FAQs

=G5 Adventure Challenge Camp 2014 =
 * Information and frequently asked questions **//following the parent and carer information session. //


 * What time do the children leave and return to school? **The children should arrive at school at the usual time (8.55am) on Monday October 6. The coach will be leaving after registration. The children will return to school in time to be picked up at 15.00 on Friday October 10. Please understand that we will be relying on traffic and will inform the school should we be running late.


 * My child often suffers from travel sickness. What should I do? **You can buy homeopathic medicine to help prevent travel sickness from the pharmacy. You should give this to your child on the morning before leaving home. Previous years have seen many children become sick during the travel and this is very uncomfortable for them. You should also give Mr Barker your child's medicines for the return journey, with the instructions.


 * Can my child bring electronic games? **No. The aim of the camp is to develop social skills, communication and confidence amongst the children. They will have very little time for such games as they will have five activities daily! We know that many children have such games at home but we would like your support in explaining to your child why they will not need such devices during this trip.


 * Can my child bring non-electronic travel games? **Absolutely! The children will be on the coach for about four hours (each way). They can bring social games like Uno, travel tic-tac-toe, books to read, colouring-in activities to amuse themselves on the coach. You might like to teach your child any fun games you played as a child during long travels such as eye-spy! Games like these will also be suitable for children to play during free time of an afternoon.


 * How many adults will be accompanying the children? **The accompanying teachers from ISP are Jae Edwards, Anna Jeziorowska, Assil Charara, Florence  Giusti and Daniel Barker. During the activities organised by the Chateau, there will be a ratio of about 1 staff member for 12 students. ISP teachers will also be present during such activities.


 * How many students are going? **There are 39 ISP students going on the trip.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">What kinds of activities will the children do? **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">There are many exciting activities available at the centre. These may include; Trapeze, archery, climbing, challenge course, fencing, initiation exercises, canoeing, raft building, paddle surfing, mini Olympics, and orienteering. The activities help the children gain confidence, work in teams and solve problems. The staff at the Chateau are trained and very safety conscious and all of the preparation and facilities reflect this. Children will have all the safety equipment required when participating in the water activities.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">Breakfast and dinner are eaten in the dining room at allocated times. Breakfast is usually at 8.30am. The children will have a choice of cereals, breads and fresh fruit for breakfast each day. Lunch is also eaten in the dinning area. Dinner is also eaten in this area at an allocated time. Each evening there is a self-serve salad bar. They will also have the choice between a vegetarian or non-vegetarian hot meal. Juices and water are available on a self-serve basis.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">What are the mealtime arrangements? **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">Yes. If you would like to send some snacks with your child we prefer you send dried fruit or nuts in sealed (zip-lock) bags. As you know, at ISP we encourage the children to make healthy choices. Please keep in mind they are only away for four nights.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">Can I send food with my child? **

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"> Yes there will be other schools on the camp site. It is a very large centre and they are used to accommodating other schools. The Chateau is very organised and there will be next to no contact with the other schools. ISP will be lodging in our own building which has a security door lock. The other schools at the camp range from Grades 5 to Grade 8.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">Will other schools be staying at the centre at the same time as ISP? **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">The children will sleep in rooms that have an en suite bathroom. There are 6-8 bunk beds in each room where the children will share with their friends. Girls will share rooms with girls. Boys will share rooms with boys.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">What are the sleeping arrangements? **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">We plan to ask the students (near the time) to make a list of people they would like in their room while they are away. We will do our best to accommodate their requests. Once the details are finalised we will ensure the children are aware. Room sizes range between 4-8 students per room. The week will provide an excellent opportunity for children to get to know each other better.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">When will the children know which room they are in? **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">The children will wake up at about 7.30a.m. ISP teachers will ensure all children are awake and ready for breakfast.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">What time do the children wake up? **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">The evening activities will finish around 9.15pm each night. The children will then go directly to their rooms ready to sleep. The teachers check all children are in bed before lights out at 10pm.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">What time do the children go to bed? **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">The teachers rooms will be in the same building and the children can easily contact them should they need to. The students will always know which teacher to come to should they need to at night.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">Where do the teachers sleep? **

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"> Each room has a lockable en-suite bathroom with a shower and toilet that the children can use privately. The children will be responsible for caring for themselves during the trip, and this includes showering routines. If you are concerned about your child washing their hair, we encourage you to either send a shower cap (to avoid washing for four nights) or help them to learn how to towel dry their hair. There are no hairdryers available for students to use.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">What are the showering routines? **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">There are first aid facilities available at the centre in case of any minor injuries. Of course, you will be contacted as soon as possible in the unfortunate event of your child being seriously hurt.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">What happens if my child hurts themselves during the trip? **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">No. Should you need, you will be able to contact your child and your child will be able to contact you. Please see below for the details. Mobile telephones, like other electronic devices create a security issue and according to advice given by the Chateau, they increase ‘homesickness’ as the children tend to call repeatedly and can get themselves upset.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">Will my child need a mobile telephone? **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">Yes. You can telephone Katarina Hodgson during school hours with any queries. In an emergency, you can contact Ann Le Diraison on her mobile from 6am to midnight. She will have direct contact with Daniel Barker (trip leader). There will be one mobile telephone line available for parents and carers to call at a specific time each day should they need to. The times and telephone numbers will be communicated to you nearer the time.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">Can I contact my child? **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">Yes. The children will have access to a mobile phone where they will have the opportunity to call home if they wish.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">Can my child contact me? **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">For many children, this is the first time they will be away from their loved ones for an extended period. You can help prepare your child by talking to them about what they can do when they are missing you. Maybe they can bring a photo, small toy or something to comfort them. Speak to them about talking to their friends and teachers when they feel sad. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">We encourage you to talk to your child about making responsible choices around mealtimes, about clothing, showering and general self-care. They will be responsible for their belongings and their shared space. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">You can involve your child in labelling all their belongings. This is a good way for them to take responsibility for their belongings.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">How can I help prepare my child for the Adventure Challenge Camp? **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">Don’t hesitate in contacting Daniel Barker at dbarker@isparis.edu should you have further queries regarding the trip.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">What do I do if I have more questions? **