What different types of residential project are there?
Residential activities can take any number of forms but those run by the Scouts usually fall into one of four categories.
There can be activity-based residentials such as a water activities weekend; training events such as "Scouts Speak Up" media training; exploration such as a visit to Parliament; or a "chill out" weekend.
Residentials can be weekend or week-long camps in tents or indoor accommodation on campsites. No matter what type it is, the organising is much the same.
What do young people get out of them?
Young people benefit from residential experiences more than they realise, and not just from the core activities. Even time spent relaxing by a campfire can be an opportunity to discuss matters of interest or concern with their peers or with leaders.
Members will be happy to raise matters with their adult volunteer leaders that they would not with parents and this fosters an important support network of adult leaders and young people.
Our members also like to take part in large residential experiences with other groups of young people that our members do not know. This brings many benefits from improving social skills to understanding different cultures and backgrounds or even just airing opinions.
How do you set up a residential?
Before making any plans for a residential, liaise with the young people directly to find out the types of things they would like to do, and be prepared to throw in a few suggestions. Once the format of the residential has been chosen it is a matter of drawing up a budget and finding and booking a venue, which should be checked for suitability.
If not too far from where you live this should involve a visit, but if further afield it will involve research online or talking to people who have been there before.
At this stage, it is also important to find out what the local area offers in terms of activities, if these are to be part of the residential.
This normally includes a mix of adventurous activities, quieter activities, team-building tasks, and days out to local tourist attractions and places of culture.
What are the best ways of covering costs?
It is important to ensure that nobody is missing the opportunity due to cost – it should not be a barrier to participation. Dependent upon the activity, there may be grant funding available.
It is worth checking what funds local authorities have as many distribute funds for youth activities via neighbourhood forums. You can also fundraise to reduce the burden on parents.
What potential problems are there?
It is important to plan well ahead for two reasons: first, many venues get booked up months ahead; and second, it gives an opportunity to fundraise, apply for grants or just spread the cost.
Different organisations will have varying procedures for nights away. Planning and risk assessment will be common to most and should avoid the likelihood of problems.
Another big issue is homesickness. To avoid this we make sure the Scouts are always busy working and socialising with their friends.
Medical conditions also have to be taken into consideration. Everyone going away should provide full details of any medication they are on, allergies or any special needs and dietary requirements.
If they are on medication, it should be labelled, with their name and the dosage.
Wet weather can also be an issue, so it is worthwhile having a back-up plan – think about having some games and activities on standby to fill any activities that are postponed due to wind or rain.
FURTHER INFORMATION
- Youth Work Resource features a complete guide to residentials helping first-timers plan a successful weekend away www.youthworkresource.com
- The Scouts Association website features information on residentials in its resources section www.scouts.org.uk
