SURF CAMP HANDBOOK
CAMPERS
HANDBOOK
2024
1
A VERY WARM WELCOME
Dear Parents
Good afternoon,
It is with great pleasure and excitement that I welcome you to our Surf Week at St. Peter's International School. My name is Marco Andrade, and I'm from Portugal, with over 23 years of experience working at the school.
We have crafted a unique program to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of Portugal and to showcase all that our stunning country has to offer I am confident that this experience will meet your interests and expectations and, most importantly, create lasting memories. Our activities are designed within a safe and balanced environment, offering constant challenges and providing multiple meaningful experiences with intimate contact with nature always at the forefront All activities are supervised and led by professionals in their respective fields, with whom we have been collaborating since 2014. This is a remarkable opportunity for our surfers to have fun, embrace new adventures, and forge friendships that will last a lifetime. My team and I are eagerly looking forward to welcoming you to campus very soon Should you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Marco Andrade Summer Camp DirectorMarco
MEET THE TEAM
NAME: Sara Brilhante
Origin: Portugal
Country of residence: Portugal
Camp Role: Summer Camp Deputy
Languages: Portuguese / English
NAME: Maria Sousa
Origin: Portugal
Country of residence: Portugal
Camp Role: Activities Staff
Languages: Portuguese / English
NAME: Marco Andrade
Origin: Portugal
Country of residence: Portugal
Camp Role: Summer Camp Director
Languages: Portuguese / English
NAME: Gonçalo Branco
Origin: Portugal
Country of residence: Portugal
Camp Role: Summer Camp Deputy
Languages: Portuguese / English
NAME: Soraia Alves
Origin: Portugal
Country of residence: Portugal
Camp Role: Camp administrator
Languages: Portuguese / English
You will meet the rest of the monitors and staff on the arrival day!
ARRIVAL TO SCHOOL SURF
CAMPERS
07/07/2024
Please go to reception to check-in and you will be escorted to the meeting point During checking-in we will record and confirm some details: leaving times, passports, insurance, pocket money etc
Best time to come on arrival day:
From 11am to 16:30pm (after this hour we'll leave for Porto Covo)
During the reception we will have an international buffet available for the surfers
If you are planning to come in the evening, please inform us what time you are expecting to arrive because the transfer has to be directly to our sleeping spot
DEPARTURES
Pick up will take place on Saturday (13/07/2024) morning
between 11:30am and 1:30pm, on St. Peter´s International School Campus
St. Peter's International School
Quinta dos Barreleiros CCI 3952, 2950-420 Palmela - Portugal
School office number : +351 212336990
Email: summerfun@stpeters pt
Emergency contact during camp dates: +351 913388744
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
If you would like a transfer to or from the airport, please contact us and we will organise transport for you Please note there is a charge of 80€ each way Our staff will be waiting for you at the arrival area with clear signage and contact information.
Remember: If the flight arrives after 16:30pm to Lisbon, please let us know
UNACCOMPANIED MINORS CONTACT DETAILS
If your child is traveling alone as a UM they will be met at the airport by a member of staff who will escort your child to the campus. When you arrive in Portugal, go to the arrivals and you will see a St. Peter's staff member identified with his uniform and a sign.
Flight companies have different regulations and fares. When asked to provide them with a reference name, please provide them with the following contact details:
Valéria Melo
Quinta dos Barreleiros CCI 3952, 2950-420
Palmela - Portugal
Tel: +351 919731720 (Valéria Melo)
Email: summerfun@stpeters.pt
Emergency contact: +351 913388744
Our team is committed to ensuring that every detail is perfect, from the selection of the ideal surfing beaches, in close collaboration with experienced instructors and local guides to provide a safe and enriching experience for all participants, to the most interesting spots for Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle. We've also selected the best accommodation, in beachfront bungalows that offer not only comfort, but a relaxing atmosphere that perfectly complements the laid-back surf vibe
Campers will be introduced to Portuguese culture, history, cuisine, in the beautiful sites of Vincentina Coast, whille experiencing great activities, including surfing, kayaking and Stand Up Paddle
This surf camp is more than just a sporting experience; it's an opportunity to create lasting memories and connect with nature in a unique and exciting way.
We are determined to make this event special and unforgettable for everyone involved. Enthusiasm is contagious, and we ' re ready to provide an extraordinary adventure in Portugal.
ARRIVAL DAY
Registration
On the day of arrival, you will be met by the staff and given a guided tour of the school and a Camp goodie bag.
You'll have a buffet with international food to enjoy after your journey.
Welcome Surfers!
Once everyone has arrived and started to get to know one another, we will hold our first Camp meeting. This is where you will be introduced to the whole team, and meet any late arrivals to camp We will go through camp rules and share the excitement of the first few days of camp and what to expect Then we will start our trip to Porto Covo and meet our home for the next week.
A TYPICAL DAY
Soon you will be packing your bags and getting ready to leave home and join us for a fun filled experience in our surf camp. Let us start with a look at how your day will run.
08:30 Breakfast
09:30 2 surf lessons
13:00 Lunch
14:00 Outside Activities
19:30 Dinner
20:45 Evening activities
22:30 Lights out and good night
Note: The timetable for surf lessons depends on the tide conditions, in order to provide the best experience for our surfers.
During the week, after breakfast, campers, will leave the bungallows and embrace in the day's program of outdoor activities.
After activities, we will all get together for a healthy and nutricional evening meal. In the evening there will be some fun activities, to chill out with the other campers!
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SCHEDULES AND PROGRAMS
*Please note:
The surf spot/activities are subject to change Class times are according to the tides.
Fri Sat
OFFSITE ACTIVITIES
Trip to Porto Covo / Vila Nova de Milfontes
Surf at Furnas Beach
Surf at Malhão Beach
Beach games
Kayak at Rio Mira
Stand Up Paddle at Rio Mira
Have lunch at the beach
Have dinner at the village
Sports at camping facilities
Excursions and offsite activities will allow campers to fully immerse themselves in local culture and enjoy spending time with their new friends making long-lasting memories. We encourage students to practise their language skills in daily contact with their peers.
Surf lessons will take place on both Malhão and Furnas beaches according to the tides, so that surfers can enjoy the best possible experience.
*Please note excursions are subject to change.
WHAT TO BRING
Being at Camp is a brilliant opportunity for your child to gain extra independence.
They’ll need to take responsibility for preparing themselves for each day / daily activity, and while this may be exciting for some, it can be a little daunting for others, so we hope the following few pages will help with planning your child’s stay with us.
CLOTHING & KIT*
RECOMMENDED
1-2 long trousers
3-4 shorts
4-5 T-shirts
2 hoodies
2/3 Swimwear
Beach towel
Sunscreen
Laundry bag
Flip Flops
2 sneakers / shoes
Small backpack
Water-proof jacket
Water-proof mobile
phone case
RECOMMENDED FOR CAMPER
Adequate supply of underwear, including socks
Presentable casual clothing and shoes for the duration of camp
Toilet bag and contents
Pyjamas / nightdresses
Insect repellent
OTHER OPTIONAL ITEMS
Reading material
Camera
Sunglasses
*Please make sure that all your clothes are labelled with your child’s full name
** There will be washing machines available for the surfers if needed
*** Bedding and towels are supplied and washed by Camping staff
Costa do Vizir Bungallows
All our campers will stay at Costa do Vizir Bungallows
Open the door to comfort without compromising on closer contact with nature.
Nestled within lush greenery, deluxe bungalows, accommodating up to 5 people, offer the ultimate choice for those who cherish the convenience of a relaxed setting
The accommodation is 5 minutes' walk from the beaches and 10 minutes from the centre of Porto Covo.
Services available:
Swimming pool for adults, children and people with reduced mobility 24-hour security.
Cafeteria
Mini market.
Free Wi-Fi with access subject to system capacity / availability and access restricted to common areas
Outdoor fitness area.
Laundry room with washing machines and dryers with payment by bank card.
Picnic areas.
Playground
Playing field.
EXAMPLE MENUS
For reasons of logistical organisation, all lunches will be quality packed lunches, as our campers will be engaged in outdoor activities from morning until late afternoon in locations far from their accommodation.
Breakfasts, dinners and everning snacks will be held in the Costa do Vizir Bungallows or in restaurants according to the programme for each day
The parent dashboard:
• Our Parent Dashboard is your reference portal to all you need to know before and during Camp
• A window into the camp daily life, with regular photos and updates on what campers have been getting up to. This can all be seen under ‘Camp Today’ within your profiles.
• Important contact numbers.
• Permission forms.
• Example timetables.
Portal Link Click Here
COMING TO SCHOOL
If you are bringing your child to Camp, we recommend that you use the Rua José Armando Saraiva- Quinta dos BarreleirosPalmela
As there is a car park available to all parents
KEEPING IN TOUCH
Campers appreciate letters, and phone calls. It is very likely that during the first few days of camp, your child may feel homesick, so rest assured that we’ll encourage them to call you and that we’ll take care to ensure they are integrating well. We have a buddy system for those who are struggling to settle
When you contact your child, we recommend that you don't dwell on domestic problems, favourite pets, or how much everyone miss them Try to be cheerful and give news Young campers are allowed to make or receive phone calls in the morning to say good morning and in the evening to tell about their adventures. During the days, young people will be engaged in activities, so it won't be appropriate for them to make phone calls.
To check on your child's progress, feel free to to call +351 913388744 and speak to the designated monitor.
WHAT TO EXPECT AS A PARENT
POCKET MONEY
The amount of pocket money given to a camper is at your discretion All costs for meals and excursions are included, but please remember your child may like to bring money for snacks and refreshments, and for presents or souvenirs (we recommend 80€/per week).
You will be asked to leave your child’s pocket money with a Camp Leader upon arrival, along with any travel documents.
Campers who do not wish to hand over the money must ask their parents for authorisation and sign a responsibility document
MOBILE PHONES
Campers may bring a mobile phone with them, but they must ensure their phones are switched off during all activities and lessons. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in confiscation of the phone. It is the parents and child responsibility to manage the websites used on personal devices So that campers can rest from their adrenaline-fuelled days, mobile phones are collected before bedtime
MISSING HOME
Staying away from home can be an exciting adventure for many people, but for others the idea of being away from home for any period of time can cause homesickness. Homesickness is something we all experience at some point, and we understand that emotions to being away from home may need support and guidance We therefore aim to make the transition of nervous individuals to independent campers who are able to cope with change
We will encourage campers to communicate with us if and when they feel a bit low and if necessary we will enable a call home
MAKING
FRIENDS BEFORE YOU GO
If you would like the opportunity to meet a fellow camper before coming to Camp we can facilitate setting up a Teams Meeting so you can socialise and chat This is a lovely way to start Camp and ensure you see at least one familiar face on the first day
CAMPERS’ CODE OF CONDUCT
CAMPERS MUST
1 Be respectful to all involved in the Camps
2. Respect the timings and arrive punctually and prepared.
3. Respect the camping property and keep it clean and tidy; especially your own rooms
4. Not to use mobile phones during lessons or activities.
5. Do NOT partake in alcohol, smoking, or any use of any kind of drugs; in or outside the campus
6. Attend all meals (mealtime is compulsory).
7. All clothes should be labelled and put in the laundry bag to be washed the following day
8. If you have issues during the night, please ask the staff on duty to help you.
9. You always have to be present at the agreed time and place for the activities (we always have to know where you are).
RESIDENTIAL CAMPERS
Please understand that failure to follow this Code of Conduct could result in:
1. Loss of team house points.
2. A formal meeting with one of the Camp Directors.
3. Your parents or guardians are being called to discuss your behaviour.
4. A suitable consequence decided by staff (e.g. loss of privileges).
5. Early discharge from Camp - particularly if your behaviour is hurtful to yourself, to others, or to Camp property. Any behaviour or actions that threaten the safety of the group, particularly during activities, will not be tolerated.
MEDICATIONS/ HEALTH CARE
We need to know your child’s medical information before they arrive, so if your child has any specific medical needs, please make us aware of it in the medical section of the application form. If you forget, please get in touch so we can send you an alternative medical form to complete before arrival
If your child needs regular medication while at Camp, please give our nurse the relevant medicines in their original prescription container, along with the pharmacy instructions.
Place the prescription containers in a clean Ziplock bag labelled with your child’s name and date of birth. Please do not pack your child’s medication in with their luggage
SECURITY
The camper will be asked for their telephone number so that they can be contacted in the event of an emergency
The Porto Covo campsite, where we will be sleeping, has 24-hour entry and exit control and night-time surveillance
INSURANCE
Please make sure your child has adequate travel insurance and health insurance cover for Portugal and that carries the card with him You must send a copy to Campsite
IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS
Important Contact Information
School address: Quinta dos Barreleiros CCI 3952, 2950-420 Palmela - Portugal
School Office number: +351 212336990
Opening times: 8 am
24hour contact number: +351 913388744
Surf Camp Director: Gonçalo Branco
