FAQ’s and Resources

Safety in Every Adventure

While no activity is entirely risk-free, we prioritise safety through rigorous procedures, top-quality equipment, and ongoing staff training. Regular inspections by technical advisors, insurers, health and safety officers, and the Adventure Activities Licensing Service ensure our activities are managed to minimise risk and maximise safety.

All our instructors, regardless of the qualifications they bring to the job, are trained and, when ready, signed-off by the Head of Outdoor Education at the centre. This ensures that the members of our team are experts at the sites programmed for your activities and with the operations we employ.

Dietary Needs? We’ve Got You Covered

We cater to most specialised diets—just let us know in advance!

All the specialised equipment will be provided by the Centre. For general clothes, please have a look at our Kit List.

Yes. There is a partnership working between the centre staff and party leaders that ensures young people are supervised at all times.

Tuck Shop

Our small tuck shop offers a selection of confectionery and souvenirs. Schools typically set spending limits and will inform you about how it operates before your visit.

Prepared for Any Weather

At Ardentinny, there’s no such thing as bad weather—just the wrong clothes! We provide all-weather gear like wetsuits and wellies to keep participants comfortable. Each morning, we review the weather forecast and adjust activities as needed to ensure safety and enjoyment.

In Case of Illness

Our staff will care for your child as they would at home or school. This might involve quiet time or a visit to Dunoon’s health centre. If medical treatment or medication is needed, the party leader will contact you promptly.

No. But if a young person is afraid of the water, we should be told.

Supporting Additional Needs

We can accommodate most additional needs if informed at the time of booking. If we feel unable to provide appropriate care, we will discuss this with you beforehand.

Before the group leaves, our instructors collect left-behind items and try very hard to ensure they are returned to their owners.

All individual items should have the young person’s name on them. That way we can identify them if found later and post them back if your child forgets them at the centre (postage will be charged in this case).

Pre-Trip Presentation

We believe a pre-trip presentation at school is an essential part of the adventure. It helps pupils and parents make a shared, informed decision about participating and sets the stage for an exciting experience.

Party Leader Ratios

Typically, party leaders attend at a ratio of 1 adult per 10 pupils, following local authority management guidelines.

Teacher Involvement

Teachers can join group activities as much as they feel comfortable. Sharing adventures is a great way to connect with pupils, though it’s not always practical to join every session. Teachers also assist with evening activities and manage morning and bedtime routines, so having some downtime during the day is essential. View the full Visiting Staff Routine here.

Twelve weeks before the trip, we will ask for confirmation of the final numbers attending. We reserve the right to charge a cancellation fee for pupils who do not attend after final numbers have been confirmed.