YEARS ANNIVERSARY 1995 - 2015
Residential Activity trips At Croft Farm, located in the heart of the Cotswolds
WELCOME… “
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A teacher’s view
“JCA provides a fantastic experience for every child. Nothing is ever too much for the staff, from the first phone call or email to the teary wave’s goodbye at the end of your stay. We are confident that, no matter which centre you choose, you will quickly become a member of the ever growing JCA family. JCA ticks all the boxes for anyone who wants to experience the best time of their life. As they say, let the adventure begin!”
2let the adventure begin…
Jill Clayton, Flakefleet Primary School.
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Contents
Welcome to JCA… Established since 1995, JCA are experts in providing non-stop adventure and education for school trips and children’s group travel. We have 4 UK centres offering a combination of either one day or residential multi-activity courses from 2-4 nights, netball tournament weekends and summer camps for young people – promoting education, personal development and of course, fun! A residential activity trip can be a giant leap for some children and for Group Leaders the prospect of planning a trip that meets the schools educational aims and learning outcomes can seem equally as daunting. Therefore, it’s essential that you choose a provider who has experience, offers action-packed curriculum linked itineraries, represents exceptional value for money and who will support you from the initial enquiry … and JCA tick all those boxes; ● Fun and friendly activity trips aimed at introducing students to new experiences ●D edicated instructor per group of 12 (except for some specialist activities), who shares the entire experience, to help build relationships and confidence ● Full-board accommodation, with special dietary requirements catered for
Welcome to Croft Farm
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Water Based Activites
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Land Based Activites
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Evening Entertainment
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Accommodation 9 Sample Itinerary
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Meet the Croft Farm Family
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Our Instructors
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Recruitment 13 How to Book
● Full insurance included as standard ● One free teacher place for every eight students travelling ●O ur expert Sales and Customer Service Team will help you every step of the way in planning your JCA trip ● Tailored documentation provided to help teacher preparation, including Risk Assessments arent Packs are supplied and include posters, DVD, PowerPoints and flyers, to help promote the ●P JCA trip ● Easy payment plan to help all parents to budget for the trip JCA Feedback in numbers:
82% of last year’s teachers marked the accommodation as Good or Excellent 89% of last year’s teachers marked the JCA activities as Good or Excellent 90% of last years’ teachers marked the Service from head office as good or excellent 90% of last years’ teachers marked their Overall experience as good or excellent 94% of last year’s teachers marked the JCA instructors as Good or Excellent
call: 01273 647230 email: enquiries@jca-adventure.co.uk web: www.jca-adventure.co.uk
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A teacher’s view Thought I’d drop you an email to thank you and your staff for all the help you have given us in making Year 5’s trip to Croft Farm such a success. The children came back very tired but looking healthy and happy and full of stories about their visit. I thanked Fliss at the centre on being so organised and the instructors were fantastic.
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Elmbridge Junior
Welcome to Croft Farm Gloriously located in the heart of the Cotswolds, near the historic town of Tewkesbury, Croft Farm boasts its own 12 acre lake with easy access to the River Avon. The lake is the central feature of the site and the base for a wide range of watersports activities and a footpath meanders through the meadows to the River Avon, providing even more adventurous paddling. The site also has an abundance of ‘green space’ for an excellent selection of land-based activities. Croft Farm at a glance
• A family run activity centre, with an unrivalled range of land and water based activities • 12 acre lake, only chest deep, and easy access to the River Avon watersports centre, with an extensive water sports • Dshop edicated and function room. The equipment is all set for the junior market, with junior sized paddles and boats.
• Beautiful timber lakeside café, with weekly live events and great food • Onsite ‘Gym & Tonic’ Health and Fitness Club • Onsite Adventure Playground and Games Room Scandinavian style heated log cabins, ensuring • Pcomfort urpose built for all S afe and • JCA staffingsecure lakeside location, with 24hour
Birmingham 1hr 43 miles
Croft Farm Exeter 2hrs 120 miles
London 2hrs 45mins 122 miles Bristol 1hr 49 miles
Southampton 2hr 20mins 108 miles
call: 01273 647230 email: enquiries@jca-adventure.co.uk web: www.jca-adventure.co.uk
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Water based Activities Canoeing (Lake & River)
P.E
The practical content includes: launching and landing, forward and backward paddling, stopping, forward and reverse sweep strokes, stern rudder and how to capsize in safety.
KataKanuing
P.E
In teams of 6, the children will sail our custom built catamarans across the lake, working together with synchronised paddling to get to the other shore.
Kayaking (Lake & River)
P.E
Students will learn and develop paddling techniques, teamwork and communication skills using a combination of games and instruction.
Raft Building
P.S.H.E
Science
Working as a team, under the guidance of an instructor, students learn how to build a raft from ropes, wood and empty drums.
Sailing
P.E
Catch the wind and glide through the water in our excellent Topaz dinghies. For those that would like to develop their skills we also offer 2-3 day courses.
Stand Up Paddle
P.E
A new craze where you stand on a board and use a paddle to navigate. Requiring determination and balance, it provides a full body workout challenge!
Windsurfing
P.E
Beginners kit and qualified instruction will ensure groups get to grips with this challenging watersport. For those that would like to develop their skills we also offer 2-3 day courses.
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call: 01273 647230 email: enquiries@jca-adventure.co.uk
Land based Activities Archery
P.E
The rudiments of this very popular activity are quickly learned using recurve takedown bows and 1.3m targets. This activity develops self-discipline, concentration and co-ordination skills.
Abseiling
P.E
Coached by an instructor from the top of our purpose-built towers, students learn to control their descent as they travel to the ground. This activity develops students’ trust in other people as well as confidence in their own ability.
Bushcraft Skills Using real life wilderness scenarios students will work as a team to construct a natural shelter, learn how to safely build a fire from natural materials and communicate effectively using emergency signalling and tracking techniques.
Climbing
P.E
This challenging and exciting climbing activity takes place on our safe purpose-built tower. This activity introduces challenge by choice; developing trust and confidence as students learn to control their own route up the tower.
Fencing
P.E
The fascinating art of foil fencing requires concentration and discipline as well as agility. Full safety equipment is provided.
Sensory Trail
P.S.H.E
P.E
Leads participants over and around obstacles. By working together students take turns at leading as communication skills are developed and trust is built throughout the group.
Other land-based activities include: Cirque du JCA Dance Mania Egg Protector Giant Cluedo Initiative Exercises Karoake Mini Olympics Orienteering Rocket Launch Team Challenge Wide Games web: www.jca-adventure.co.uk
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Evening Entertainment Sessions With a variety of evening activities to choose from your students will be kept entertained ‘till bedtime!
Busted A Quiz where the winner is decided by the players and not by the amount of questions answered correctly. The group are split into teams and they try not to get busted by the other teams and voted off.
Campfire A great chance for participants to showcase their own talents either as an individual or within a group, this activity is great for people to get to know one another and enjoy the centres surroundings during the evening.
Egg Protector Are you an egg’spert? This highly amusing activity is a chance for groups to invent their own egg protection device to withstand several gruelling tests. Who’s egg will become scrambled?
Giant Cluedo The instructors will perform a story to the groups dressed as their favourite characters. Working in small teams participants complete different mental, physical and team tasks to gain clues to work out who committed the crime.
League Toppers Groups must get from one point to another to complete different challenging tasks and puzzles. Teams must work together to gain as many points as possible to be top of the league tables.
Nocturnal Safari (seasonal) Students will experience the woodland at night/evening. They will look for mini beasts and consider what comes out at night and why. They will play different games in the woods e.g. capture the flag.
Run Around Quiz Teams compete against each other to answer as many questions and complete different tasks in this active quiz.
Disco Night Normally done on the last night, the disco brings all the schools together for a fun and energetic end to their trip. Discos will normally take place by the lakeside, with disco equipment, lights and a DJ. A perfect end to a perfect week.
For full descriptions and photos of all of our activities please visit www.jca-adventure.co.uk
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call: 01273 647230 email: enquiries@jca-adventure.co.uk
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A teacher’s view We were really impressed with all the JCA staff this year. Excellent accommodation and food, with good options for certain allergies. We loved the water sports at Croft Farm and the field activities were equally as enjoyable.
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Cranbourne School
Croft Farm Accommodation The accommodation at Croft Farm has been designed and furnished based on feedback from our existing schools, to ensure that the accommodation options we offer are comfortable and the facilities are practical. The majority of our groups are accommodated in 2 and 4 person heated chalets, located next to one of the toilet and shower blocks. In addition, we also offer purpose built Scandinavian style heated log cabins. These cabins can be requested as an upgrade, but are only available at certain times of the year.
Teachers Retreat web: www.jca-adventure.co.uk
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An example itinerary has been outlined below to show how we structure your stay. As a party leader you will be able to choose your activity preferences and an individual programme will be created to suit your needs. Each of our instructors are trained in all of our land-based activities. You will therefore receive a dedicated instructor per group who will be fully involved in your programme; building fantastic rapport, confidence and team bonding with your students for the duration of your stay. If you are doing water sports or a specialist activity a separate instructor will be provided for this activity.
Sample Itinerary Monday Morning
Morning
Travel to the Centre Tuesday Morning
Morning Kayaking
Wednesday Morning
Morning
Fencing
Climbing
Thursday Morning
Morning Canoeing
Friday Morning
Morning Sailing
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call: 01273
Afternoon
Afternoon
Evening
Intro Tour
Archery
Giant Cluedo
Afternoon
Afternoon
Evening
Team Challenge
Sensory Trail
Egg Protector
Afternoon
Afternoon
Evening
Raft Building Extreme Afternoon
Afternoon
Evening
Abseiling
Fencing
Disco
Afternoon
Afternoon
Evening
Travel back to School
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Dance Mania
email: enquiries@jca-adventure.co.uk
Meet the Croft Farm Family Croft Farm has been family run since 1986 when the owner, Alan Newell started to teach windsurfing to a few friends. Since that time the site has developed each year to now become a resort destination with various accommodation types, health and fitness centre and club house. Croft Farm has a long association with JCA, going back to 2006, and together we are looking forward to providing many more children with an activity holiday experience they will remember! Alan has now been joined by his son Martin and daughter in law Alex, they and the whole team at Croft Farm providing the accommodation, catering and water sports work closely with JCA to ensure the visiting schools have the best time possible. Alan Newell Became a windsurfing instructor in 1987 and a dinghy instructor in 1994 but has retired from water sports instruction to become MD of Croft Farm Water Park, has a special interest in site development. Martin Newell Manages Croft Farm on a day to day basis and is the Croft Farm computer and technology expert. Alex Newell Looks after all the guests with great skill and customer care, and obviously wants everybody to enjoy their visit to Croft Farm. ‌ and the Water Sports Team Tom Lawrence Having worked in the water sports industry for the last 23 years, and with Croft Farm since 2002, Tom fully understands how to get children of all ages and abilities involved in our water-based activities. Tom’s favourite activities are Kayaking and windsurfing, as they give the kids a great sense of achievement. Controlling the board / boat under their own steam is a fantastic first experience for many children, something they will remember for many years and a true life building experience.
Alex, Martin and Alan Newell
web: www.jca-adventure.co.uk
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Meet the Team Lucilla Battershill
Regional Account Manager I have always had a passion for travel and have lived and worked abroad including Canada, the USA and Israel. I also worked as a ground hostess at Gatwick airport which included looking after VIPs, so I’ve been fortunate enough to meet a few well-known characters! I was then a long term travel agency manager and was lucky enough to travel all over the world. I joined JCA Adventure in November 2013, as a sales coordinator, and have loved every minute. There is a lot of satisfaction having schools visit our centres and then coming back to us to rebook as they had such an amazing time. I like to think that my travels have helped shaped my hobbies. From cycling through the beautiful Sussex scenery to visiting classic car shows and watching the opera, I like to keep my interests as varied as our JCA activities! I always want to learn something new as I continue to pursue my pastel and charcoal drawing and desire to learn the piano.
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n arrival, the JCA staff were very welcoming, creating a friendly O atmosphere. In fact, throughout our stay the JCA staff were so energetic with the children. Excellent facilities and the food has been excellent and all children have enjoyed every meal. Evening activities have been enjoyable and the children’s safety has always been a priority throughout. All the evening entertainment options were a great end to each day. Again, our children’s allergies have been carefully considered so that all children could enjoy and take part. From organising our visit beforehand to any activity aspect of our stay, we have been well looked after by everyone. We always enjoy visiting Croft Farm. Broughton Fields
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A teacher’s view
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Favourite JCA activity: The High Ropes as I am a bit scared of heights so this is a real challenge for me!!
The Croft Farm instructors were fantastic, as they all went the extra mile for staff, children and children with particular needs. In particular, Fliss was excellent, friendly and so helpful. Minster of Sheppy
Recruitment, Supervising and Training As a recognised Investor in People, we understand that the training and development of staff is the key to any successful company.
Recruitment Three Steps to recruiting JCA staff… 1. Many of our centre staff have worked for JCA in previous seasons and choose to return year after year. We also place advertisements in specialist publications to attract new recruits. 2. Prior to recruitment, all staff are required to complete a detailed JCA application form. Individuals are then selected for interview and are assessed on their enthusiasm, friendliness and suitability to work with students. 3. Two mandatory references are taken for each potential employee, plus an enhanced disclosure to the Criminal Records Bureau (or equivalent government agency).
Instruction and Supervision ● Our instructor to student ratio is a maximum of 1 to 12 for land-based activities, 1 to 8 for
water sports. These ratios comply with the strict standards of the appropriate governing bodies. ● We lead the way in the multi-activity industry by training our instructors in all of our activities
(with the exception of water sports where we employ specialist instructors). ● We aim for each individual to be qualified in every activity and offer the unique policy of one dedicated
multi-trained instructor per group for the duration of your stay. ● Having a multi-skilled instructor helps us to understand the strengths, limitations and personalities of
each student which, in turn, helps students to reach their full potential through trust and support. ● A full list of instructors’ names and qualifications are held on-site and is available to groups
upon request.
Professional Training ● Successful applicants are offered contracts of employment which are subject to satisfactory
completion of our intensive training course. ● The training course prepares them for their future role and involves coaches from national governing
bodies as well as extensive in-house training by managers and/or senior instructors. ● Successful staff must then complete a probationary period of work, during which time they are
supervised and assessed by senior JCA instructors. ● Instructors are provided with our comprehensive company training manual which includes:
Activity Sessions Standards and Procedures - Strict Safety Standards and Guidelines for the conduct of all activities. Other subjects include health & safety at work, student protection, group management and other essential skills.
call: 01273 647230 email: enquiries@jca-adventure.co.uk web: www.jca-adventure.co.uk
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What’s included?
How to Book…
● Full board accommodation
Making a booking with JCA couldn’t be simpler and our team are here to help and give you advice every step of the way.
● Full activity programme ● Full holiday insurance ● 1:8 free places for accompanying adults ● Activity group size maximum 1:12 ● One dedicated, multi-trained instructor per
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activity group for the duration of your course where applicable Use of all equipment Evening entertainment programme Achievement certificates Free preview visit for the Party Leader including single overnight accommodation for up to 2 people if appropriate Party Leader concessions - 25% discount on student price for the partner and up to 2 of the Party Leaders’ students Twins receive 25% discount each on the same trip (minimum party size of 30 full paying) Transport to off-site activity locations (where applicable) Financial security - we are fully bonded members of FTO, which guarantees complete financial protection of all monies paid to Travel Class Ltd. Easy payment plan Price Promise Additional free places for carers on a 1:4 free place ratio - if members of your group have specific requirements, please contact our Schools Advisors to discuss your individual or group needs (evidence required)
1. Call Us
Here To Help
Call our friendly, knowledgeable JCA Schools advisors to discuss your requirements. We will help to create a package that suits your groups’ needs.
The JCA School Service Team are on hand throughout your preparations and will be happy to assist with any queries from dietary requirements to booking your excursions. We use reputable and established companies who are inspected and audited by a member of our staff. We can provide additional information to your Local Authority, parents, governors and students. We are approved by many LEAs from all over the country. If required, we can even complete the LEA form for you!
2. Make A Booking Choose your centre, type of course, dates, duration and the number in your party. We will provisionally book this in for you and hold your booking for a maximum of 28 days. We will ask for a first deposit but please remember a provisional booking does not form any part of a contract until payment is received. Payments are normally based on the following: Deposit Mon to Wed Wed to Fri Mon to Fri
First £25 £25 £40
Interim £35 £35 £60
Balance 10 weeks before travel 10 weeks before travel 10 weeks before travel
An interim invoice will be sent upon receipt of your first deposit with payment due 8 weeks after the date of issue. In the event of a cancellation, the first deposit and interim payment can be transferred to another student, but if there is no replacement then the first deposits and interim payments are non-refundable. The Final Invoice will be sent fourteen weeks prior to departure and should be paid no later than ten weeks prior to departure. Please see our full terms and conditions for more detailed information. Bookings made within 15 weeks of the departure date; The time-scale within which payment must be received will be discussed at the time the provisional booking is made and will depend on how close to your departure date the booking is confirmed. If the payment required to confirm the booking is not received by the agreed deadline then the provisional booking will be cancelled.
Party Leader Information Pack Our Party Leader Information Pack has been compiled with the assistance of teachers with ease of use in mind. Our comprehensive Safety Management System and Risk Assessments should provide all the information and reassurance that is required. We’ll help you tailor your course to suit your needs, so you get to choose which activities you would prefer to do.
Let The Adventure Begin! When you arrive at the centre, you will be welcomed by the Centre Manager and Senior Instructor who are there to ensure that you have the most enjoyable stay. They will go through health and safety and site information to ensure your group are aware of site rules. Each activity group (maximum of 12 per group) will have their own dedicated instructor for the duration of their stay. This enables the students to build a great rapport with their instructor giving them the confidence to reach their full potential.
Price Promise We will not be beaten on price when comparing a like for like stay!
call: 01273 647230 email: enquiries@jca-adventure.co.uk web: www.jca-adventure.co.uk
Meet the Team… Sophie Lynn
JCA Customer Services Tour Co-Ordinator The moment I finished my studies I had a desire to travel and explore the wider world. I decided I could get the best of both travelling and working by becoming an overseas holiday advisor for TUI Travel’s Thomson and First Choice holiday groups. Since working in the travel industry, I have been lucky enough to work a summer in Menorca before heading for the winter sun in Gran Canaria. I have also worked as an activity instructor, providing me with the chance to experience outdoor activities first-hand and see children benefit from a learning experience that cannot be replicated in the classroom. Working behind the scenes at JCA allows me to use my experience to help Party leaders get the most out of their stay at our activity centres. For many children, a JCA residential will be their first experience of being away from home. Through developing confidence and enjoying their experience, I hope our JCA trips inspire students to pursue an adventure of life-long learning. Favourite JCA Activity: It has to be raft building. Bringing together teamwork and fun, I love building the raft and testing it out to see if it sinks or sails!
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F rom organising our visit before travelling with the group to any activity/aspect of our stay, we have been well looked after by everyone at JCA and Croft Farm. Great facilities and the food has been excellent – the children have enjoyed every meal. 10 out of 10!
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Broughton Fields School
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Our UK centres‌ For the 2015 season we have 4 UK centres, each providing an excellent base for young people to experience new and exciting challenges in a safe, fun and friendly environment. Condover Hall - Shropshire
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Mill Rythe - Hampshire
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Rookesbury Park - Fareham
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Croft Farm - Gloucestershire
Family Activity Holidays Come together and bond as a family at Condover Hall where you can enjoy a wide range of exciting onsite activities and explore the surrounding area of Shropshire. Our JCA Party Leaders receive substantial discounts off our Family Venture programme. Contact us for further information.
For more information‌ call: 01273 647230 email: enquiries@jca-adventure.co.uk or: www.jca-adventure.co.uk Find us on
facebook.com/JCA.Adventure JCA are Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge holders ensuring good practice, high quality teaching and learning experiences and risk management. Please see our website for more information. Travel Class Head Office: Olivier House, 18 Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1TL. Travel Class Limited Registered in England No 2969802. JCA Adventure is a trading name of Travel Class Limited, a member of the TUI Travel PLC Group of Companies. Registered office: TUI Travel House, Crawley Business Quarter, Fleming Way, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9QL