Wilderness Academy Survival Guide for Teachers

Top tips for surviving the Wilderness Academy Communication is key. We will never judge nor disparage your ability to survive in the wilderness* under canvas. We are here to enable you to enjoy your time at the Wilderness Academy. If there is anything we can do to make your experience better, just ask! We will do our utmost. You are just as important as the children. There is nothing worse than having hay fever or getting bitten by an insect and suffering the discomfort whilst also having to care for your children. Ensure you have all the medication, Insect repellent, sun screen you need (and use it!). Look after your feet, you may be on them for a while. Please bring warm comfortable shoes that are suitable for wet muddy conditions and plenty of comfortable socks. Please bring at least two pairs of shoes, if one pair gets wet, you have another pair to wear. However, do your best to keep your dry pair dry. Despite the weather forecast, dress for the worst! The good old British weather can throw anything at us. Please bring plenty of warm clothes, including thick warm socks, hat and gloves and a windproof/waterproof layer. Bring warm clothing to sleep in and any extra home comforts; for example, a blanket and a pillow Create your own little haven. You will have a tent to yourself so feel free to make it as cosy as possible, keep it snug and dry and insect free by zipping the door shut as soon as you leave and do not allow any of your belongings to press against the inside of the tent (doing this will draw the outside moisture through the fabric). Comfort goodies. Being in the wild and having food snacks is not ideal due to hungry critters, however it is suggested you pack a few of your favourite snacks. There is nothing more comforting than a bar of chocolate or your favourite yoghurt while you’re waiting for your children to settle down for the night. We can keep your goodies safe, and refrigerated if needs be. Embrace the night time - bring a head torch or lantern. As you will probably know from past experiences, children get excited whilst they are on residential. When they are out in the wilderness, their excitement can be magnified. With this in mind, do not expect an early night and DO expect an early morning. However, after a certain hour, firm but fair commands to sleep will benefit you greatly and maximise your own sleep time. Off Grid. The advantage of the Wilderness Academy is the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the world for a couple of days and escape the world of technology, however we do understand you have responsibilities and will need to stay in touch with said outside world. We are not completely off grid but electricity sockets are limited, so please share. * When we say “Wilderness” Leek the nearest town is less than 4 miles away. There is hot running water, flushing toilets, heated buildings, lighting and electricity, Even Wi-Fi if you ask nicely and don’t tell the children!