- When is Suisse Adventure?
- Sunday 26th July – Saturday 8th August 2009
- Who can go?
- SA09 is for Hampshire Explorers, Network and their leaders
- How many places are there?
- There are 250 participant places
- Can I come on SA09 if I am from outside of Hampshire?
- SA09 is only open to members of Hampshire County
- What is the age range for participants?
- The age range is 14-24 inclusive at the time of the trip
- What if I don’t turn 14 until during/after the trip?
- The lower age limit is determined by KISC’s activity age limits, and is therefore not flexible. To qualify for SA09 the latest date you can turn 14 is Sunday 26th July 2009, the day we leave.
- What if I turn 25 during the trip?
- Providing you are still 24 on 26th July 2009, the day we leave, you can still come as Network
- What if I’m 25+ at the time of the trip?
- Unfortunately you will be out of the age bracket for participants, however you can apply to fill one of the staff roles
- How do I apply to come as staff?
- Complete a booking form in the usual way, indicating in the box provided that you are applying for a staff role. If you are not selected then all deposits will of course be refunded.
- When will I know whether I have been selected for a staff position?
- We will be holding a staff selection weekend in the spring (2008). Shortly after that we will be able to advise all applicants whether they have been successful.
- Why do you need a staff selection weekend?
- We have a number of specific staff roles to fill, and the selection weekend will ensure that the right people are assigned to the right roles.
- What if I am unable to make the staff selection event?
- We will aim to give as much notice as possible, however if you are unable to come then you will need to talk to Liz Kemp, our staff manager. She can be reached via our contact address contactus@suisse-adventure.org.uk
- What does SA09 cost?
- When will I need to pay?
- On booking a non-refundable deposit of £100 is payable per place.
Three further payments will then be spread through 2008 and into 2009.
- Is there a reduced rate for leaders?
- No, the cost is the same for Leaders and young people. On SA09 Leaders are also considered to be participants, and as such will have the opportunity to take part in the full programme
- How do I book a place?
- Complete a booking form and cover sheet and return to the County Office with £100 deposit per place
- When can I book?
- Bookings open on January 1st 2008, and the booking period runs until 31st March 2008.
Bookings will be accepted on a first come first served basis.
- Can I book as an individual or only as part of a group?
- The event is being run for groups to attend together. We are therefore asking that Explorers book as groups with their leaders accompanying them where possible. Network are also encouraged to book as groups, however individual bookings will be accepted.
- Can we add to our booking at a later date?
- Yes, providing there are still spaces and it is within the booking period. Simply indicate on the cover sheet that you are adding to an existing booking.
- What if my leader is unable to come/there is only me that wants to go from my unit?
- In these circumstances we will look to house you with other units, or to provide leaders for your group. Please contact us via our contactus@suisse-adventure.org.uk address before booking
- Why does my leader need to sign my cover sheet?
- This is to ensure that Leaders are aware of any bookings from their unit. Any Explorer bookings received without a signed cover sheet will be returned.
- Can I come for just part of the event?
- No, we will be accepting bookings for the full event only
- How are we getting there?
- We are currently budgeting on coach travel, however this is subject to change
- Where will the coaches be picking up from?
- The coaches will pick up from various points across the county, depending on where people are coming from.
- What kit do we need?
- You will be camping and catering for yourselves, so need to bring all camping and catering kit.
- How will our kit be getting to Switzerland?
- Where will the lorry be loading?
- This is yet to be confirmed, however it will be at one single secure location
- Is there a limit on how much kit we can bring?
- At this stage we have not set a limit on kit, however please be aware that the lorry only has so much space. Limit yourselves to what you need, but don’t deprive yourselves!
- Can we take food over?
- No, Swiss law states that you may only take into the country enough food for one day, i.e. the food you’ll be taking for consumption as you travel.
- Do we need to take toilets?
- No, there are brick built toilet and shower facilities on site
- What about gas?
- We can’t take gas over in the lorry, however both Propane and Butane gas can be bought from KISC, as can meths or petrol. Gas regulators are different in Switzerland, but these can also be hired from the Centre.
- How much personal kit can I take?
- The personal kit allowance is two 80-litre bags per person. One will travel out on the lorry, and will therefore be away for a longer period, the other will travel with you on the coach.
- Do we need any special kit?
- We will provide a kit list nearer the time, however everyone will need stout walking boots for hiking, with ankle support not just approach shoes.
All specialist equipment for activities will be supplied, e.g. ice axes, crampons, ropes, harnesses.
- Where do we get supplies?
- Kandersteg Village can supply all your needs during the event. It has a Co-op and another supermarket, a butchers, a bakers and so on.
Several of the local shops give discount if you’re wearing your Scout necker
- Will we need a 1st Aider?
- Unit leaders will be the first point of contact for their Explorers at all times, including first aid matters. Where Leaders are unavailable/off site or the injury is more severe we will be providing 24 hour 1st Aid cover.
KISC also have their own 1st Aid team.
The exception to this will be where Explorers are participating in guided activities, where the guide will be responsible.
Network are responsible for ensuring they have sufficient basic 1st Aid knowledge
- What additional activities are available, and how much do they cost?
- There are a huge number of activities available, and the amount you spend can be amazingly varied.
For example for Free or in the £5-10 range are things like crate stacking, mini golf, zip wire, bowling, local 1/2 or 1 day hikes, sauna, jacobs ladder and so on.
Examples of things costing a bit more are approx £40 for an extra 2 day hike with overnight hut stay, approx £60 for paragliding, or if you’re feeling flush £170 for a go at skydiving!
- When will we need to book our additional activities?
- The closing date for booking additional activities is 31st December 2008. Before then we will be providing you with plenty of further information on the activities available, and programming sessions will be run at the training weekend in the Autumn.
