01/ Is this right for me?

 

These residentials are designed for anyone looking to complete the residential section of their Gold DofE award. You must be aged between 16 and 25. We meet all of the requirements laid out by the DofE on this checklist

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02/ When do I need to pay?

 

Spaces are limited so it is best to book as soon as possible! We take full payment on booking. 

 

03/ How does transport to/from the site work?

 

Our site is based in the heart of the Mendip Hills AONB yet is still very well connected to the South West. We are just 10 miles from Bristol in one direction and Weston-super-Mare in the other. Our postcode is BS25 5PQ. We will offer a pick-up service from Weston-super-Mare train station, Bristol airport and the local bus stop (local buses and the Bristol > Plymouth Falcon flyer stop locally. If using the Falcon Flyer, please alight from the bus at the Churchill Gate stop). On the Monday, please aim to arrive at your stop by 12:30pm. We will coordinate the most efficient pick-up route dependent on how many we are picking up from each stop. On the Friday, please book onwards travel for 2 pm at the earliest.

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04/ Food & Drinks

 

We will provide three meals a day, starting with the evening meal on your first day and through to your lunch on the last day. We will provide a filling breakfast that will vary between days, an unlimited continental buffet will be available everyday with occasional cooked breakfast elements also. Over breakfast, you will also make up your packed lunch from a range of options. Packed lunches will go with you on your day of activities. A two-course evening meal will be served in the dining room. There will always be jacket potatoes on offer as well as a hot, home-cooked meal with versions for all dietary requirements. Water, squash and hot drinks will be available at all times. You are welcome to bring additional snacks for in-between meal times.

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05/ Dietary requirements?

 

We cater for all dietary requirements. We will ask you to send any specific dietary needs ahead of your start date so we can be sure to plan the menu accordingly.

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06/ What do I need to bring?

 

We will send out a full kit list for each activity but you shouldn’t need to buy anything specific or new. All of our activities will require outdoorsy clothes that you don’t mind getting muddy and that you can easily move in. A good set of waterproofs is also recommended as we will go ahead in all weathers. You will also need to bring a sleeping bag and towel. We can provide a duvet (additional fee) if required if you are travelling by public transport and would rather not bring a sleeping bag. We will provide a pillow, pillowcase and bottom sheet for your bunk. You will not need spending money but there is a cafe and vending machines located at our main centre. All kit hire is included in the cost and we will take packed lunches with us so extra money is not essential. We would recommend that you leave valuables at home. Mendip cannot accept responsibility for any valuables brought with you.

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07/ What is the accommodation like?

 

Our residential lodge was a countryside hotel until late 2018 when Mendip took it over. In 2019 we converted the bedrooms into en-suite bunk rooms so everything is brand new. Downstairs, we have kept the original charm so you will more like you are in a rural hotel than a bunkhouse, complete with a lounge area and dining room; this space will be exclusively yours and your home for the week. We have 15 bedrooms, each sleeping between 4 and 9 people per room in double and triple bunks. Each room has its own en-suite bathroom with shower facilities. Bedrooms will be single-gender and age-appropriate. Everyone staying at the Lodge with you will be doing their Gold DofE residential. There will be a member of our instructor team sleeping on-site each night.

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During the Summer we also offer Camping DofE residentials. These take place in our bunktents which will be up and waiting for you. Everyone will have an individual foam mattress in the tent and access to hot showers, flushing toilets and running water. You will be based at Mendip Basecap, our onsite, family campsite. 

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08/ Do I need any experience?

 

Our residential weeks are aimed at complete beginners in all of the activities we include.

 

09/ How fit do I need to be?

 

There is a certain level of fitness required for all of our courses. A lot of the activities will find you using muscles you didn’t know you had before and we will be outside and active every day. If you have recently completed your Gold DofE expeditions, we would expect you to find this week challenging but easily achievable. You will have a comfy bed and hot shower and hot meals prepared for you so should be ready to go each morning!

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10/ What happens if there aren’t many people on the course?

 

In the unlikely event that we don’t reach this number, we will offer you an alternative date or a full refund.

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11/ Am I insured?

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Mendip holds public liability insurance through the Activities Industry Mutual. Our insurance does not cover accidental injury or illness. We would recommend looking into your own personal injury and travel insurance. 

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12/ Cancellation

 

Full payment will be required by no later than 56 days before the first day of your course. Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. In the unlikely event of Mendip having to cancel your residential, we will offer a place on an alternative date or a refund. Mendip is not liable for any travel or out of pocket expenses incurred due to cancellation. We expect behaviour of an appropriate standard whilst on residential. Inappropriate behaviour may result in refusal of participation of activities and in extreme cases, exclusion from the residential. This will be at the instructors and Mendip staff discretion. In the event of being asked to leave due to poor behaviour or non-compliance with our rules, no refund or reimbursement will be issued.

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13/ How many people will there be in a bedroom/tent?

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Our rooms are of various sizes, each with the capacity to sleep between 4 - 9 people. Our bunk tents each sleep up to 8 people. 

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14/ What activities are included?

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We have put together a programme of our very best and most adventurous activities! 

We always have a flexible approach to everything we do, so it may be that we make changes to accommodate the weather or wishes of the group but a sample programme would look a bit like this: 

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Day 1: Mission Impossible team building challenges. Games after dinner 

Day 2: Kayaking, Assault course & raft building. Frisbee golf tournament after dinner 

Day 3: Climbing & Abseiling in our private rocksport quarry. Bushcraft and campfire after dinner 

Day 4: Archery, Air Rifles & Axe Throwing activities. Movie night after dinner

Day 5: Archery Active before departure

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15/ What if I have more questions?

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Not a problem! If you have any questions not answered here, please feel free to drop us an email at dofe@mendip.me and our dedicated DofE team will be in touch! 

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