Castaway

Build a shelter in the ancient woods and cook sausages and marshmallows on your fire

What is it?
An expedition into the wood to build simple shelters from branches, leaves and bracken and cook sausages and marshmallows over a camp fire. It is suitable for children aged 6-12 and is fun for both boys and girls.

The ranger provides guidance (and string) for the shelters but the children do the construction, with help from adults if necessary.

The whole group goes on a firewood hunt, and the children learn to build and light the fire safely. They have to make sure it doesn't go out! The children cook their own chipolatas under guidance from the ranger, and adults gather round the fire too in order to help them.

Finish by toasting some gooey marshmallows and finally discover if your shelter is waterproof!

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 thoroughly unfrozen chipolatas and rolls for the children. We suggest one each plus a few spares. Bring lots to drink, marshmallows to toast, and some extra food (crisps, cheese etc,) to munch in the wood. If you really think you'll need them, bring plates, napkins an wipes, but try not to generate lots of rubbish.

If your castaway is a birthday party, we recommend that you have any cake or party food afterwards in the play area or tea garden (shelter available).

Alternatively, you can order party food from us: mixed white and brown honey and jam sandwiches, carrots and cucumber sticks, plain crisps, jugs of orange and blackcurrant squash and homebaked biscuits at £5.00 per head. May vary with the season. Two weeks notice required. Party food is served outdoors, weather permitting.

What Wilderness Wood provides A ranger 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. Adults are expected to join in with the activity and help where needed. For safety reasons we must have some rules of behaviour, and the ranger will expect your adults to help uphold these rules. The ranger 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 ranger (but preferably 10-12). It is essential that you include at least 2 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, and 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.)

Numbers are not negotiable, even if you have extra adults, for your own safety.

What if it’s wet?
A bit of rain only makes the challenge of shelter building more realistic! We go ahead irrespective of weather conditions. In wet weather the ranger will use tarpaulins to keep people drier.

How much?
£160 for 2 hours.  Price includes the activity for the children as above, admission to woodland all day, including play area, trails and picnic areas and includes up to 4 adults. Any extra adults pay normal admission.

When?
Weekdays at any time.  Saturdays and Sundays morning or afternoon. Invite people to arrive at least 15 minutes 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.

Your party will start at the time booked. Please ensure guests arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time, and have used the toilet before the start time. Bring all your food, drink and anything else you want to take into the wood to the meet point, ready to go at the start time. If your party starts late, it will be curtailed, as the rangers have other commitments.

Party bags
Excellent quality party bags can be supplied – two fun toys and a Wilderness Wood pencil  in a recycled paper carrier bag. Price £2.40 each (bag alone 28p, to fill yourself). Please order on castaway booking form. Toys rotate periodically.

Party invitations
These are available to print out your own here.

Wilderness Wood leaflets
Please note in the booking form if you would like us to send Wilderness Wood leaflets which include a location map.

What now?
Call us on 01825 830509 during office hours to check that your chosen date is free and to make a provisional booking. Fill in this booking form and send full payment within 10 days which confirms your booking. You can then let your guests know what to wear etc. Then come and have fun!

Payment
Please pay the £160 over the phone at the time of booking.  Any payment for party bags or food can be settled up to two weeks before the event.   Any extra adults can be paid for on the day.

Cancellation policy
No refund will be given if you cancel within two weeks of your booked date. Cancellations made more than two weeks in advance will be refunded, less a £10 admin charge.