1. The Doorway to Experience
Adventure
Excitement
Low Mill 2016
The Doorway to Experience
29th February – 4th March 2016
Teamwork
Challenge
Fun

2. Helmsley School at Low Mill

3. Aims for the meeting. All about the centre
An ‘average’ week at Low Mill
Equipment
How much does it cost
Spending money
What you need to do next

4. Low Mill Outdoor Centre
Low Mill Outdoor Centre, a converted water mill, is beautifully situated on the edge of the village of Askrigg, Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It was opened in 1976 to run activity courses for groups of young people of all ages and in 1981, a wing was added, taking the capacity of the centre to 40 persons.

5. Safety
All staff at the centre go through training programmes for the activities they lead. They are also sent on courses to achieve National Governing Body Awards in the recognised activities. Low Mill has been operating since 1976 with an unblemished safety record. The Centre is fully approved and inspected by the Health & Safety Executive, the fire Service and Environmental Health. Overall the Centre meets the highest standards of quality Outdoor Centres.

6. Accommodation – Main Centre
Low Mill accommodates up to 40 people. The main building has 26 beds and the wing has 14 beds. All dormitories are downstairs, all are of varying sizes and all are adjacent to showers and toilet facilities. Upstairs is the main activity area with fine views of Askrigg and Wensleydale. The main room is on two levels (with a lift). One is suitable for games and the other for relaxing around a log fire. The kitchen and dining areas are also upstairs. 

7. Accommodation – Marsett Barn
Low Mill accommodates up to 40 people. The main building has 26 beds and the wing has 14 beds. All dormitories are downstairs, all are of varying sizes and all are adjacent to showers and toilet facilities. Upstairs is the main activity area with fine views of Askrigg and Wensleydale. The main room is on two levels (with a lift). One is suitable for games and the other for relaxing around a log fire. The kitchen and dining areas are also upstairs. 

8. A ‘typical’ week at Low Mill!

9. A typical week at Low Mill
Monday
10.00am Depart from school
12.00pm Arrive at Low Mill Outdoor Centre
(We will text to let you know they have arrived safely!)
1.00pm Depart for afternoon activity (Rocks & Minerals)
4.30pm Return to centre, (Unpacking & Bed Making!!!!!)
5.30pm Evening Meal
6.30pm Low Mill Diary
7.00pm Evening Activity
Night Drop!
9.00pm Supper
9.30pm Group to Barn & Bed Time

10. A typical week at Low Mill Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday
8.30am Breakfast
9.30am Group activities
12.00pm Return to Centre for lunch
1.15pm Afternoon group Activities
5.30pm Evening Meal
6.30pm Low Mill Diary
7.00pm Evening Activity – Night Line/Beetlemania/Talent Show
9.00pm Supper
9.30pm Group to Barn & Bedtime

11. Sample of Group Activities
Archery
Caving
Zip Lining
Abseiling
Climbing Wall
Gorge Walking

12. In and around the centre
Equipment list
In and around the centre
Casual clothes
Plenty of changes of underwear! (You will get wet)
Indoor shoes/slippers
Towel(s)
Soap/Shower Gel/Shampoo
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Outfit for Talent Show
Sleeping Bag
For Activities
At least two of the following
Warm trousers (Not jeans)
T-shirts/Sweatshirts (Remember the key is to wear lots of layers)
Gloves
Hat
Thick socks
Outdoor shoes/Trainers (These will get very dirty and/or wet)
Wellies (Optional)
Help us avoid a drying room nightmare at the end of the week by having your name in everything ! (And yes that does include pants!)

13. A typical week at Low Mill
Friday
8.30am Breakfast
9.15am Tidying and packing (Beware the drying room!!!)
10.00am Village Quiz
12.00pm Lunch
1.00pm Depart for Helmsley return approx 3.00pm

14. How much does it cost?
The cost for the week is £265. This payment includes;
Travel to and from Low Mill
Local travel to activity sites
Travel insurance
All accommodation costs
Three delicious meals a day and bedtime snack
All specialist equipment
Specialist instruction and support (with a staff/pupil ratio of 1:6)
Not included
Packed lunch for Monday lunchtime
Spending money, (No more than £10 + Money for a
t-shirt if you want one)

15. Please note - Parent-pay payments can be made at any time.
What happens next!
November 2013
Pay a deposit £35 as soon as possible or by Friday 15th November at the latest to secure a place,
November 2013 onwards
Choose one of the following payment plans;
A further one off payment of £230 cash or preferably via Parent-pay.
Parent-pay payments at your convenience.
(Minimum payments of £20 please)
Parent Pay is our preferred option but if you need to pay by cash, can payments be made to the school office on a morning.
Please note - Parent-pay payments can be made at any time.
February 2014
Medical/allergy forms which will be sent home early in the term, it is vital these are sent back as soon as possible. If you have any specific medical/dietary needs please let us know as soon as possible so the centre and ourselves can be prepared.

16. What happens next! February 2012 cont. March 2012
You will receive a detailed itinerary including details of activities, groups and dormitory lists.
March 2012
Any outstanding payments to be made by Friday 2nd March 2012.
(Parents who have opted to use Parent-pay may apply to extend this to the end of the Spring term.)
Depart to Low Mill for a fantastic, action packed week.
If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact Mrs Grace, Mrs Feather or myself at any time.

17. Any Questions?