2014-03-05 23:38:38

A FEW QUESTIONS WE GET ASKED EVERY YEAR

We have been doing these trips now for more than 10 years and have not lost any swimmers yet!

A team of helpers take on the responsibility of the children's care over the weekend. We have a named Team Managers, first aiders and helpers - all who will be introduced to you at the Calais Meeting in April. We try and work to a maximum ratio of 1 adult to 6 children..

You will be provided with out of hours mobile phone numbers so you can contact us in case of emergency together with the phone number for the youth hostel.

The hostel is like a small hotel with a manned 24hr reception desk and CCTV cameras in the corridors. Each pair of twin bedded rooms has a private shower room. Whilst there are other users in the hotel when we are there we are generally allocated a complete floor for our exclusve use.

Breakfast comprises cereal, a piece of fruit, french bread, butter and jam

lunch and dinner is a choice of cold starters, hot main meal, choice of puddings and a drink. The food is of a good standard but is "French!!!". If your children are fussy eaters you should send them with something they would like. The menu is not yet set but generally we have something like:

Spaghetti Boulognese

Chicken supreme and rice

Ham, chips and salad

We can arrange to supply vegetarian food but you will need to tell us when you book!!!

Children are "allocated" rooms. We make every effort to ensure they are sharing with friends of similar age, but in order to be fair to all of them we will not guarantee who will share with who. They will not be given their room allocations until we are on the ferry.

The "parents" all sleep with their doors open.

On arrival at the Eastern Docks before we embark the children are told who their 'parent' for the weekend will be. They have a 'Mum' or 'Dad' who takes on the responsibility of ensuring they are where they should be at the right time and place and have the kit they need. This person is there to answer any questions or concerns the child may have over the weekend and keeps a close eye on them all day and until they are tucked up at night.

On the ferry we have a designated area for the team to sit and should children wish to visit the shops or cafe they must do so in groups of no less than three. The children are not allowed outside on deck under any circumstances. Whilst they are on the ferry they remain our responsibillity even if you are travelling on the same crossing.

It is a long weekend of swimming but there will be opportunities for fun too. Between sessions there is free time for the children to chill out and again in the evening, time for further activities/quiz night etc.

Parents can travel to support the gala if they so choose but would be expected to arrange their own travel and accommodation. We would not encourage parents to stay at the hostel with us.

The pool is walking distance from Calais town centre and the railway station where the courtesy bus drops off passengers who have travelled on the ferry. The nearest hotel is the Holiday Inn which is in the town centre. (There is one at Coquelles too so make sure you book "centre ville").

This is a great opportunity for the children to 'grow up' a little and start doing things for themselves - like packing their own swimming bag etc!

Further details will be given at the meeting at the leisure centre on April 17th.

We do hope you will join us!

 

Related event: Calais Natation Meet May 3rd & 4th 2014

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