Information for Pupils

This pages tells you more about what to expect from BOEC.  From your tutor, what to wear, what you'll be doing and what we expect from you, to what happens when you get back.

From skiing to mountain biking, orienteering to shelter building - we will give you the best possible time – providing challenges, adventures and new experiences.

All our centres are different, some with big open spaces, ponds, woods or next to huge parks.  You might see us for a morning, a day or even camp overnight.

You’ll leave feeling proud of yourself, with more confidence and with new interests.  Make sure you tell everyone how much you enjoyed it!

Tutors rule ok!

One of the things that makes time with us so great is our staff.  Our tutors are the best – experienced and enthusiastic, they love teaching and helping you. 

Make sure you listen to what they tell you so you don’t miss anything important.  The tutors will make sure you have an amazing time, but most importantly that you are safe.

What should I wear?

Your time with us is a chance to learn new things and enjoy yourself.  You might be in the woods, out on a boat, or climbing.  You WILL get muddy.  Don’t worry – getting muddy is fun, but make sure you wear old clothes and trainers.

Your teacher will tell you what activities you will be doing and what you should bring to wear but we suggest –

Winter – (make sure you wrap up warm!)

.        Warm bottoms such as tracksuit bottoms – not jeans as they get cold quickly if they get wet.

·      Warm long sleeved jumper

·        Top to be worn under jumper

·        Warm socks

·        Old trainers/old footwear.  Heels or smart shoes are not suitable.

·        Warm coat

·        Warm socks

Summer

·        Bottoms such as tracksuit bottoms – jeans are not suitable as they get cold quickly when they get wet.

·        T-shirt or long sleeved top.

·        Socks

·        Old trainers/old footwear.  Heels, flip-flops or smart shoes are not suitable.

·        Waterproof coat.

Please remember your clothes may get muddy whatever time of year it is, so please don’t wear your best things!

What will I be doing?

We work with young people, helping them to learn new skills, face new challenges and have fun.

Perhaps you’ve never been climbing, kayaking, biking or orienteering before?  You might be bit nervous about heights or just not sure what to expect. 

Think about the other people in your group, they are probably feeling the same!

We won’t make you do anything you don’t want to do, but this is your chance to try something new and exciting.  Give it a go – we will look after you.

What we expect from you

We want you to have the best time possible when you are with us.

That is why we ask everyone to work together, listen to instructions and do what the tutors ask.  Then we won’t have to waste time telling people off, and you will have as much time as possible taking part in the activities.

Some of the activities you might take part in could be dangerous if not done properly.  If we ask you to do something in a certain way we do it for a reason.

At BOEC we ask that you –

Respect Yourself – Listen hard, enjoy yourself and make the most of your experience.  Challenge yourself to do new things, and be proud of what you have achieved.

Respect Others – Work as part of a team to help, support and encourage the people you are working with. 

Respect the Environment – Look after your surroundings and think about the impact you and your group have on the natural environment.

When You Get Back

We really hope that you enjoyed your time with us.

Why not send us an email telling us what you enjoyed?

You should be really proud what you have done.  It’s not easy doing new things, but being able to face challenges and try something new are really important skills to have.  Think about what you achieved – perhaps you worked really well as a team, did something you have never done before or helped and supported someone in your group.

Now think about other places you can use these skills.  At home, at school, or out with your friends.  You have proved to us that you can do it, now show everyone else too.

I want to try more activities!

We really hope you enjoyed the activities you tried with us.

Outdoor activities are a great way to have fun, meet new people and keep fit and healthy.

If you enjoyed doing the activities with us, why not have a go in your spare time.  Birmingham has lots and clubs and facilities for you to try.

Ask your teacher, or look out in your local youth club or leisure centre for details of what is happening in your area.