Frequently Asked Questions: Camps

Do the same camp prices apply to visiting leaders?

Yes, the price is per person.

How is Christianity explained to school groups?

This is done in a similar way to Religious Education lessons and school assemblies. Everything is explained using phrases such as "Christians believe...", "the Bible says..." or "as a Christian I believe". The aim for school groups is that children leave knowing what Christians believe and having had the opportunity to ask a Christian why they believe this.

The meetings complement R.E. curriculums and the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency's (QCDA) units of work.

How is the Gospel presented to church groups?

Many churched children/young people may know the Gospel but have never made a personal response. The Oakes provides an excellent opportunity to present a personal challenge and help affirm the hard work being done on a regular basis at Sunday School, Kids Club, and Youth Groups.

The Oakes provides an ideal opportunity for regular church attenders to invite their non-churched friends somewhere they will enjoy and hear the Gospel. Hopefully, those friends will then join the church group.

Are there camp places available at reduced cost?

The Oakes has a bursary fund ('The Oakes Holiday Fund') available to assist campers with financial needs. The main criteria used is eligibility for free school meals, but the fund is very flexible and other factors are taken into account.

Please contact the office if you have children who may qualify or if there are other special circumstances which necessitate financial assistance.

What if my child has a special need?

At The Oakes, we welcome all children and young people. If your child has special needs, please let us know. If you would like to, you can download and complete our special needs form to provide us with details about your child's needs (see the bottom of the how to book page). Once we have received the form we will contact you to discuss your child’s holiday.  Alternatively, please feel free to contact us directly to discuss your child’s needs.  Whilst not a specialist centre we want to do everything that we can to make your child feel welcome.

What are the age requirements for camps?

Legal issues require a camper to be 8 years old by the first day of camp in order to attend. Generally a weekend camp will be for 8-11s, 11-15s, or 14-18s.

Who deals with medication and first aid issues?

Several team members have the First Aid at Work certificate and are the on-call first aiders. Most team members have had First Aid training and will clean up small cuts and grazes. The dispensation of all medication (including Paracetamol) is taken very seriously at The Oakes. All medication (except “as needed” inhalers) must be submitted and stored safely away from the campers. Medication is dispensed by two team members at the required time. Visiting leaders are asked not to dispense any medication to any child who is younger than 18 years old.

Who runs the camp programme?

The Oakes Team runs all aspects of the camp programme, meaning any visiting group leaders who attend can focus their time on building relationships with their group. The Oakes provides the speaker for the talks, and the Team organises and runs all the activities, dorm times and workshops and is responsible for all the catering and cleaning.

See the programme page for a typical camp schedule.

What does the camp fee cover?

The fee covers camp bills (i.e., food and utilities) but does not cover the total cost of managing the centre or of developing new facilities. Fees are kept to a minimum to enable maximum participation.

The Oakes has public liability insurance. Any additional personal or travel insurance is the responsibility of the individual. Transport costs are the responsibility of the group. After arrival, all costs are included in the price.

The Oakes Trust is able to receive tax efficient gifts. The Trust relies heavily on donations made to the charity.

Is any spending money necessary?

There is a tuck shop that sells sweets, and Oakes clothing is sold at the end of a camp along with books (e.g. Tuck: up to £3 on a weekend; Books: £2 - 7; T-shirts: £6.50 - 8.50; Hoodies: £12.50 - 17.50).