Schools & Youth

Information for Students & Parents

Not long now until you’ll be coming to The New Forest for an amazing adventure

You will have a great time at the New Forest Outdoor Centre, we will work with your group leader to ensure the programme suits and you are well looked after. Our goal is for you to leave with new tales to tell and friendships that last a lifetime.

See FAQ’s for more in depth information.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

  • We have 10 shepherd huts on site, each has 4 bunk beds a sink and a wood burning stove to only be used if given leave by your group leader and the Centre Manager. Most groups come in the summer and it is not an issue! They have no power but come with lanterns and a draining sink for brushing teeth in the morning.

    37 people can sleep in the shepherd huts at max capacity; however, we offer tents, hammocks, tarps and other more rugged options for those who want a more natural sleeping experience.

    There will be no other groups on site during your stay, and being located in the middle of the private Minstead Manor Estate we are away from the footpaths and roads used by the general public.

    There are 2 shower blocks, one for the boys and one for the girls as well as a disabled toilet and a staff shower.

    The centre consists of the Carpenters Barn, attached to a permanent Marquee with a kitchen space and a decked area, we have two lawn areas and a fire pit with the huts being located at the edge of the lawns.

  • Activity programmes are set in advance for each group, we like to provide activities that are real and contain a sense of adventure. We like to encourage groups to embrace being in the woods and observe the natural world around us.

    Our approach to using the outdoors means that we go out in all weathers and adjust what we are doing to suit the conditions.

    Activities are run on a Challenge by Choice basis and we will not force anyone to do something that they do not wish to do. However we do hope you will come with a willingness to get involved, and a desire to help the people around you succeed.

  • A lot of energy is required combining outdoor activities with straying residentially in an outdoor centre so rest assured that we will keep you well fed.

    Groups can choose to bring their own food provisions and use the facilities available here for their cooking, some choose to do this but it will always be decided beforehand with the group organiser.

    Catered breakfast includes a cooked option (eggs and bacon) along with cereals, toast, juice and tea and coffee.

    Lunch can vary depending on the group but our caterer provides packed lunch, buffet or BBQ style options.

    Evening meal is commonly a BBQ either catered or self-led. We regularly cater for a wide range of special diets, which we need to know in advance. Please ensure that your group organiser is given the details so they can let us know before you come so we can plan accordingly.

  • Kit List

    During activities all safety equipment is provided by the centre.

    All clothing should be labelled with the owner’s name and participants are responsible for their personal belongings.

    We strongly suggest that people do not bring jewellery or new/expensive clothes as the nature of the activities can get clothes we, muddy or worn.

    During water sports activities you will have to wear secure closed toe footwear that will get wet and muddy.

     

    Things to think about when packing your bag:

    • How many days are you at the Centre?
    • Are you doing any water sports?
    • What do you want to wear during the evening or when not on activity sessions?
    • What will you wear to sleep in or if you need to get up and walk to the toilet in the night?
    • What are you going to keep wet and dirty clothes in after activity sessions? What’s the weather likely to be like?

     

    What to pack:

    • Waterproof Jacket and Trousers Walking boots/outdoor shoes Closed toe shoes for water activities
    • Water bottle
    • Rucksack
    • Torch
    • Sun cream and sun hat
    • Hat and Gloves
    • Insect repellent
    • Swimming costume/shorts
    • Towel and toiletries
    • Pyjamas
    • Underwear and lots of socks
    • Indoor /evening shoes
    • Casual clothes to wear in the evening
    • Clothes to wear on activities – t-shirts, warm jumpers, long trousers (not denim) and shorts

     

    Personal Medication

    Please ensure that your teachers/leaders are aware of any personal medication you may need prior to coming to the New Forest. Each school/group will have its own system for managing medication during the trip.

  • All our huts come complete with pillows, duvets and linen so there is no need to bring any bedding.

    Camping:

    Please bring your own sleeping bag for any nights camping or staying in a bivi, we can provide some but not for larger groups.

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