Parents Guide

Scripture Union and its holidays

Scripture Union is an international Christian charity which operates in more than 140 countries to make God’s Good News known to children, young people and families. In England and Wales Scripture Union’s ministries include Schools work, church based work, publishing and missions. Scripture Union has been running holidays for more than 100 years and last year nearly 4000 children and young people joined us on our programme of over 100 holidays. Several holidays are operated by West Runton who work in association with Scripture Union and more information can be found at www.westrunton.org.uk

Use the links below to find out all about our holidays

Who are they for?

Scripture Union holidays are open to all children and young people aged 8 –18+, though most holidays cover only a 2-4 year age band. Many children and young people return to the programme year after year, bringing new friends with them, though a warm welcome is always assured for any who choose to come alone. Some sites are not suitable for those with special needs and we ask that parents are open about any physical, social or behavioural issues at the time of booking so that the needs may be met appropriately.

Who runs them?

gh application and induction process and on-going training is given each year. Many leaders are teachers, children’s or youth workers or work closely with children in other employment. All our team members go through a stringent vetting procedure and are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure issued by the Criminal Records Bureau.

What about safety?

Scripture Union takes the issue of safety extremely seriously. All team members agree to abide by our Child Protection policies and are given training in this area. Ratios are never more than 1:4 (1 adult to 4 young people) and supervision is given that is appropriate to the age of the children and the nature of the activity being undertaken. It is normal practice to have a qualified First Aider on site and a qualified lifeguard will always supervise swimming, where required. Scripture Union is licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Service (AALS) to provide specified activities under the following headings: caving, climbing, trekking, watersports. Licence details can be confirmed by calling the Licensing Authority, tel 029 2075 5715. Adventurous Activities do have an inherent risk, we manage this risk by having appropriately qualified volunteers, regular training and a risk management system.

Are the holidays just for Christian children?

Not at all. They are open to children of any faith background or none. Each holiday will look at the Bible and present the claims of Christianity in fun, relevant and age appropriate ways. Everyone is expected to participate in these times but those who attend are free to respond as they wish. The nature of and the time spent in these meetings / activities will vary from holiday to holiday so do speak to your event leader or Booking Secretary if you have questions.

What happens on a holiday?

The activity will vary enormously from holiday to holiday and that is why it is important to read each holiday’s information carefully so that you choose one that is right for your child (not just at a convenient time or location!). Each one will have a mix of activity and relaxation with an emphasis placed on fun, faith and friendship. Some general concerns which parents (or their children) often have are:

Food. There will be a nutritious balanced diet and special diets can be catered for on moral and / or religious grounds when advised at the time of booking. Many holidays also run a tuck shop and a small amount of pocket money may be useful for this or the bookshop
Bedtimes. These will be appropriate to the age group. Leaders do not normally sleep in with the children but the children will always be informed where the nearest leader is sleeping in case of emergency.
Communication Each holiday will supply a contact number which you can ring in an emergency. Each holiday also has its own policy on mobile phones. Where they are permitted, parents are encouraged not to ring as they can disrupt the programme and cause homesickness. Children will always have access to a phone (where possible) during the day and parents are encouraged to contact the leader immediately if a child raises any cause for concern.
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What are the key small print issues?

Finance.All bookings need to be sent with a non-refundable deposit of £30 (unless otherwise stated), payable to Scripture Union or West Runton Camps, as appropriate. The full fee is due 8 weeks before the start of the holiday. If full fees are not forthcoming at this point, you may lose your place. Bookings made within this 8 week period should be accompanied by the full fee. The deposit will only be refunded where an application for a grant is not successful. (The David Chilcott Fund assists young people from families on income-related state or council benefits to attend Christian holidays who would otherwise be unable to attend. Grants of up to £80, in total, per calendar year may be given to an applicant. Further details can be found at www.dcfund.co.uk). The cost of the holiday includes all board and activity (unless stated) but does not include travel to and from the holiday venue.
Insurance. Scripture Union is fully covered for public liability. You are not, however, insured against personal accident or injury as a result of an accident or loss of possessions. We therefore suggest those who feel that additional insurance is necessary to make their own arrangements. There is a scheme which has been arranged specially for Scripture Union holiday attendees and covers a wide range of activities. Full details and an application form can be sent to you on request - please tick the box on the Booking Form. Insurance is mandatory for overseas holidays.(As the insurance industry is regulated by the Financial Services Authority, we are unable to provide advice oninsurance matters.)
Data protection. Scripture Union will hold your details on fi le but will not release the information to any third party. Some details may be shared with the team and an address list may be shared wiith the young people and team on your chosen holiday enabling them to make contact outside of the holiday but if you are not happy for this to happen please advise the holiday leader when booking.
Photograph policy. Children may be photographed on the holiday! The photographs will only be used by SU or organisations in sympathy with SU to whom express permission may be granted. If you do not wish to be photographed please ask your child to tell the photographer who will respect their wishes.
Special needs. Whilst recognising that all children are special, some may have needs which require extra support. It is Scripture Union's aim to include such children on our holidays within the guidelines of suitable provision and staffing. To do this we ask all parents to give us full details of their child's special needs (i.e. disability / medical condition/medication) at the time of booking in order that we can meet those needs to the best of our ability.
Behavioural issues. We must be advised at the time of booking if a child currently has or has recently experienced any behavioural or social problems which may affect their own safety and / or the well-being of others on the holiday. Sharing this information with us allows us to provide a suitable level of support to a child. Scripture Union reserves the right to:

refuse any application
alter or cancel a holiday where necessary
ask a young person to leave the holiday if their behaviour is incompatible with the general enjoyment and well-being of others, in which case the parent or guardian will be informed and collection arrangements must be made at their own expense and no refund will be given

Your views matter.

Each year we review our programmes and specifically seek feedback from those who took part as well as some parents. Please do not hesitate to contact the leader of your holiday or the National Office if you wish to pass on any comments of praise and thanks or raise matters of concern.