If you’re thinking about booking a place on one of our residentials for young people, here are some handy answers to some of the most common questions we get asked to help you decide whether the course is right for you.
Are your courses eligible for the residential section of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award?
Yes, we are an Approved Activity Provider for The Duke of Edinburgh and all of our 5 day residentials are eligible for the award. Always check with your DofE leader before you book.
How many participants will be on each course?
For a residential to meet DofE’s requirements, group sizes are to be a minimum of 5 people. Our course participation varies in size, some popular courses can take over 20 participants but the majority run between 10-20 participants.
Are participants individuals or are they from large groups who already know each other?
Participants should ideally join a residential as individuals and not know the other participants on the course, this is set by the Duke of Edinburgh as a requirement. A few participants may know each other when they join a residential and if this is the case, where possible they will work in separate groups.
What are the accommodation arrangements?
All participants are given shared rooms. Rooms are shared with those of the same gender and age and have access to toilet and shower facilities.
How many are in a dorm?
Room sizes vary from centre to centre. We offer rooms from two-bed through to 12-bed dormitories.
What are the rooms like?
Rooms are hostel style but clean and comfortable. If you’d like to see photographs of the centre and its rooms, visit our locations page here.
What is the food like?
All food is provided by the centre. This includes breakfast, packed lunch and evening meals. We can cater for most dietary requirements. If you do have allergies or special dietary requirements, please let the centre know in advance. You can see an example of the types of meals we serve here.
What is available during free time?
Each centre has indoor and outdoor relaxation areas. Indoor areas may include televisions, table football, pool table and space for board games etc… Our outdoor areas may include outdoor seating, walks within the centre grounds and spaces for team games.
When arriving by public transport, how can I get to the centre?
Details on how to get to each centre via public transport can be found on our website by viewing the centre you are visiting. Some centres may offer train station pick-ups, please contact the centre directly on this.
What do I need to bring?
Each centre will send out specific kit details once you have booked your place but here is an example kit list.
Kit list:
- Boots or wellingtons
- Waterproof jacket & trousers
- Hat and Gloves for warm and cold weather
- Wash kit
- Suitable clothing for the time of year
- Small day rucksack
- Head torch
- Water bottle and lunch box
- Suncream
- Medication
What happens if I need to cancel my booking?
Please see our booking terms and conditions on our website.
What happens if the Field Studies Council cancels my booking?
In the event that a course can’t take place for unforeseen circumstances or, the number of participants booked to attend doesn’t meet the minimum of 5 that DofE sets for the residential to meet award requirements, the centre will give you a minimum of 4 weeks’ notice and offer to transfer your booking to another course or, offer a full refund.
Are you looking to complete your gold Duke of Edinburgh Award? Do you want to explore possible career paths? Or do you want to expand your knowledge of nature and the natural world? Discover our range of opportunities for young people.