Yes. We have recently developed a whole host of new programme ideas which include badge weekends such as the Outdoor Challenge Weekends hosted at Youlbury SAC. Please look at our ‘What we do’ section online, or contact your nearest centre for more information.

We offer a number of events across our centres throughout the year. From events for Beavers through to Network groups – there’s something for everyone. Visit our ‘Events’ section online for more information.

No, unfortunately we don’t allow any pets on site as we want to limit any potential risk to our visitors, young people and adults alike.

This is possible (subject to availability) and may be charged. Please contact the centre for further details and availability.

We have various vacancies for staff throughout the year, both in paid and voluntary positions. There is some further information in our ‘Join our team’ section online, or please email sac@scouts.org.uk if you have a specific question.

We have various vacancies for staff throughout the year, both in paid and voluntary positions. All our vacancies are advertised on The Scout Association website.

The Scout Association has a safety policy, which all Scout Activity Centres are obliged to follow. This is regularly reviewed to ensure that all young people and adults who take part in our activities do so safely and with a minimum of risk. It is the policy of The Scout Association to provide Scouting in a safe manner without risk to health, so far as is reasonably practicable. For specific risk assessments please contact the centres directly.

All of the Scout Activity Centres have independent public liability insurance up to £5 million. However, this does not cover loss or damage to personal property so we advise against bringing any expensive personal items, or instead, obtaining personal insurance for this.

Great Tower and Hawkhirst deliver activities that fall under the scope of this licensing scheme. The rest of our centres follow our safety system, which is formulated from our long experience in working with young people and several technical experts.

Yes. Risk assessments for specific tasks and activities that we deliver are available on request from each centre.

You are encouraged to visit the centre before the trip to see the range of facilities available and to meet the staff. These visits are the ideal opportunity to discuss your specific needs face-to-face and allow you to familiarise yourself with the location before the group arrive. Please discuss with us when you wish to visit so we can ensure there is someone available to meet you and your colleagues.

All staff undergo The Scout Association’s stringent vetting procedure, including an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check.

All our staff go through an intensive training process and will be qualified, where appropriate, with the relevant national governing body qualification for the activity.

As much, or as little, as you need. Our programmes (self programme and full programme) cater for the differences in need and ability.
A range of resources are also available on our website including pre and post lesson ideas for you to use. Our activities link directly into the National Curriculum and this information is also available.

Our staff will make every effort to ensure all the members of your group can be included in the activities regardless of ability or any personal requirements. It is important to ensure you provide appropriate information regarding this to our staff before you arrive so any special arrangements which may be required can be made. There will be situations where it may be impossible to enable certain individuals to take part in a particular activity but if this is the case we will offer a more appropriate alternative activity.

Yes, we are often able to provide facilities suitable for disabled individuals. Contact your chosen centre for more information.

As outdoor activity centres we will continue with activity experiences in the rain. If adverse conditions occur, our duty manager will make a decision based on circumstances.

Each activity group needs to be supervised during instructed activity sessions. Our staff will take responsibility for safety during these sessions. However, the group leader will be responsible for the young people generally whilst on site.

Yes. If you need assistance with any first aid please find a member of staff or report to the activity centre office. A member of our team will be happy to assist you within their own capabilities.

Scout Activity Centres are owned by The Scout Association. Any income we generate goes back into Scouting, benefitting young people across the UK.

It is possible that other groups will be on site during your stay. With centres offering between 40 and 250 acres and a plethora of activities there’s enough provision for everyone!

Choose a centre, arrange a site visit, decide what you want to do, check availability, make a provisional booking, pay deposit to confirm, arrive at centre, meet the team.
Visit the centre pages for contact details to book.

You can buy insurance through our wholly owned insurance broker, Unity Insurance Services. Unity have worked with young groups for many years and so understand what is important to you. To find out more visit www.unityinsuranceservices.co.uk or contact us on 0845 0945 702.

Scout Shops is a leading supplier of outdoor equipment and clothing. We have a large range of affordable branded products to give you the best choice for what you need on any activity weekend. From boots to tents, visit www.scouts.org.uk/shop or call 0845 094 8031.

Yes. We have recently developed a whole host of new programme ideas which include badge weekends such as the Outdoor Challenge Weekends hosted at Youlbury SAC. Please look at our ‘What we do’ section online, or contact your nearest centre for more information.

Accommodation ranges from tents to purpose-built indoor lodges with en suite accommodation. Whatever the option, our facilities are of a high standard.

The course leader will advise you as to what exactly your child should bring and will provide you with a full kit list, dependant on the activities booked.

It is advised that valuables should be left at home. We want to minimise the risk of theft/loss.

It is proven that spending time away from home taking part in residential and/or adventurous activities can have a huge impact on a young person. The progression in self confidence, communication skills and the development of a team is hard to rival in any other environment. We are confident that the experience we provide becomes something a young person remembers for a long time and applies the skills they have developed in numerous areas of their lives. Activities are linked to different areas of the National Curriculum, so whether or not your child is visiting with their school or youth group, you can be sure that it will be a valuable experience for them.

If your child is booked onto a programme that includes catering, the course leader will be asked to ensure dietary requirements are submitted at least 3 weeks prior to your arrival.

All staff undergo The Scout Association’s stringent vetting procedure, including an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check.

All our staff go through an intensive training process and will be qualified, where appropriate, with the relevant national governing body qualification for the activity.

From our experience, contact with home, especially when a child is experiencing homesickness can cause additional stress. Your teachers/leaders will have a policy for dealing with contact with home which will depend on the age of the students. The teachers and leaders know the young people well and will be able to make a judgement about whether contacting home is the best plan. A residential experience should provide enough distraction that they will hardly have time to think about being at home, however, should the need arise we will not prevent any child from calling home. Arrangements should be discussed with the teachers/ leaders bringing the group away.
We ask that you do not try and contact the centre unless it is an absolute emergency.

Yes they can. We have effective safety systems in place to manage this situation. All participants are expected to wear buoyancy aids during water sports activities. Please ensure you inform the course leader of the situation so that the centre can be informed.

It is suggested that your child’s birthday is recognised and celebrated via the course leader.