Under the Stars

A fantastic experience for all young people and staff. The campsite is your choice… in the school grounds or a local green space within active travel distance of your school. The educational content of the programme can be flexible, we would encourage staff to focus on current key priorities for the class e.g. Literacy/ Numeracy / Health & Wellbeing. 

All specialist equipment will be provided by Outdoor Learning.  Pupils will be encouraged to bring their own equipment if they have it.  Prior to the camp taking place, the outdoor learning staff can deliver an in-school lesson and parent presentation.  On the day of the camp, OLS staff will support pupils & staff setting up the camp, coordinate cooking and facilitate an evening fire.

Options:

1. A Journey to Under the Stars
   A one day & overnight experience... designed to inspire exploration, teamwork, and resilience.  The programme begins with an exciting journey on foot or by bike as pupils make their way to camp.  While pupils travel light, all bags and equipment are transported to the camp by the Outdoor Learning Service.
   Our experienced Outdoor Learning staff support the group from 9:30am on Day 1 through to 8:00pm, guiding activities, encouraging independence, and helping everyone settle into camp life.  Staff will help pupils set up camp, cook an evening meal and facilitate an evening fire.  Overnight, school staff take the lead in supervision, creating a safe and familiar environment under the stars.  On Day 2, Outdoor Learning staff lead the way from 7am with a cooked breakfast, and continue supporting the group until all pupils are back to school.

2. Under the Stars
   An evening & overnight experience... Starting at the end of the school day the pupils make their way to camp.
   Our experienced Outdoor Learning staff support the group from approximately 4pm through to 8:00pm, guiding activities, encouraging independence, and helping everyone settle into camp life. Staff will help pupils set up camp, cook an evening meal and facilitate an evening fire.  Overnight, school staff take the lead in supervision, creating a safe and familiar environment under the stars.  On Day 2, Outdoor Learning staff lead the way from 7am with a cooked breakfast, and continue supporting the group until all pupils are back to school.

3. An Evening Under the Stars
   An Evening experience... Starting at the end of the school day the pupils make their way to camp.
   Our experienced Outdoor Learning staff support the group from approximately 4pm through to 8:00pm, guiding activities, encouraging independence, and helping everyone settle into camp life.  Staff will help pupils set up camp, cook an evening meal and facilitate an evening fire.  Pupils then go home to their own beds.

4. Self Supported Under The Stars
   The Outdoor Learning Service can provide all the equipment needed for school staff to independently run an Under the Stars programme. You will need to order your own food.

Priority will be given to:
*Schools who fill in a detailed request form
*Applications for whole classes / year groups
*Schools who have Outdoor Learning as an approach to curriculum delivery in their School Improvement Plan / Curricular Review

Locations:
* School Grounds
* Local Green Space - Many schools have got in touch with a local estate /land manager to secure an appropriate camping spot within a short walk of the school.
* Outdoor Learning site near East Saltoun, Papple Steading or other agreed locations

Groups:
Group size is up to 30 pupils per camp. If you’re a big school you may need more than one night.

What the School need to provide:
* a link teacher who will support delivery
* 1 adult for every 10 children with a minimum of 2 adults for every camp, with current ELC PVG, prepared to stay overnight.  Ideally the school should provide at least 1 extra adult above and beyond minimum ratios.   There is NO COST for  ADULT staff/ helpers
* Source a local space/ estate if not using areas already set up for UTS
* ensure pupils turn up for the camp with suitable clothing/ equipment and any medication needed

To book: 

1. Have a look at the table at the bottom of this webpage for availability

2. Complete an Under the Stars REQUEST FORM

3. EVOLVE – this planning and approval form must be started as soon as your booking is confirmed and submitted well in advance of the activities.  The EVOLVE form should be filled in by the Visit Leader N.B. This is a camping visit of 4 nights or less therefore pre-booking approval does not need to be sought but a provvurment form should be filled in. Select Multi-activity when asked for the adventurous activities. Start the form now – EVOLVE here

4. Letter to Parents – download the template and amend to suit here

5. Informed Parental Consent Forms – here

6. Equipment List – this should be given to all staff & pupils here

7. Letter to Staff/Volunteers – download the template and amend to suit here

8. Complete an Essential Information form 

9. School Visits further information and forms can be downloaded from East Lothian EduHub

Programmes are always flexible and may need to be changed at the very last minute depending on weather conditions, staffing, group ability etc. Alternate activities that form part of the overall programme will be provided and similar outcomes achieved. We will do our best to inform you of these changes ASAP but in reality this may be the morning of, or possibly even during the activity. This is the nature of Outdoor Learning (especially in Scotland). Please make sure your staff, children and parents are aware of this.

Feedback:

'...buzz around school is already happening with pupils asking me all the time when they can go. I have seen the shyest of pupils tell us stories, work with new people and step outside their comfort zone on this trip. The confidence it has given pupils in the past is evident back in school in classes. The pupils have a newfound respect of the outdoors and many have even gone on to convince their families to take them camping. In an English classroom the quality of their stories have improved and they have a fresh approach to writing.'
- Quote from an East Lothian Secondary School