Castaway parties
How far to walk? We usually walk for 5-8 minutes into the wood, so it’s not too far to carry bags, bring pushchairs etc.
What to wear? Rough clothes are essential. You will get dirty! Long trousers advisable. Sensible shoes. In wet weather, boots and waterproofs are a must.
What to bring? Bring a thoroughly unfrozen sausage or two (preferably chipolatas) for each child to cook, rolls for the sausages, something to drink, marshmallows to toast, and some extra food (crisps, cheese etc,) to munch in the wood. If your castaway is a birthday party, we suggest that you have any cake or party food afterwards in the play area or tea garden (shelter available).
What does Wilderness Wood provide? A leader to organise the shelter building, fire making and cooking. She/he carries a first aid kit and mobile phone. Please note that there are no toilet or hand washing facilities down in the wood.
Supervision and behaviour Everyone has lots of fun, but an activity involving sticks, branches and fire can never be risk-free, and the children are expected to behave sensibly. For safety reasons we must have some rules of behaviour, and the leader will expect your adults to help uphold these rules. The leader is authorised to stop the castaway if, in her/his judgement, the children are behaving dangerously.
How many people? Maximum group size 16 children per leader (but preferably 10-12). It is essential that you include at least two adults to help with supervision. You may include up to two younger siblings, but each must be in the charge of an extra adult at all times. If the younger children want to cook, they count in the 16 maximum group size. (Note: for a 6-year-old party, most of the guests must already be 6 ; max. group size 12 children; preferably more than 2 adult helpers.)
What if it’s wet? A bit of rain only makes the challenge of shelter building more realistic! If forecast is for continuous or heavy rain, you may cancel if you wish by 9am of the day of the visit, with full refund.
How much? £91.50 for 2 hours. Price includes admission to woodland, including play area and picnic areas and includes up to 4 adults. Any extra adults pay normal admission.
Last updated 3rd March
2008
When?
Weekdays at any time, including after school. Saturdays and Sundays at
11.30 am or 2.30 pm. Invite people to arrive 15 mins before the castaway
is due to start, to allow for latecomers; children can enjoy the play
area. With play and birthday tea after the castaway, allow 2½-3 hours in
total for your party.
Please arrive in good time, as your party will start promptly.
Party invitations are available, including location map, either as a photocopiable sheet, or as A5 printed invitations. Please order on booking form if required. Alternatively, you can print out your own here.
Wilderness Wood leaflets Please note on the back of the booking form if you would like us to send Wilderness Wood leaflets which include a location map.
Payment Send a £10 deposit (only returnable in case of very bad weather) with your booking form. The balance is payable on the day. If you cancel a confirmed booking within 3 weeks of your party date, full payment will be due