Snowdonia Trip February 2023 - Less than a week to go!
The adventure is on!
Thank you to everyone who has returned the signed consent form. If you haven't yet returned it then please do this immediately.
Remember we need any medicines or additional information by the middle of this week.
The information session is available to watch on Youtube. Click the picture below for the link.
We leave on Sunday 26th February - please report to the 'service yard' at 8am.
We return Saturday 4th March around 4pm but will text updates on our way home as very hard to predict traffic conditions,
Food for the Saturday needs to be in a small bag to be kept on the minibus. A coat is also needed.
We have several planned stops but it is a long old way and so need to avoid stopping for the toilet at every set of motorway services. Please don't have too much to drink for breakfast!
The current weather forecast is looking 'braf ond oer' - Welsh for fine but cold. The forecast can change daily and expect all weathers whilst we are away. Remember that thin layers are the most effective way of keeping warm but gloves and hat essential!
Thin trousers/leggings that will dry quickly are much better than heavy joggers that struggle to stay up when wet! Jeans are a massive no for activities!
The two most important things of all ...
1 Label anything and everything to ensure it remains with your child!
2 Don't pack your child's bag for them. Do it with them so that they know where everything is! Go through the kitlist together and avoid new items.
The kit list is below...
The Arete activity courses are held at outdoor venues across the mountains of Snowdonia and along the coastline of Anglesey. The changing weather adds to the beauty of the area and the sense of real adventure. For this reason it is important to pack and be prepared for all eventualities, to ensure a comfortable stay.
The centre has specialist kit for the outdoor activities that includes waterproofs, fleeces, walking boots and wetsuits. Please don't bring along any new or expensive items of clothing that aren't designed for the outdoors. Be prepared to be muddy and wet at times.
Note : neither the school or the centre accept responsibility for any expensive or treasured items, and we recommend such items are left at home.
Clothes
Suitable clothing for 7 days. School uniform not required. Clothing needs to be comfortable and practical and preferably durable. Activities will involve getting wet and dirty etc so please don’t have ‘best’ clothes. Layers are best for keeping warm!
At least two pairs of warm comfortable trousers for activities - e.g. tracksuit trousers/leggings (but not jeans!)
Outdoor shorts
At least two warm jumpers or fleeces with long sleeves.
Several T shirts – a clean one for each day plus a spare!
At least two pairs of good quality, thick socks suitable for outdoor activities. Thin socks are hard on the feet and can cause sores and blisters.
Clothes for indoor wear and travel (jeans are fine for this)
10 sets of underwear and socks
Water shorts and swimwear. We will probably be using wetsuits and the shorts are needed to wear over this. A drawstring waist is essential!
Night wear
Dirty clothing bag (black bin liner with name label is ideal)
Comfortable shoes/trainers for outdoor use
Clean shoes/trainers for indoor use (slippers/flip flops etc are fine)
A warm hat and pair of gloves. No 'bobbles' please as these won't work under helmets.
Waterproof coat
Old trainers or similar for water activities - in addition to the trainers/shoes for other times. These will get dunked in rivers, lakes and the sea. Water shoes can't be used as not suitable for the other activities around the getting wet bit (eg climbing and scrambling)!
Two towels - one large enough to use as a cover-up for changing outdoors
Wash kit
Towel
Smellies – eg soap, shower gel, shampoo, deodorant - BUT No aerosol sprays. Please label your items!
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Extras
At least two suitable reading books
Water bottle – at least 500ml (with name!)
A flask or similar container for a hot drink if required. Avoid glass lined Thermos! Please check that the container holds hot water without radiating heat from the bottle.
Packed lunch and snacks for the first day's journey (NOT in your large bag) – needs to be in a named box as will be used throughout the week for packed lunches. Best if quite sturdy with a secure lid!
Travelling sweets (no gum!)
Magazine/comic & small games (cards etc) for motorway entertainment
Small torch
Camera & Teddy
Cushion for travelling comfort!
Spending money in named wallet/purse. 'MacDonalds' money in separate envelope to be looked after until journey home (please seal, label and hand to an adult on departure day!)
Labels help keep the right kit married to the right person! Please name anything and everything!
For easy transporting and storage and to create more room in the dorms, please keep baggage size to a minimum and use a soft bag rather than a rigid suitcase.
No mobile phones, electronic equipment or jewellery. Please attach a ‘luggage label’ with your child’s name onto the bag’s handle. Thank you.