FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Coming on camp is an incredible experience and many children come back year after year. For those new to it though, below are some of the common questions from parents and kids – as well as the Camp Rules. For information about dates and prices please choose your sport from the main menu. Anything not answered, please get in contact.

HOW OLD MUST CAMPERS BE?

Both boys and girls who are 9 years or older are welcome on any of the ‘classic’ or ‘vip’ camps. Our camps are most popular with 12 to 16 year olds but we also get many who are both younger and older. The important thing is that the child is happy being away from home by themself for a week. For the Girls Only Camp, there is a far wider age range.

HOW GOOD DO YOU NEED TO BE?

On every camp there is always a mixture of abilities – however the camps are not really suitable for complete beginners. This means that if you’ve literally just gone out and bought your first skateboard or scooter, then you might find the camps a bit intensive. Campers should at least be happy with the basics and know how to use a skatepark safely. Get in contact if you’re unsure.

WHAT ARE THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES?

Campers MUST be dropped off before 10am on Monday morning – and picked up on Friday between 5 and 6pm. You can find map and directions to the camp below.

The Southampton area often suffers bad road congestion both on Monday mornings and Friday evenings, so please consider your travel plans.

We recommend allowing an extra hour for your travel as arriving late will mean the child misses the first day of riding.

CAN UK CAMPERS MAKE SPECIAL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS?

Yes but it needs to be agreed at least 4 weeks before camp is due to start.

If you need to drop off your child on the Sunday evening (rather than Monday morning) this costs £30 and drop off is from 6pm. Likewise if you would like to collect them Saturday morning (rather than Friday evening) this is £30 and must be done before 10am.

WHAT SHOULD WE PACK?

Please remember to bring a bed sheet, duvet (or sleeping bag) and pillow. You will also of course need enough clothes for a week of riding, suitable shoes, your actual skateboard or scooter (and a helmet too), toiletries, towel, warm clothes (in case of cold days) and sun cream (in case of sunny weeks).

We recommend that children do not bring fragile or high value items on camp – but we appreciate that many children like to film their riding or use social media during the week etc – but please be aware that Rubicon takes no responsibility for lost or damaged items such as: smartphones, tablets, videocameras, laptops, bluetooth speakers etc.

CAN CHILDREN COME FROM ABROAD?

Absolutely! Last year, children came from 16 different countries to take part in the camps!

The closest airport to fly to is Southampton Airport. Children usually arrive on Sunday in order to be ready for the start of camp and leave either on the Friday evening or Saturday morning.

The cost of transfers and the additional nights accommodation is included in the price.

Any questions or to discuss travel arrangements please get in contact.

CAN WE CONTACT OUR CHILD ON CAMP?

Of course! These days most children have their own phones anyway – but if your child does not or chooses not to bring theirs – then you can contact one of the camp leaders. Their details will be provided in the Parents Email that is normally sent out about one week before each camp starts.

WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?

Anytime up to 1 month before your camp start date, upon notice of cancellation (e-mail or telephone call), all fees minus £60 processing charge per child are refundable.

Cancellations within 30 days of your scheduled arrival will not receive a refund. However depending on availability it may be possible to transfer the camper to another week or postpone the place to next year.

In the event that Rubicon cancels a camp due to corona, a full refund is of course available.

PROPERTY AND LOST PROPERTY RULES

We advise that children do not bring items such as tablets, laptops or any other non-essential possessions with them on camp.

Camp Rubicon is at no time responsible for any items brought on camp and all children are responsible for looking after their items both at camp and whilst at skateparks.

Camp Rubicon will where possible help locate any items but are not responsible for any lost property.

If parents are concerned with their childs property, we suggest taking out insurance for the 5 days.

Lost property is collected during the camps and after the season is over, items that can be identified are sent back to the owner.

WHAT IS THE SAFETY DISCLAIMER?

By signing your child up for camp, you:
– understand that you are allowing your child to participate in an extreme sport that can result in injury or death.
– understand that you waive any and all claims for personal injury, illnesses or property damage against Camp Rubicon.
– you authorise the staff at Camp Rubicon to act as your childs guardian and act according to their best judgment in any emergency requiring medical attention.

WHAT ARE THE CAMP RULES?

We want everybody to enjoy their week and to experience the amazing camp life. All children are encouraged to talk to a member of staff if they have any concerns or questions. Children can also text or whatsapp in confidence to 07821 361 186 and staff can then deal with any issues without using names. We ask that everyone treat their fellow campers and staff with respect.

No Bullying. Campers are not permitted to engage in any form of bullying whether verbal or physical towards another camper, member of staff or member of the public
No Wandering Off. Campers are not permitted to leave the camp site or any skatepark by themselves. They must always be accompanied by a member of staff.
No vandalism. Campers are not permitted to vandalise or ‘muck around with’ any property of the camp or another camper. Any property damage will be charged for.
No smoking, vaping, alcohol or drugs. Campers are not permitted any kind of alcohol or drugs on camp – nor is smoking allowed. This will be reported and means immediate removal from the camp.

A Message from Geoff (Head of Camps)

“At Camp Rubicon we just want everyone to have an amazing week of fun – we therefore take a very hard line with any form of bullying.

We encourage all the children on camp to talk to staff if they notice anything or experience anything, so that it can be dealt with quickly and with minimum of fuss. These chats will of course be kept confidential.

Bullying can take place in many ways – whether it is by teasing another child, excluding another child, being mean towards another child or threatening another child – and it can be done through an individual or a group of children.

There is no excuse whatsoever for any form of bullying – and the staff will deal with it very seriously as it could have a major impact on the enjoyment and safety of a child.

The staff are always available to talk to – and have been trained to keep a close eye out for any early signs of inappropriate behaviour – as well as help all children settle in to life on camp – and what might be their first time away from home.”

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A Message from Geoff (Head of Camps)