Frequently Asked Questions

statementAt TeamCamp, child welfare and safety comes before all else. All our policies and procedures adhere to or exceed best practice principles outlined by Ofsted, and comply with Health and Safety regulations.

The following frequently asked questions (FAQs) are to provide parents/carers with additional peace of mind, plus the practical information necessary to prepare for camp.


What age does my child need to be?

  • TeamCamp accepts children aged 3 to 14. 3 to 6 year olds follow a separate programme. Children complete most activities in age-similar groups, while some activities involve a mix of ages.

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What dates and times does TeamCamp run?

  • TeamCamp runs Monday to Friday during School Holidays. In 2012, we are running for five weeks: the second week of Easter (10-13th April) and for four weeks over the summer (weeks commencing 23rd July, 30th July, 6th August, and 13th August).
  • Generally, TeamCamp bookings are made only for complete weekly periods (5 days in the case of summer and just 4 in the case of Easter), though we will make exceptions in special circumstances.
  • Our core timetabled hours are 9:30am-4:30pm, so we ask that you drop your child off by then. Early pick-up is possible between 3:30-3:40pm.
  • At no extra charge you may drop off your children any time between 9-9:30am, and pick them up any time between 4:30-5pm. For an additional £40 per week (£32 at Easter) you can drop your child off from 8am and collect them as late as 6pm. During these non-timetabled times, children will be supervised but may engage in free choice activities such as reading, art, table tennis, giant board games, or other activities such as football.
  • We ask that all children are collected by 6pm at the very latest. If you are running late, please call the Camp Director's mobile number (provided in advance with your welcome email). If you do run late, we will stay on to supervise your child but will charge an additional fee of £5 per 15 minutes.

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What happens at drop off/collection?

  • You sign in your child or children when you drop him/her/them off, and sign him/her/them out upon collection at the end of the day.
  • We assume that whoever signs a child in at drop off will also collect them out in the afternoon, unless told otherwise. If this is not the case, please tell the member of staff at the sign in desk and tell us the name of the person who will be collecting the child or children.
  • If your plans change during the day, please call the Camp Director's mobile number (provided on your first day at camp) to let the staff know who will be collecting the child on your behalf.
  • Similarly, if you need to pick up a child early for whatever reason, please call the Camp Director's mobile so that we can arrange something mutually convenient.

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What should my child bring?

  • Clothes and footwear should be appropriate for running around and potentially getting muddy in (as some activities will be outside in grassy places). In case there is wet weather, we recommend that children bring a water-proof coat or jacket, and an extra pair of shoes.
  • In case of hot weather, a sun hat or cap may be appropriate. You may also want to bring sun cream for your child. We will remind children to apply any sun-cream during the day in advance of outdoor activities.
  • Children should bring a healthy, balanced packed lunch and drink suitable for an active day, plus any snacks for break times (most people like to include a 'snack' for children to have during the morning break). Squash is provided for the morning and afternoon breaks, and water is available throughout the day. It is a good idea for children to bring their own plastic refillable water bottle, so that this can be taken with them for outdoor activity sessions.
  • It is preferable for children NOT to bring valuable items (e.g. money, jewellery, ipods, mobiles etc). We do allow that children may bring a mobile phone or personal music system, but please note that we require each Group Leader to collect these for the duration of scheduled activities, so that they do not disrupt group activities.
  • We cannot be held responsible for, nor compensate for, items that go missing.

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What is the timetable?

  • The arrival time at TeamCamp is from 9am, or from 8am if the child is signed up for extended days, until 9:30am. Collection time is from 4:30pm until either 5pm, or 6pm if the child is signed up for extended days. There is also an early collection time between 3:30-3:40pm.
  • The core hours of 9:30am-4:30pm include 8 different activity sessions of 40 minutes each (some may be run as double sessions). There is also supervised free-choice activity time outside these times from 8am in the mornings and until 6pm in the evening.
  • There is a 50 minute break for lunch and two 15 minute breaks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon (all breaks are fully supervised). Each day begins and ends with 5 to 10 minutes of TeamTime, where core groups meet to discuss their key objectives, learnings and challenges of the day.
  • To read more about the programme content or format, see programme.

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Why is yoga part of the programme?

  • Yoga at TeamCamp is taught by specialists experienced in teaching and making yoga fun for children. Like the street dance classes, it provides a fun way for children to explore their physical capabilities and develop body confidence.
  • In particular, yoga helps children become stronger and more flexible, and helps develop the ability to focus. It encourages stability, self-confidence, and it gives children tools for using breathing to bring calm in times of stress. It is also an energising way to start the day.

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How many staff will supervise the children, and how are children grouped?

  • Children complete most activities at TeamCamp within core teams of 5 or 6 children, each with their own staff Team Mentor. Children are grouped according to age, so that there is not an age difference of more than one or two years between group members.
  • Occasionally we need to combine age groups to meet ratio requirements and ensure the best experience for the children on camp. This would only occur during quieter weeks.
  • If your child would like to be grouped with a friend we will try to accommodate this. In this case please advise us at the time of booking though we do our best to accommodate such requests when we receive them.
  • In addition to the core teams, some activities will involve combining groups or upon a different grouping all together. Across the camp, we aim for an overall ratio of one staff member for every 5 children.

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Can I use Childcare Vouchers to pay for TeamCamp?

  • Yes. TeamCamp is an Ofsted Registered Childcare provider and as such is able to accept child-care vouchers.
  • You can use Childcare Vouchers for full or part payment towards your booking. If you wish to do this, please let us know the details of the voucher company you are using (if we are not registered with them already we will organise this in order to accept your voucher).
  • Note that if you are booking within 2 weeks of the date your child will attend TeamCamp, we will need to take your card details to secure the booking. If vouchers are not received in time before camp starts we will take payment from your card and reimburse you once the vouchers have arrived.

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What training and experience do TeamCamp staff have?

  • Our staff undergo specialist training in all aspects of the TeamCamp programme. We select our staff carefully not only on the basis of their experience and rapport skills in working with children, but also their ability to manage group situations effectively.
  • As well as supervising activities, Team Mentors play a mentoring role for the children in their care. Because core team sizes are relatively small (typically 5 or 6 children per Team Mentor) we are able to provide individual support tailored to the needs of each child.
  • Because of this, we select staff primarily on the basis of their interpersonal skills and mentoring capabilities. Furthermore, most of our staff have previous and extensive experience leading and managing groups of children in team building activities.
  • All staff members are CRB checked and reference checked. In addition, we ensure that among our managers and supporting staff there are sufficient qualifications in line with the Ofsted early years and voluntary registers.

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Do you have qualified first-aiders on camp?

  • Yes. We ensure that there are suitably qualified first-aiders on site at all times.

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What happens if there is bad weather?

  • TeamCamp has access to a variety of indoor and outdoor space. We always try to make the most of the good weather by using the outdoor areas. When this is not possible, we will make greater use of the indoor space.
  • One or two activities we will likely take outside even when weather is poor (unless it's really bad), hence why we ask children to bring suitable shoes (an extra pair even) and a jacket or coat suitable for being in the rain.

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My child has special needs - can they come to camp?

  • It is our policy not to exclude any child due to special needs, wherever possible. The programme does involve a lot of social interaction, discussion, and running around. However, we are keen to find ways to involve disabled children in positive ways, and believe they add diversity and value for all.
  • The needs of each child vary, so arrangements are made on a case-by-case basis, depending on the level of support each individual child requires to enable them to fully participate in and enjoy activities.
  • We request that parents of children with special needs contact us to discuss how TeamCamp can best accommodate their child, and consider whether any special arrangements need to be made.

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English is not my child's first language - is that okay?

  • We welcome children for whom English is not their first language. However a child's English should be good enough to understand, communicate, and participate in group discussions.
  • Your child will need to be able understand the instructors, let a member of staff know if something is wrong, understand emergency procedures, and be able to interact with other children on camp. We would be happy to discuss this with you by phone if you are unsure.

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What if my child is ill and unable to come to camp?

  • If you opted to pay for the Customer Protection Scheme at the time of booking, you will receive a full refund minus the Holiday Protection Scheme premium, when a doctor's note is provided. If you have not paid for the Holiday Protection Scheme (please see full details of the scheme below), then no refunds are available.

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What is the Customer Protection Scheme?

  • For your peace of mind, our optional Customer Protection Scheme (an additional £5 per week) will protect your booking if your child is ill or injured.
  • Note that this applies to ill health/injury either to the child or parent if it meant that the child was not able to attend.
  • You will receive a full refund for all days missed (calculated on a pro-rata basis), minus the scheme premium, on receipt of a doctor's certificate. Cover excludes pre-existing medical conditions.
  • Any claim made under the Holiday Protection Scheme must be made within 4 weeks of the first date of illness.

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What will happen if my child falls ill on camp?

  • If your child is ill on the morning of camp, we are not able to take them on camp that day. If they fall ill during the course of the day, we will contact you and ask you to come and collect them, and we will make them as comfortable as possible in the meantime.
  • In an emergency, medical advice or emergency treatment will also be sought.

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Can I change or cancel my booking?

  • If you give us 7 days (or more) notice before the date(s) you would like to change, we can change dates within the same holiday season (e.g. Summer) for you free of charge, subject to availability.
  • If you give us less than 7 days notice before the date(s) you would like to change, we will endeavour to change dates within the same season for you subject to availability, on payment of a £10 amendment fee.
  • Should you wish to cancel your booking, we will refund you monies depending upon how far in advance before the start of your booking you are able to let us know:
    • 1 month or more in advance: loss of deposit only (£50 per child per week).
    • 15 days to 1 month in advance: we refund 50% of the total cost of your booking.
    • 14 days or less in advance: we do not offer refunds in this case, but changes of booking are still possible (see above).
  • Note that if the reason for your cancelation relates to illness or injury, and you signed up to our customer protection scheme, then a full refund (including deposit) is available regardless of the notice period (upon receipt of an appropriate doctor's note).

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What policies and procedures does TeamCamp have to ensure child safety?

  • You may download a copy of TeamCamp's Policies and Procedures here.
  • Specifically, these relate to anti-bullying, behaviour management, complaints, equal opportunities, failure of a parent to collect a child, fire precautions and procedures, health and safety policy statement, medical policy, registration, and safeguarding children.

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