Frequently Asked Questions
Camp 4 Champs multi-skills sports activity camps make a great flexible childcare option. Bookable as individual days or a week at a time, and with extended day options to help working parents with early drop-offs and late pick-ups, there’s no better place to send your child for an action-packed day full of fun in a safe and secure environment!
We understand that you may have questions about Camp 4 Champs and how we offer a fantastic camp experience whereby your child takes part in a variety of multi-skills activities and makes friends, so we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here. If you are unable to find the answer you need, please do get in touch and we will be more than happy to help.
Booking
Making a booking with Camp 4 Champs couldn’t be simpler! You can either book online or click to find your venue to start your child’s adventure.
When making a booking, you pay online immediately using a debit or credit card.
You can use childcare vouchers as full or part payment. You can book online and select this option to secure your child’s place on camp and we’ll let you know once we’ve received your childcare vouchers. Please note 10% card payment deposit is required. Once you pay the full amount to your childcare voucher provider, we will refund your holding deposit straight back onto your card)
For full details please see our Childcare voucher page.
Our ‘full week’ discounts offer savings, but we also appreciate this may not suit your individual needs so we do also offer bookings for individual days.
We understand that your childcare plans can change and we want to be as flexible as possible for you while also being as fair as possible to all of our customers. You can change booking dates for FREE before your Camp 4 Champs booking date – as long as it’s within the current season and there’s availability. Please see Terms and Conditions for full details.
If you have booked a full week then we can only move the booking as a full week, unless you’re happy to pay the difference in price to split into days.
You can cancel a booking or part of a booking, up to 14 days before the start date and we will refund all monies paid. Please note there is a £5 cancellation fee. If cancellation is less than 14 days before the start date of the booking, unfortunately we are unable to refund any monies.
Before Camp
You’ll receive an email confirmation with all of your booking details. Please make sure you check the information provided thoroughly and let us know immediately if anything is incorrect.
Responsibility for all booking details rests with the person who made the booking.
All the details we need are captured when you register your child/ren for camp. If we require any more details we will contact you – particularly if it is necessary for us to administer any medication throughout the day as you may also need to complete a Request to Administer Medication form upon arrival at camp.
On the day
You know your child best and we understand that at times they may be feeling too poorly to attend our fun packed camp. That’s why we trust that you’re responsible for ensuring your child is well enough to participate in the activity sessions, and for ensuring other children aren’t affected by your child’s ill-health.
Please read our Terms and Conditions with regard to cancellations and changes but please note: we are unable to offer any credits for missed days due to illness or cancellation without 14 days prior written notice.
Please call our head office on 0208 103 0101 if you need advice or to tell us your child will not be attending.
Camp 4 Champs is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of your child, this is always our topmost concern. Safer recruitment is central to the way we work. We are incredibly proud of our dedicated and enthusiastic staff who share our commitment to safeguarding; always creating an environment where your child sees our camp as a fun place to be, where they feel safe and can thrive.
Prior to camp opening, we conduct all the necessary health and safety checks to ensure the venue is fit for purpose for the care of your child. All staff are appropriately trained and are fully aware of the necessary policies and procedures. Their training includes health, safety, safeguarding, hygiene and managing children’s behaviour to name a few. Our staff are also trained in the safe delivery of a variety of different activities, continually ensuring they’re safe and fun.
Whilst your child is at Camp 4 Champs the staff complete daily checks as part of our monitoring system to ensure they are safe and running in accordance with our codes of practice. Daily welfare reminder checklists for various childcare routines such as hygiene, healthy eating, fire safety and sun protection are also completed by staff. Children are continually supervised by staff throughout the day including break and lunch times. Our adult (supervisor) to child ratios vary from activity to activity; however, we aim to keep the groups as small as possible, as follows:
- Mini Champs: (4-6 year olds): up to 15 children to 1 supervisor (plus support crew)
- Junior Champs: (7-9 year olds): up to 15 children to 1 supervisor
- Mighty Champs: (10+ year olds): up to 16 children to 1 supervisor
At the end of each day our staff will follow our strict and secure collection procedures as children leave. If you’d like any feedback on your child’s day, please just ask during this time and we’ll organise for a staff member to speak to you.
When heading to Camp 4 Champs for the first time, we appreciate that it can be a little daunting for you and your child. We understand how much trust it takes to leave your child in the care of another person, and we take your child’s health and well-being very seriously.
For most, excitement trumps nerves but rest assured that our caring staff will ensure that your worries are quickly put at ease and your child is settled in smoothly. Camp 4 Champs prides itself on delivering a high quality kids holiday activity camp whereby your child will make new friends, increase their self-confidence and feel good about their accomplishments.
Staff support each individual child during their first time at camp by making sure they’re familiar with the venue, staff and how the programme works and what they should expect during their day. It’s surprisingly quick how children settle in and make new friends!
The day is organised into four or five sessions each lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Children will stay with their coach for the whole day.
We offer a range of activities so there are choices for children whether they’re into sports or more creative activities.
There is a short morning break and a lunch break for the children during the day.
Drop off and collection
Look out for the Camp 4 Champs banner and our staff who will be on hand to direct you to the registration point when arriving at camp. Drop off and collection will be at this point every day.
At the registration desk, give the member of staff your child’s name. The staff member will ensure you have completed all the necessary form/s and check over any additional information that you have made us aware of. From this point your child will be introduced to our friendly staff. Staff members will oversee the care of your child and ensure they settle easily into the camp.
To enhance security when collecting your child from camp you be asked to give us a collection password. This will be required by the person collecting your child at departure time.
Can my child walk home alone?
Camp 4 Champs stipulate that a child has to be aged 10 or over to be able to walk home by themselves and we MUST have written permission via email or text message from their parent/carer prior to the child leaving. This is the responsibly of a manager and/ or director to ensure permission has been received.
If you would like to speak to a member of staff about their marvellous achievements and what they have been up to during the day they will be more than happy to have a chat with you and share this information when collecting your child. If this is not a convenient time for you, simply ask for an appointment and we will endeavour to get back to you asap.
Our standard hours are 9am to 4pm. For even more flexibility we offer Extended Hours from 8am – 6pm.
Dropping your child off is usually a simple and quick process but on your child’s first day at camp please allow a little longer to check in. As you may appreciate, we need to ensure we have all the vital information to ensure your child is safe. Please also allow plenty of time for collection as staff will be going through the necessary security procedures.
Where possible, please avoid dropping off or collecting your child within the 9.15am to 3.30pm period as children and staff will be taking part in activity sessions. If you do need to drop off or collect within these hours, please speak directly Camp Manager at sign in to arrange this. If your plans change and you need to collect your child between these hours, please call our head office on 0208 103 0101. We will be able to get a message to your camp manager.
Don’t worry, your child will be well cared for until you arrive. If you’re likely to be delayed after 4pm, please call 0208 103 0101 so our staff can let your child/ren know. We’ll book them into the Extended Camp, and you will be charged £7 which will be added to your account.
If you think you’ll be later than 6.00pm please arrange for someone else to collect your child. We are only registered to care for children until 6.00pm and are obliged to notify Children’s Services of any child still on site after this time. Any parents collecting children after 6.00pm will also incur a charge of £5 for every 5 minutes which will be charged to your account.
Groups and friends
Yes! Each child will be assigned a leader during their time at camp who will be responsible for your child’s welfare.
Where appropriate, children are grouped with others of a similar age and interests.
4-6 year olds: With a maximum of 15 children in the group, this age group are looked after by their leader and an assistant (support crew) who has relevant childcare experience/qualifications.
7-9 year olds: With a maximum of 15 children in the group, this age group are looked after by their leader who has relevant childcare experience/qualifications.
10+ year olds: With a maximum of 16 children in the group, this age group are looked after by their leader who has relevant childcare experience/qualifications.
Our groupings are organised each day and the coach assigned to your child will be the coach most suited to their age group. If you’re booking for more than one week you may find that your child will be placed in different groups on the different weeks. This is because the age profile of the camp changes week by week. Where appropriate, children are grouped with others of a similar age and interests.
Many children arrive not knowing other children and part of the Camp 4 Champs experience is developing new friendships, interacting with other children and trying out new activities with the superb Camp 4 Champs staff that care for your child.
Unfortunately, if the group is full, we are unable to squeeze in an extra child due to our staff ratio’s, as our first priority has to be the safety of all children. Please be assured that we will endeavour to accommodate friend or sibling requests made as long as both children are happy, mutually agree and are a similar age.
Please try to not let this worry you as most children do, they’re either on their own or with a sibling in another group.
From the outset, our friendly camp staff will reassure your child and encourage them to get involved in our team building activities, which help them settle and make friends in their group, so their day is filled with adventure, fun and laughter!
All children experience a mixture of excitement and nervousness when camp approaches, this is natural. The camp experience can help kids develop social skills, resilience, self-reliance and social adaptability. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much your child’s confidence will grow at Camp 4 Champs.
We continually receive positive feedback from parents/carers about how their child was very nervous at the start of camp, but by the end of their first day all signs of nerves had disappeared, and they can’t wait to come back! Our staff are aware children can be worried about coming to a new childcare setting and are trained to deal sympathetically with these situations.
In the unlikely event that your child doesn’t settle at camp on their first day, please let us know at your earliest convenience. You can contact us on 0208 103 0101 and we will try to resolve any concerns you may have. Open communications are very important to ensure your child has a fantastic time at camp and help tremendously to resolve any problems related to your child not settling.
Activities
They’re in good company! We appreciate and have taken into consideration that not all children enjoy sports, but all children love running around, playing games and having fun. At Camp 4 Champs there are opportunities for children to participate in many activities; including arts and crafts, cookery, reading, treasure hunts and much more. If your child isn’t the next Lionel Messi our staff will make them feel top of the world by giving a few key tips at whatever activity they are involved in and the emphasis is solely on having fun, joining in and trying new things.
There is a swimming section in the registration form that will need to be completed prior to camp. This provides our staff with essential information about your child’s swimming ability and confidence in the water.
We ask if your child can swim unaided on their front and back for at least 10 metres without putting their feet down. If you state ‘No’ on your registration form, your child will be given a red band to wear on their wrist which will alert the life they are a weak/non swimmer. All non swimmers will be given buoyancy aids in line with their age, height and depth of the pool and will only be permitted to swim in the roped off shallow end.
If you state ‘Yes’ on the registration form they’ll need to demonstrate their ability to the qualified lifeguards by confidently swimming a width of the pool.
Please watch our Swimming video from our sites in Billericay https://vm.tiktok.com/
Swimming is optional, so any child not wishing to swim will be able to take part in alternate activities.
ALL the activities are included in the price!
We have a wide range of activities on offer which children can choose from. Our activities are carefully selected to suit the age of your child and support their development. What’s on offer may vary between camps depending on resources available. Where an activity is very popular, we will offer more sessions, so all children have an opportunity to take part. Some activities have restricted numbers and where this is the case they will be rotated fairly amongst the children in the group during the camp.
If we are required to withdraw an activity due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, we’ll reinstate them as soon as is practically possible.
We can’t arrange the sunshine, but we can put ‘Plan B’ into action when the great British weather strikes! Our carefully selected venues have excellent facilities which enable us to offer a wide and varied wet weather program. Some activities will be withdrawn in wet weather for safety reasons.
Our staff members plan daily schedules around weather factors, facilities, staff experience and the number and ages of children attending. For those reasons, timetables are organised prior to camp; however, are confirmed on the day of camp.
The activities timetable will be displayed in the registration area at camp each day, so you can see which activity choices your child/ren will be offered. This is a great opportunity for you to sit down with your child and discuss which options they want to choose and to find out a bit more about their day.
Each day on camp may vary but here’s an outline of a typical day on our sample timetable.
Camp theme days encourage a camp spirit, generate excitement and offer your child the chance to be a superhero, a princess or a pirate! We have theme days at each camp and there is no better excuse for everyone to dress up and have an amazing time. Please don’t spend hours making your costume or spending lots of money, unless you want to! Children will also have time to make outfits and props during camp. Some of the best costumes we’ve seen have been resourcefully made and we encourage up-cycling old clothes to create your child’s masterpiece.
Belongings
We recommend children bring the following to ensure they have a fun filled day:
- A packed lunch and snack for breaktime (STRICTLY NO NUTS PERMITTED on camp).
- A refillable water bottle with your child’s name on it. We have water bottles available to purchase at sign in if you forget!
- There is a tuck shop on site, but we ask you to limit the amount of money your child brings. The suggested amount for tuck is between £1.00 – £2.00 per child per day.
- Children should wear loose comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather conditions and closed toe footwear. We suggest you don’t send them in new and expensive clothing as they will be involved in many activities and kids being kids are likely to get mucky! Please ensure your child leaves all valuables at home as staff are not able to look after a child’s possessions.
- Swimming kit every day for all water activities (swimming only available at Warlingham, Mayflower & Dorking), including a swim hat (Warlingham School only) and armbands if required, although it may not always be needed. An additional T-shirt would be advisable to protect against the sun in warmer weather. If your child does not have a swimming kit or would prefer not to take part, there will be an alternative activity available.
- Sun cream and a hat. Please provide the appropriate factor sun protection cream, preferably a spray for younger children, as staff will be on hand to do this for them and the children can then rub it in themselves. Throughout the day staff will remind children to apply sun cream at break and lunch.
We provide any equipment necessary for all the activities, so there is no need to send your child/ren with anything other than packed lunch, swimming kit (if required) and sun protection. Please ensure all clothing is named and that your child brings home all items at the end of the day.
We strongly advise that children don’t bring mobile phones*, gadgets or any other valuable items such as jewellery on to camp.
In the event of an emergency we have all the contact details required. Children will be too busy having fun and making memories with their friends so there’s no real use for these items. Also, Camp 4 Champs staff are not permitted to take care of such items and we cannot accept responsibility if they are lost, damaged or stolen.
*Mobile phones: We understand that older children may need their phones when making their way to and from camp; however, they’re not allowed to be used once on camp, during break times or for photographs. We ask that phones are kept in personal baggage at all times and at the owner’s risk. Please make sure your child is aware of this.
Sports equipment, we have plenty!
For health and safety reasons, we are unfortunately unable to permit food treats to be brought onto camp to be shared with the children; for example, a child may have a nut allergy.
Please make sure all of your child/ren’s belongings are clearly labelled with their full name as this enables staff to return the item to its rightful owner promptly.
If you realise your child has misplaced an item, please contact us at your earliest convenience and we will organise a time that is best for you to collect it.
Lost property items will be displayed in the registration area, please check this when dropping off or collecting your child.
If any named items are found on camp, our staff will attempt to contact you to collect before the camp closes.
We are not responsible for any items left at camp.
Medical
We trust that you will give us as much information as possible about any medical condition/s your child has before camp starts. Please share full details on the registration form when booking. In some circumstances we may need to send you some more forms to gain additional information from you about your child’s needs. All information will remain confidential with staff members at your camp and will be placed on the daily register.
Please inform us if it is necessary for us to administer any medication throughout the day. All medication must be kept in a named bag or container, a medical form and full details can be completed upon arrival at camp registration.
If your child has an allergy, please make sure you tell us about it by completing the relevant sections when booking. At registration, we will give your child a green band to wear on their wrist. This band is to alert all members of staff that your child has an allergy. Your child will still be able to take a full part in our cookery program as we have a variety of ingredients to cater for almost every allergy!
It is the parents/carers responsibility to inform the camp if their child carries an Epi-pen. Camp 4 Champs staff at each camp will be able to administer an Epi-pen in an emergency situation.
If we have been advised in advance or on the day of camp that a child is required to carry an Epi-pen but arrives to camp without it then we will NOT ALLOW the child to register until it can be provided.
Try not to worry, we’re well prepared! We have many safety checks and procedures in place to ensure the best care is provided for your child.
As you may appreciate, sometimes children do have accidents when taking part in activities, such as a grazed knee. Qualified first aiders at each camp will deal with minor accidents and illnesses.
Should a child suffer a more serious injury or fall ill at camp you will be contacted immediately.
If a child requires medication whilst at camp, please supply it in a well labelled container and sign a consent form upon arrival at camp registration.
Policies & Procedures
Photos being taken are for promotional purposes and for parents/carers to view their child’s exciting, fun packed day on our social media platforms!
Throughout the day our Camp Manager will get snap happy and our best efforts are made to take as many photos as possible at camp. Please bear in mind that we can’t guarantee your child will appear on these platforms as the operation of the camp itself has to come first.
If you do not wish for images of your child to be taken and shared on social media, please update the relevant section when booking.
Our policies and procedures recognise that the welfare and interests of children attending Camp 4 Champs holiday camps and after school clubs are paramount in all circumstances. All the information provided within our policies are in line with current advice from Ofsted, local authorities and National Governing Bodies of Sport and detail how our staff will guide, support and keep your child/ren safe whilst they’re in our care.
Our staff provide unique care that is consistent and fair, and our camp programmes engage, inspire and guide every child. Our safety standards are challenged externally and internally to ensure our exceptional standard of care never falters.
We welcome any feedback from parents/carers, staff, volunteers and of course children to set the highest standards so you only get the best!
Please refer to our policies and procedures page for further details.
At Camp 4 Champs our aim is that every child feels valued, respected and is treated fairly and well, therefore our policy is designed to support the way in which all members of the camp can work together in a supportive way. It aims to promote an environment in which everyone feels happy, safe and secure.
Staff members are always there to model and promote positive behaviour and manage challenging behaviour appropriately, fairly and consistently. Should the positive atmosphere of the group be compromised by disruptive or inappropriate actions and words, staff will remind, explain and aim to resolve the issue.
Depending on the extent of the infringement and the frequency, we may have to exclude a child from the camp.
We have a zero tolerance approach to bullying at Camp 4 Champs and we take this matter very seriously. Swift action will be taken at the earliest opportunity by our staff to deal with any incidences.
Please see our anti-bullying policy.
We recognise that the care, protection and welfare of children is paramount. All Camp 4 Champs staff have a responsibility to keep children safe and our policies and practices reflect this responsibility and all staff have a duty in law to act if they consider a child is at risk or makes a disclosure. Our staff act in accordance with the procedures set out in the Camp 4 Champs policies.
Your privacy is very important to us and we are committed to protecting and respecting yours and your child’s privacy. We will not collect any personal data from you that we do not need in order to provide or manage the services outlined. Any confidential or sensitive information we receive about your child is only shared with staff on a need to know basis and never with a third party, this applies to all forms of communication. At all times Camp 4 Champs will take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that your data is treated securely, in accordance with GDPR and in line with our Confidentiality policy and Privacy policy.
Camp 4 Champs primary aim is to provide equal opportunity for all children in our care and to take positive actions to eliminate discrimination. We are committed to fairness and to the principle of equal opportunities, ensuring it is applied to all areas of our operation. Please see our Equal opportunities policy.
Healthy eating and physical activity are vital for proper growth and development in childhood. Camp 4 Champs promotes good health and encourages children to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. We pride ourselves on creating a positive link between sport and fun, encouraging involvement in physical activity long after children have attended.
Our staff implement camp procedures to ensure your child recognises good health and hygiene practice whilst on camp; for example:
- Water stations are provided at each camp and we encourage children to fill their water bottles up when they are running low
- Staff role model sun safety and we ask children to apply sun cream at regular intervals and wear a hat if need be
- Staff reiterate the importance of washing hands with soap and warm water after going to the toilet, before eating and at regular intervals throughout the day
- Children are actively encouraged to put their hand over their mouth when couching/sneezing and instructed to wash their hands after
We ask that the children be sent to camp with a healthy and nutritious packed lunch, so they have enough energy to keep going all day! Please note, we have a STRICTLY NO NUTS policy at camp.
If your child is ill, please do not send them to camp as they may not be able to take part in our fun activities and may make other children or coaches ill. If your child falls ill whilst at camp, we will contact home straight away and care for them until you’re able to collect.
Camp 4 Champs will do all that is reasonable and practicable to protect the health, safety and welfare of all children in our care, along with staff, and any other visitors to our sites. Staff will maintain a positive, proactive and diligent attitude towards health and safety throughout the season, frequently checking all systems and reviewing risk assessments annually.
At Camp 4 Champs we have a low coach to camper ratio. By keeping the ratios low we feel our children get a positive and enjoyable camp experience in a safe and child centred environment.
All our coaches are fully qualified and hold current Enhanced DBS certificates, current safeguarding & food hygiene certificates.
All of our sites have amazing facilities of a very high standard. All our equipment is checked before sessions to ensure that we only run sessions with perfect equipment. All the equipment that we use is age and size appropriate. Please see our Risk Assessment, Fire Safety and Health and Safety Policy.