Tuesday 28 April 2015

Ardres 2015: Information evening, kit list.

Many thanks to everyone for turning up to the information evening tonight.

If you were unable to attend and didn't sign the behaviour form, I will be giving those to your offspring and sending you a PDF version.

Here is the promised kit list:


  • Sleeping Bag (it may be quite cold at night, so a "3 seasons" one) 
  • Pillow 
  • Nightclothes (onesies are good) 
  • Bath towel / hand towel (several) 
  • Casual clothes for evening 
  • Disposable camera/films 
  • Insect repellent 
  • Old T-shirts/shorts (many) 
  • Rash vests (recommended as they dry very fast) 
  • Jumper(s) and/or fleece(s) 
  • Bin bag(s) for dirty/wet clothes 
  • Socks 
  • Sunglasses 
  • Sun hat 
  • Swimming gear 
  • Tie-on for glasses/sunglasses 
  • Toiletries 
  • Torch and spare batteries 
  • Tracksuit bottoms 
  • Trousers/jeans/shorts 
  • Underwear 
  • Waterproof sun cream 
  • Waterproofs (top & bottoms) for activities if it rains 
  • Shoes (not open toed) for wet activities 
  • At least one pair of dry footwear (not open toed) 
  • It would be advisable to bring school polo shirt and shorts as backup 
  • A small amount of money changed into euros (there is a tuckshop).. 

Please do not bring expensive electronics such as iPods, cameras, games consoles, mobile phones or jewellery, as these will not be covered by our insurance. Tents are not very secure, and if you choose to bring valuables we cannot be held responsible for their loss. There will also not be facilities for charging things up.

I would stress that at least half the activities are likely to involve a dunking in the lake (or at least a significant splashing), so plenty of shorts and T-shirts will be required so that you have dry clothes to change into whilst the wet ones are drying.

If you have your own "shortie" wetsuit, you might want to wear it for some of the activities (although wetsuits are provided). If you bring yours, be prepared to take it home wet!

Please pack a soft bag rather than a rigid suitcase as luggage space on the coach will be at a premium and soft bags are more efficient and easier to stow.