Hilston Park.

1. Hilston Park. Hilston Park is an old manor house in the Monmouthshire countryside. It is close to Skenfrith, about 20 minutes from Abergavenny and 10 minutes from Monmouth.

2. Hilston Park. On day 1, the children will be shown their rooms, issued with equipment and run through a fire drill. They will then attempt some practical, team building exercises on site.

3. Staffing. • The centre is populated by very highly qualified staff who will lead each activity. • Mr. Gough and Miss Lewis will also be supervising the children at all times.

4. Hilston Park. • Over the next 3 days, the children are split into groups and will take part in 1 activity per day. They will be canoeing and learning forest skills on the canal near Goytre on 1 day. They might even be lucky enough to canoe on the River Wye.

5. Hilston Park. • On one of the other days, they will be going to the Forest of Dean, to hone their climbing skills, attempt some high rope activities and to perhaps explore some very shallow (and very safe) caves.

6. Hilston Park. The children will also have a chance to explore the local countryside on a day-long walking session, based around Skenfrith or the Black Mountains and the surrounding countryside.

7. Hilston Park. • On the last day, children will be participating in some on-site orienteering. They will also have to make sure their rooms are thoroughly clean. They will be picked up at 1 o’clock and should be back in school for 2p.m. or shortly after.

8. Hilston Park. • They will be woken at 7 a.m every morning and are expected to prepare their own packed lunches in preparation for the day ahead. • There is a huge variety of choice. Breakfast involves cereals, toast and a full English is available too! Dinner is substantial, varied and caters for all types of children’s taste.

9. Hilston Park. • The rooms in Hilston are very warm and comfortable. They contain bunk beds. Rooms are a variety of sizes and there will be space for all of the children to stay in friendship groups, largely of their choice. Boys and Girls are separated by a corridor and locked doors. • Children have their own shower areas. They must shower every day after their activities before they come to dinner. They will have cubicles and privacy. • There is a small shop that’s open for about 30 minutes a day. It sells sweets, postcards and some small items. Children should bring no more than £10 spending money, including some 20p coins for the pool table, if they wish.

10. Hilston Park. • In the evenings, the children have a lot of freedom. There are games to play, a TV to watch and a nightly, hour-long, classroom-based activity. • Because we are visiting in the summer (June 3rd-7th 2010) they will be allowed to play football and other games until 9 p.m. on the safe, large field that the house overlooks. • They may bring playing cards and other small games, but electronic goods must not be brought. This rule is universal to all schools who visit, as is the rule about mobile phones. • Children will be allowed 1 phone call home on the Wednesday or Thursday night, from the payphone that’s there. • Emergency contact details will be issued before we leave, as will a map to Hilston.

11. Hilston Park. • The children will need to bring their own quilt covers or sleeping bags. • All other bedding (pillow cases etc) will be provided. • On the last full evening, there will be a talent show and a bit of a children’s party. They should bring any props they need. It’s voluntary, not compulsory, to participate. That applies to all activities during the week. • “Lights out” will be at about half 10 or 11 p.m. • They will be checked upon regularly. • Midnight Feasts will be ignored (for a bribe of 3 jelly babies and some liquorice allsorts)!!