Introduction to Volunteering/Working Residential's...
DofE Opportunities
Phasels Wood Activity Centre offers an Introduction to volunteering/working in outdoor learning residential course.
For only £90 for the 5 days and 4 nights, participants gain a comprehensive introduction to the outdoor learning industry. This includes a wide range of activities, how an outdoor centre is run, qualifications available and how to work with a team and customers.
Learning Outcomes
Participants work as individuals, pairs or as a team with centre instructors/staff members throughout the week. There is an element
of flexibility in the programme due to the nature and demands of the centre.
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Jobs and duties will vary across the week but outcomes may include:
Activities
Basic understanding of individual activities
Able to support instructors in running sessions and communicate with participants and help enhance their experience
An opportunity to undertake activities that interest the participants themselves
Facilities
Understanding the standards expected by centre customers
Have a basic knowledge of the role of facilities staff
Have undertaken specific tasks in line with individual competency
Estates
Basic understanding of estates and woodland management requirements
Use of manual tools within individual competence
Customers
Knowledge of ‘Front Office’ functions involved in running the centre
Basic customer contact
Understanding of standards required in customer support
People
Understanding the importance of working as a team
Knowledge of standards of personal presentation when working with customers
Respect for shared facilities
Learning
An understanding of the qualifications available in the outdoor industry and the routes to their achievement
Finance
Understanding basic cash handling and stock maintenance
Knowledge of price lists and programmes
Please be aware that due to the nature and demands of the centre there is some flexibility in the programme and changes to sessions may occur.
Accommodation
Dedicated shared male or female accommodation will be provided in tents. Washroom facilities and a kitchen/dining area are provided. Participants may bring their own tent if they wish. A lodge may be made available on arrival (subject to availability). If a building is provided, each room sleeps a maximum of 6 people and is furnished with fitted bunk beds with mattresses and is heated.
Arrival and Departure times
Participants should arrive for 09:00 on the first day. Departure should be arranged for after 16:00 on the final day. Participants with long journeys may wish to arrange to arrive the night before and depart a day later. Early departure will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and by prior arrangement.
Catering
Food is included in the cost. Time to prepare and clean up meals is built into the programme.
Cost
The 5 day residential is £90.00 and includes food. This is payable in full when a booking is made via our online booking portal.
Special rates apply for members of the Scout Association.
Personal Equipment
Bedding is not supplied, participants need to bring sleeping bags, a sleeping mat, pillows etc. Final joining details and a kit list will be sent 2 weeks ahead of your arrival.
Attending with Friends
DofE guidelines state that the majority of participants be unknown to each other as per the DofE guidelines:
https://www.dofe.org/running-residentials/requirements.
You may be asked to move or cancel your booking if too many participants on the same week are from the same school/organisation.
Dates​
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We are pleased to be able to provide dates for our 2025 residential weeks.
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Monday 30 June - Friday 4 July 2025
Monday 7 - Friday 11 July 2025
Monday 21 - Friday 25 July 2025
Monday 28 July - Friday 1 August 2025
Monday 18 - Friday 22 August 2025
