Loch Insh 2019

The first 10 pages of this presentation include the booklet that was given out at the meeting. For some reason, it has not worked when uploading the booklet to the blog. The rest of the presentation is what was shared at the session for families.

Welcome to Loch Insh Outdoor Centre Scottish Hospitality Awards "Outdoor Venue of the Year 2016" 14 acres of stunning native woodlands situated on the shores of Loch Insh in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Eat, sleep, drink, play and explore – we have something to offer all types of group, traveller and adventure seeker from water sports and dry land activities in summer to skiing in winter. Nestled within the trees you’ll discover cosy B&B and chalet accommodation, our Boathouse restaurant and children’s adventure play parks.

Monday 20th May – Friday 24th May Brief history Started – 1969 for canoeing and sailing and has expanded ever since Safety – supervision, buoyancy aids, registers, RA… Fully qualified instructors Accompanied by staff from either school Loch Insh Outdoor Centre has won many awards over the years including: 1995 - Best Small Business in the Highlands (Parcel Force) 1995 - Best on the Water (Scottish Tourism Oscars) 2000 - Small Business Award (Highlands and Islands Business Awards) 2003 - Winner tourism and the environment (Scottish thistle awards) 2016 - Scottish Outdoor Venue of the Year (Scottish Hospitality Awards)

What is included? 4 nights accommodation, dinner, breakfast and packed lunch each day. (First meal: evening meal Monday. Last meal: packed lunch Friday.) 3 full days and 2 half days (Monday to Friday) of expert tuition. This includes sailing, windsurfing, Canadian canoeing, archery, problem solving, skiing and kayaking. An evening programme of orienteering, games, adventure park and Disco and BBQ on the last night. Tea, coffee, juice and home baking at 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. daily.

Before we go Packing and packing list – page 6 and 7 Must haves – see leaflet Accommodation – page 3. Choice procedure. Activity groups – children split up and led by school staff. Medical Information Pupil Code of Conduct Pocket money – pennies please!

Departure and return Monday 20th May Pupils come to school as normal, wearing sweatshirt Last minute bag check Packed lunch Bus leaves 10.30am On arrival staff will telephone school – check message service (Not Mrs T/W) Quick lunch and straight into activities Arrive back 24th May - approx. 2pm (collection routine)

A Day at Loch Insh Breakfast Prepare for morning activity Gather group Lunch Afternoon activity Snack / free time Dinner Free time Evening activity Snack SLEEP

Let’s see what it looks like! https://lochinsh.com/loch-insh-air/

Jeans or thick trousers and thick gloves Activities Dry ski slope Jeans or thick trousers and thick gloves

Raft building Done in groups Have to build raft to race against other team. Promotes working alongside others, co-operation. Usually get very wet!!!

Kayaking Children individually in own kayak. If unsure can go in kayak with instructor. Start off in sheltered area until instructor sure that all children are capable. Trip up or down the loch. Need lots of layers, even though it looks warm.

Problem Solving Lots of different activities. Selection from some of below. Pairs – getting both hands out of the piece of rope. Groups – getting the whole group round the adventure playground without touching the ground. Ropes – whole group has to go through the rope squares, but once one square has been used, it can’t be used again.

Wayfinding Children work in pairs to find markers round the Loch Insh grounds. Report back to instructor after each marker found.

Mountain biking Helmets worn at all times when out on a mountain bike. Go on the main road just to leave Loch Insh Centre and then through the woods – about 5 miles. Good idea to take a small rucksack that can carry a water bottle and a snack.

Windsurfing On shore demonstration first. Children then changed into wet suits – need swimming costume/trunks underneath. Given opportunity to paddle on boards and stand up on them. Sails added. Always kept close to shore.

Games Again – selection varies. Capture the Flag – two teams from the school play against each other. Team games – volleyball.

Canoeing Similar to kayaking but two or three children in a Canadian canoe. If unsure can go in canoe with instructor. Start off in sheltered area until instructor sure that all children are capable. Trip up or down the loch. Need lots of layers, even though it looks warm.

Sailing Two children in sailing boat. Lots of layers. Shown on shore first what to do. Boats very stable. Instructor in safety boat circles the group the whole time to encourage and help children.

Tour boat / archery About an hour of each. Children listen to commentary about the birds, animals etc that are found in and around Loch Insh. Children given lots of opportunities to hit target and then balloons added to give added level.

BBQ and Disco For all the schools that are at Loch Insh. Opportunity to see video of week.

Leaving day Packing! Clean rooms. Strip beds! Morning activity Lunch Leave Arriving back at school Sleep zzzzz

Getting in touch with home Phone at Loch Insh – 20p (if it is working…) No news = good news Mobiles – no mobiles to be taken Phone school first Blog? Medical

Any questions?