental Wellbeing as a Carer

Looking after your mental and physical wellbeing is essential as a carer. It may feel challenging because much of your time is devoted to caring for a loved one. However, it is beneficial for both you and the person you are looking after to treat yourself with appreciation.

Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, we provide outdoor adventure activities in Devon for people of all ages and abilities. We support and encourage all our guests in a safe environment in trying new experiences. In our blog, we offer our advice on the importance of taking the time to support your mental health.
 
 
 

Being Appreciative and Understanding Of Yourself

Understanding that you are only human is important in accepting that you can only do so much as one individual.

Acknowledge the things you can do to care for your loved one and try to identify areas where you could use some support.

It is also essential to not compare your responsibilities and feelings to other carers in a similar position. They are not you, and each circumstance will be different. Each situation will have its challenges that people outside of it may not know about or understand.

Finding Someone to Talk To

Having a listening ear that you genuinely trust can help significantly if you feel like you are struggling as a carer. The person you share your thoughts with might be another family member, a friend, or you may prefer to discuss your feelings with someone who is not familiar with your circumstances, such as a counsellor.

There is no right or wrong person to speak to, as long as you feel like you can open up to them. Talking through how you feel can help you to work out how to manage any difficult emotions. Sharing how much you do as a carer can also help others understand how they could offer additional support.

Talking might also relieve any feelings of isolation. With the responsibility of care on your shoulders, it can help you to change your perspective. If things feel like they are too much, you should try and speak to someone as soon as possible.

Making Time For Yourself

This can be hard if you feel overwhelmed by responsibilities as a carer, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. If you find that you don’t have sufficient time for yourself, working out how you can should be a priority.

One or two hours a day might help you to maintain your mental health at a healthy level. It can give you time to do something for yourself, such as exercising, socialising, or simply taking a relaxing bath. Small and consistent things to look forward to can be very uplifting as well as motivational.
 
 
 

Prioritising the Basics

Keeping on top of the basics is an essential part of managing your mental wellbeing. Ensuring you are getting the required amount of sleep, a healthy diet and enough exercise can all positively contribute.

Family time is an integral part of anyone’s life, and enjoying an activity holiday altogether can be just what you need. Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, we provide accessible holidays for everyone to enjoy and ensure that all our guests are supported in our activities. Why not browse our site to discover more about the holidays we provide or speak to one of our team today for more information calling 01598 763221. You can also email receptionexmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk

by Joe Dale

Encouraging Your Child to Make Friends on an Activity Trip

Encouraging Your Child to Make Friends on an Activity Trip

There are many benefits of visiting an activity centre like ours, such as helping with anxiety or improving mental health. An activity break can also give your child a chance to make new friends, helping to improve their confidence in making friends elsewhere.

Talking to new people can be scary whatever your age, yet for many children connecting with others can be difficult or frightening, especially if they have disabilities. To help, here is our guide to encouraging your child to make friends on an activity trip…

Encourage them before travelling

It can often be beneficial to prepare your children for their trip, from helping them pack to talking about the exciting activities and fun games they’ll be doing.

You could also mention that other children will be there too, possibly doing activities in your group or sitting near you during meals.

You could then suggest that your child talks to the other children, or give them a positive goal, like to find out other people’s names.

Some children may be anxious about this idea, some may not understand the point, whilst others will look forward to it. Whatever your child’s reaction, listen to their response and give them gentle encouragement to interact with others.

Doing this before your arrival gives them time to process the information and be more prepared to communicate with others.

Work out some ‘opening lines’ together

It may be a good idea to practice saying hello in various ways, especially if you predict your child will need extra encouragement to make friends. To assist them further, try to create some opening lines or questions your child could use to start a conversation.

Examples could be ‘My name is- what is yours?’ or ‘I like your jumper’ or ‘What did you enjoy about today?‘

Practising and rehearsing social skills in a safe and warm environment will support your child by teaching social cues. Planning out what they could say can make them feel that bit more prepared to meet new people.

Lead by example and encourage them to follow

Once you have arrived for your activity break, strive to speak to others in a friendly manner so that your children can pick up on it and possibly follow your example.

You could even use the opening lines you created to show them how they can progress and add prompts for your children to contribute or carry on the conversation.

By modelling positive, friendly behaviours, you can guide your children to do the same.

Talk to them about feelings and encourage empathy

Parents can help children develop social skills during a short activity break by focusing on feelings and empathy, which will help build friendships.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the thoughts and feelings of others. Developing feelings and empathy is a complex process that starts from birth and continues throughout our lives, but it is a key factor in making friends.

• Identify feelings, both positive and negative – It’s important to put a name to what your child might be feeling whenever you can. Saying something as simple as, ‘You seem happy/excited/joyful/upset/angry/scared‘ helps a child identify what they are feeling in themselves and can be all they to hear to express their emotions
• Identify feelings in others – In the same way, saying ‘That person seems happy/angry‘ helps children see emotions in others and allows them to identify with them. This can be developed further by using them as conversation starters.

Use feelings to start conversations

During an activity break, giving children prompts increases empathy and provides an opportunity to start a conversation, laying the groundwork for friendship.

For example: ‘They seem happy they did the activity, why don’t you say well done and ask them what they enjoyed the most?’ or ‘That child looks upset, perhaps they are scared of doing the activity. What would you say to them?‘

Likewise, questions related to negative feelings could also allow them to start a chat and connect.

If these prompts lead nowhere, that’s fine. It’s best to not force the situation further, instead make suggestions and allow the children to connect in their own way if they wish to.

Notice and praise caring behaviour

Whether with your prompts or not, make a point of praising your child when they show empathy and engage in a caring way.

You could say how proud you are when you see them being kind and thoughtful to others. State why it was positive behaviour and talk about how it might have made the other person feel.

Positive reinforcement will give them belief in themselves and motivate them to do it again, hopefully increasing the bond between children.

Other issues that children often struggle with are sharing and taking turns. Or they may have difficulty being in a team. When they get these things right, however, it will increase their social skills.

Adventure activities can often be a combination of group work and solo participation. So an activity break is a perfect opportunity to practise their sharing skills and general communication with others.

Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, we have groups no bigger than 10 people, meaning it’s easy for children to talk to others and participate in group activities.

Highlight when and how they shared correctly or gave help to others. They may not have realised they’ve done something positive, so nice comments on how they behaved will support their future interactions.

Experts recommend providing immediate positive feedback, that’s kept brief and simple.

Encouraging your child to make friends on an activity trip – Summary

• Prepare them before the trip so they have time to process the fact other children will be there to talk to
• Practise greeting others and prepare some opening lines
• Lead by example and start conversations, aim to include your child
• Identify positive and negative feelings in other children
• Guide your child to relate to other people’s feelings and to use empathy to prompt them to start a conversation
• When you see your children exhibiting friendly or caring behaviours, such as sharing and taking turns, praise them – this encourages children to repeat the positive behaviours

Finally, parents shouldn’t place social expectations on children and force friendships to emerge from nowhere. They could make one or two good friends during their stay with no need to worry about them being the most popular kid on site.

With over 25 years of adventure breaks at Calvert Trust Exmoor, many children have come out of their shell and made new friends during their stay. Sometimes with help from the ideas above, and sometimes all on their own.

However your children make new friends on an activity trip, it is a magical moment that makes the stay even more worthwhile.

We welcome many families time and time again, on weekend and midweek breaks. They come for the activities and facilities, and also for the chance to meet new people. See more about our family breaks in Devon for additional information.

by Joe Dale

How to Keep Your Child Safe on a Residential Trip

Residential trips are an opportunity for children to learn, grow, and have fun. Yet for a parent, watching your child leave for a residential can be a daunting or worrying experience. Many parents wonder how their child will behave and will they be safe?

In this news piece, we hope to ease your worries with guidance on how to keep your child safe on a residential trip, even if you will not be by their side…

Learn about the residential

It’s essential to carefully plan for a residential, which starts with knowing all the details. Teachers or group leaders will be arranging the trip but parents, guardians or carers should be involved in several ways.

You could talk to the people planning the residential. Schools commonly hold pre-trip meetings to inform and take questions. If not, consider contacting them directly.

It can seem scary entrusting your children in someone else’s care. So knowing timings, travelling plans, locations and sleeping arrangements will settle your nerves. You can also inform the residential leaders of important information about your child to keep them safe and well.

Talk with your child about their trip

When you have all the details about the residential, you can pass it on to your child in a way they will understand. This helps them get excited whilst also contributing to their safety on the trip as they will be better prepared.

Talk them through where they are going, what they will be doing, and how days will be structured. Listen to any concerns they may have and add reassurance.

Perhaps your child is nervous or unsure about going? The more your child talks about it, the better they will feel. We have compiled some extra tips on how to get them excited for a residential trip.

Discuss safety and boundaries

Another area of discussion is what they must do to keep safe.

Talk to your child about the importance of staying with the group – close to their teacher, group leader or other authority figures, such as activity instructors.

It can be helpful to explain that a residential is fun and thrilling but that they still need to follow the same rules they follow when at home, at school or walking on the pavement.

It’s often beneficial to add extra boundaries unique to their residential. Examples could be emphasising that they must stay in the centre, or that they can’t use the activity facilities until told to by an instructor.

The more conversations you have, the better children will understand the rules, even though you won’t be there to supervise them.

Check out the location

If you know where the residential is taking place, why not spend time with your child looking at it online? Search for the location and see what comes up. There may be galleries on their website or good images on the search engine to go through.

If brochures or itineraries are available, you could go through them together to help get your child excited. Plus it gives you extra opportunities to establish the rules of the trip. If there are maps or plans of the grounds and accommodation, use them to set boundaries, showing where they can and cannot go.

Pack their bags as a team

Get your child involved in the packing of their bags. Since you both know what the residential involves, you can ensure they have everything needed for a good time whilst looking after themselves.

Depending on their age and abilities, kids can contribute in different ways. Let younger ones see what you are packing and explain why each item and piece of clothing is essential. They could then add fun and comforting extras, such as a toy, book or accessories.

Older children could pack their bags themselves, with supervision and guidance if needed. This teaches them to plan ahead, increases independence, and makes them think of their own wellbeing and safety.

Packing together reassures them, and you, that they have everything needed to feel prepared, safe and secure.

See our guide on things to pack for a residential trip.

Make them stand out

One more point about packing is to dress your children in brightly coloured clothes that stand out and avoid dark colours that will blend into surroundings. This will make them easy to see and remember in a crowd or against a natural backdrop.

The colour of their clothing is unlikely to be an issue during a Calvert Trust Exmoor visit, as activity groups are small and supervised by the same instructor throughout. But elsewhere on other residentials, it may be beneficial for their safety.

Make sure contact details are up to date

Confirm that the group leaders have your correct contact details before the residential. Provide one or two additional emergency numbers if you may not be reachable – just in case.

Have faith in risk assessments

Schools and residential leaders will have your child’s safety as their highest priority. They will conduct rigorous risk assessments for every activity and location, whether it be a day out or week away.

A risk assessment must be carried out for each residential, which will help teachers identify and remove any of the potential risks. Schools must adhere to set staffing to child ratios and will keep individual physical, medical, social and behavioural needs in mind before and during a residential.

Schools must also have an emergency response plan to follow if an accident or incident occurs during a trip.

Plus, residential centres have their unique risk assessments and safety procedures with trained staff and instructors who also have everyone’s safety as their highest priority.

Many sites are also audited or inspected by independent boards. For instance, here at Calvert Trust Exmoor we have…

• The Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge
• Five-star activity accommodation status awarded by Visit England
• Been certified by activity bodies such as British Canoeing, the British Horse Society, and more

Residential breaks at Calvert Trust Exmoor

At our activity centre we welcome children of all ages and specialise in accessible breaks for people with physical, learning, sensory or behavioural disabilities. Our residential breaks are based at our remote centre in North Devon, meaning the group stays safely inside the grounds away from busy roads.

The stay will include activities throughout the day, then access to group swimming sessions, the sensory room, and social areas in the evening. Activities, accommodation, meals and facilities are all on-site and included in the costs.

Wherever they are visiting, keeping your child safe on a residential break starts with good communication and ensuring children understand what they should and should not do to keep themselves safe. The residential leaders and centre staff will take it from there to make sure everyone has a wonderful break.

by Joe Winfield

What to Do if You are Home-Sick During a Trip Away

It is not unusual to feel anxious when you are in an unfamiliar setting and situation. It is an entirely acceptable feeling, no matter what your age or who you are.

It is important to remember, if you do feel these emotions, they do not have to remain with you throughout your adventure break. There are small but helpful things you can do to improve how you perceive your new situation.

Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, we are dedicated to providing accessible breaks for everyone to enjoy, from school residentials to holidays for people with disabilities. We want to make sure that every one of our guests has the best experience possible, so have created this blog to help you.
 
 
 

Who Can Benefit From This Advice?

We have created these tips for everyone to try if they are ever feeling anxious when they are away from home.
If you are an independent adult on an accessible adventure break, we hope you can refer to this blog to help you if you are feeling unsure.

If you are a carer or a parent with a child of any age, who is about to embark on a residential adventure, we hope we can help you with ideas on how to alleviate their feelings of anxiety.
 
 
 

Accept How You Are Feeling

It is ok to feel a bit on edge when you are away from home, even if you are only down the road! It is a feeling that can primarily occur when your usual daily routines have had to change for the duration of your trip.

Begin by identifying the feelings of unease and accepting them for what they are. It is important to remind yourself that it is completely fine and natural to feel this way when you are away from what you know.

Talk To Someone About How you Feel

Once you have accepted how you currently feel, let someone else know. Whether they are:
• A staff member, such as an instructor
• A family member
• A friend you have gone on the adventure break with
• A teacher
• A carer

You never know, they may feel similar and appreciate that you have confided in them! You can talk about what you love back at home and how they might also like it if they ever come to visit.

It may break the ice for those you do not know so well too.
 
 
 

Remember You Can Call Home

Living in the 21st-century means you are never too far from home! With mobile phones, social media, Skype, FaceTime and WhatsApp, staying in touch couldn’t be easier.

If you would like to ring home and talk about things, go for it! There is no shame in letting your nearest and dearest know about how you are doing. They will be able to see the situation from the outside and remind you of all the amazing reasons you wanted to go in the first place.

Talking to your family members will reassure your anxiety that everything back home is ok and you aren’t missing out on anything. Their jolly voices will let you know they are happy and healthy.
 
 
 

Put Things Into Perspective

Once you have accepted and communicated how you feel, it is time to try and gently shift your perspective on the experience.

You feel anxious, and that is completely acceptable. And it is also ok to feel worried but still want to make the most of your opportunity away from home.

Think about the initial reasons why you wanted to come. What activities did you want to try? Were they as you expected them to be? How did it feel to do them? What highlights will you share when you get back home?
 
 
 

Record Your Feelings

Noting down your feelings can be as effective as talking for some people.

You could think about:
• What were the highlights of the day? You could break down the day into morning, afternoon and evening and reflect what you enjoyed the most at each point.
• What challenges did you face today?
• How could the situation be different next time?

Good or bad, it is all acceptable to note down!

Perhaps you will revisit your thoughts in your journal, or perhaps you won’t, it doesn’t matter! Similar to talking, it is just good to get the feelings out in the open so you can move forward and take each day as it comes.

Try to Be Social, Even If You May Not Feel Like It

When you feel uncomfortable, the idea of talking with new people can feel incredibly daunting.

If you are on a trip without company from home, or with people you do not know so well, it is essential to ensure you do not isolate yourself, especially if you are not in the most positive of mind frames.

By socialising, it will feel like a massive achievement in itself and may instantly lift your mood. Many adventure breaks have social areas for guests to interact with. Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, we have numerous social areas for our guests to relax in including, The Barn bar, the games room and our stunning courtyard for warmer weather.

You never know who you are going to meet, so try your best to keep an open mind even though this is easier said than done. You may make a friend for life, all starting with a simple hello!
 

Keep Social Goals Attainable

If you are a shy person, keep your social goals small and achievable, so you don’t feel too overwhelmed. Try meeting one person, to begin with. Listening is an admirable trait in people, so try this at first and see where you go!
 
 
 

Get Out Your Comfort Zone

When you feel like you miss home, try and reflect back to why you wanted to go on your adventure break and the activities you envisioned yourself trying. Speak to your instructor about your feelings, so they can encourage and reassure you to try all the experiences you thought you would try before you felt anxious on the trip.
 
 
 

Bring Familiar Things With You

Bringing something special to you from home is a popular thing to do.
It could be a much-loved photo, a cuddly toy, some sweet treats or a cushion. Anything that brings you comfort, don’t be afraid to take it with you.

For parent or carers whose children are going on a residential trip away, why not ask your child what they would like to take with them? Take a look at our blog on how to get your child excited for a residential trip for some other handy hints and tips!

Have you ever felt homesick when you were on an adventure break? What helped you? We would love to know! Why not let us know on our social media channels?