FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We've set up this guide to help: Completing your Participant Information form
We'll lend you all the kit and equipment you need to keep you safe, dry and warm during your adventure. Whether it's specialist activity and safety equipment, waterproofs, boots, sleeping bag, rucksack or a tent. We've literally got you covered.
All you need to bring is personal clothing and footwear, including things to wear during the evening, when you're not taking part in activities. You can download our kit list here.
Yes, we can accept childcare vouchers as payment for any of our summer adventures at our Ullswater and Howtown centres, which are registered with OFSTED’s Voluntary Childcare Register. However, we can only accept the vouchers for the remaining balance after the £150 deposit has been paid.
If you need it, our unique reference number is EY443840.
Some sections of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme can be completed as part of your Outward Bound course. For more info check out our DofE Award page.
The dorms will be of different sizes and will mostly have bunk beds in them, and some are ensuite. Depending on the course, either your school or Outward Bound will create a plan of who will share a room. This will depend on how many participants there are, etc. But whoever you will be sharing with – being roommates is always a good way to get to know new people!
Most dorm rooms have en-suite facilities, some may have a shower room just down the corridor.
Yes, bring enough for your stay. See our kit list so you don't forget anything! You can download our kit list here.
For safety reasons, aerosols are forbidden.
Don't worry! You can still take part in every activity.
Pads and tampons are available from the dispenser in the shared toilets at the centre. You can also get them from the Logistics Hub at any time. Your instructor will always be carrying spare products when you are away from the centre. If you are experiencing period pains, you can also ask for painkillers.
If you go swimming and gorge walking, you can wear a tampon or a sanitary pad in the water. A sanitary pad will get wet and that's okay. You can change it as normal afterwards.
If you go on expedition and camping, spare sanitary pads will be in the toileting tube. If you'd prefer to carry your items, you can stock up before leaving.
Yes, there is usually at least one plug socket in the dorm, with some in the common areas.
Yes, you can bring your phone but during the day whilst out on activities we ask that phones are left at the centre. This helps everyone connect with nature, concentrate safely and engage fully with everyone. During the evening when back at the centre you are free to use your phone. Prior to the next activity day, phones will be collected in, and stored in a safe place.
If a young person’s phone disrupts the course or emotional harm to others, or themselves, Outward Bound may take a phone away from a young person. The parent/guardian will be informed if this happens.
Due to the remote nature of the 19-Day Pinnacle course, the above may differ. Staff and young people will agree to an approach that reflects the spirit of phone use on other courses, but with different practical implications. Decisions on phone use made with young people will be communicated with parents/guardians at the start of the course. This decision will ensure that young people can make regular contact home.
We recommend you leave any valuables such as jewellery, iPods and tablets etc at home. However, if you really can’t live without them, you will have access to a safety deposit box at the centre.
Most of our centres have a pool table and a football table. You can also do some sports activities like basketball and football. There is a selection of board games available from the shop, and you can watch films in the social lounge. Just ask your duty instructor.