Parents Information

Thousands of young people enjoy SU Scotland’s Holidays each year - and come back time after time!

Safety

The safety and welfare of the young people come first, and we ensure high levels of adult supervision. We are licensed by AALA to provide watersports, climbing and trekking. Activities such as swimming, canoeing, kayaking and other outdoor pursuits are always supervised by qualified instructors. We have many years of experience running residential events for young people in Scotland and work continuously to improve our events and ensure that we meet or exceed current legislation.

Travel

Accompanied travel is arranged to most holidays. This is mainly by private coach or public transport.  However on some occasions, we will use minibuses or private cars.  We always ensure an appropriate ratio of travel leaders to children to ensure your child’s welfare right from the start of the holiday. Most of our holidays offer accompanied travel from more than one location.

We need to know your choice of travel option for the outward and return journey when you complete the booking form, as it is important for us to plan well ahead to ensure your child’s welfare.   8 weeks before the start of the holiday, we will send you travel instructions and remind you of your chosen arrangement.  We will accept changes up to 4 weeks before the start of the holiday.   After this time it will NOT be possible to join the accompanied travel.  Any alteration to the travel arrangements to or from the holiday, must be intimated to us in writing (post, email or fax) or by calling the SU Holidays Booking Line number below.  We will confirm this change to you by e-mail.

What to bring

A list of items is sent with your Confirmation of Booking. This is sent again eight weeks before the holiday begins. At some holidays you’ll need a sleeping bag, but no other expensive equipment is necessary.

A great activity programme

Our holiday programmes are planned to appeal to everyone, with a huge range of activities available at most events.

A few holidays specialise in a particular activity. Swimming, day trips, outdoor and indoor games and crafts are on offer at most holidays as well as the particular activities listed in the holiday descriptions. There is always plenty to do if you want an action-packed holiday. There are also times when you can relax and recover your energy!

Introducing the Christian faith

All SU holidays include some time in the programme every day for informal, lively Christian worship and Bible teaching. This includes music, drama, and plenty of fun activities.

Sources of energy

Energy is vital to make the most of an SU Holiday, so regular, enjoyable meals are an important aspect of every event and provide a time for getting to know other young people and the team! All the food is freshly prepared by a dedicated team of kitchen staff. Please remember to include details on your Booking Form if your child is a vegetarian or has another special dietary need e.g. a nut allergy. Sleep is another vital ingredient for a successful week on holiday and to allow everyone to get enough, quiet is required between the time when the lights go out at night until the wake-up call in the morning.

Belonging to a group

Every young person who comes on holiday with us will be placed in a small group - usually around 5-8 young people. Every group has an adult leader who is committed to caring for the needs of the group. This tried and tested approach makes it easy for everyone to quickly develop a sense of belonging at the beginning of the holiday. It helps us ensure that every individual is properly looked after. We aim to care for the whole person. The physical, emotional and spiritual needs of every young person who comes on holiday with us are important. The Christian values of SU are expressed in the levels of care that we offer. SU Holidays are safe and enjoyable - they also offer challenge and excitement in a secure environment with the appropriate levels of supervision for each activity. Group leaders participate in activities alongside other qualified instructors. They build a rapport with the young people in their group through activities, meal times together and group discussion about the Christian faith.

Health

Please help us look after your child by completing the basic health details requested on the Booking Form. It is particularly helpful to know details of any allergies or special dietary requirements. A more detailed Health Form will be sent to you with other information before the holiday. It should be completed with details of emergency contacts, medication etc. and sent WITH your child on holiday. In the event of any serious illness or emergency, we will contact the parents or guardian of the child using the contact number given to us on the Health Form. In all but extremely minor cases, professional medical help is sought. Parents should note details of any medication required by their child and sign the form. On holiday, these medicines are kept and administered by the designated team member, unless required throughout the day, e.g. Ventolin Inhaler.

Photographs

Sometimes photographs and videos taken on SU Holidays are used in SU publicity materials, including our website. Children and young people over 12 years of age have the right to decide for themselves if they want their photos to be taken and used. We will make this clear to all holiday participants and will respect their wishes. If you have an objection to photographs of your child under 12 years being used for such purposes please tick the appropriate box on the Booking Form. Photographs will not be made available to any other parties.