Whatever your ability, our outdoor adventures are open to and have something for everybody. The evenings are extra special too with campfires, movies and even karaoke, bringing friends old and new closer together.
Thinking about school trips? Think again! You will never forget these weeks.
Your medical information comes from the digital medical form you fill in prior to the trip, so make sure you include all relevant, up to date medical and non-medical information you feel we should know about.
Nope! During these trips you might end up in the water but lifejackets will be provided for when you are doing watersports activities so even if you do end up splashing around having fun you will be safe and just float.
No way! All our staff and volunteers understand the after-effects of cancer, including fatigue, can last a long time. They can make sure you get as many rest breaks as you need. You will be encouraged to join in all the activities, but won’t be forced to do anything you won’t be able to manage. We always also try to put young people into groups with similar abilities, so no one feels left out. You will surprise yourself.
Not as much as you think! Closer to the time of your trip we will send you a full kit list containing all the information you need.
Please don't bring big bulky bags or suitcases as there is very limited storage space - a soft holdall or something that can be squished down is perfect.
Please bring a swimsuit or something you can wear under a wetsuit. You won’t need any specialist clothing, waterproofs or a lifejacket – we provide all that - just normal clothes, including some warm layers, shoes you don’t mind getting wet. You will basically live in joggers/leggings, a hoodie and your Trust trip t-shirt!
We also always have plenty of high-factor sun cream on all of our trips. All the centres provide bedding, including pillows.
You will sleep in shared dorms. We want everyone to feel comfortable and safe when with us, in the medical form we will ask about sleeping arrangements and other requirements you may need (such as a place to pray etc).
Suitable changing and toilet facilities are provided for everyone to ensure are trips are accessible to all.
All meals will be provided by the centre teams. We will always do whatever we can to cater for everyone’s needs. Different diets? No problem! Vegetarian, halal, gluten free, just let us know what you need and we will have it covered. You can tell us your dietary requirements when you complete your Medical Form.
Breakfast consists of cereals, toast and a cooked option. Lunch will be packed lunch, which can be taken on activities. A hot meal will be provided in the evenings, followed by pudding, and snacks are available in the evening should you still be a bit peckish! We will make sure you drink plenty during the activities.
In the medical form, we will ask if you need a place to pray. We will talk to you in the build up to your trip about what you need and will ensure this is made possible when you're with us. We can supply prayer mats.
Any phones or valuable electronic equipment are brought along entirely at your own risk and we cannot be responsible for any loss or damage. We recommend these are left at home, but do understand you may want to bring them along for the journey. Our staff and volunteers will have phones you can use to phone home if necessary and Trust contact will be provided to family and friends should they need to get in touch while you’re away. Everything is provided so you only need enough money for any extra snacks or souvenirs you want to buy. We suggest no more than £20.
If you end up not being able to make your trip because of illness, we will try to get you on a trip later in the summer or you will be guaranteed a place on a trip next year. Talk to us and we will work to make sure you don't miss out. It also won't affect your eligibility to come back on future trips.
All advice and guidance on what to do if you've been or feel ill before your trip can be found here - Guidance on pre-trip illness.
We are wholly committed to building belonging and creating a psychologically safe environment and community that welcomes and celebrates everyone being their authentic self.
Belonging and equity are at the heart of what the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust does.
We do this by aiming to create a psychologically safe environment and community that welcomes and celebrates everyone being their authentic self. To achieve real belonging, we must take an intentional and proactive approach to creating a discrimination-free environment.
Racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, classism, xenophobia, sexism, and other forms of identity-based discrimination are society-wide problems we are actively trying to dismantle. They are harmful and can be detrimental to our aims and the experience we seek to create for everyone in our community
We can only improve things if people tell us when things don’t feel right to them, so it’s really important anyone experiencing an issue feels able to share it with us.
More details, including how to make a report, can be found here - How we deal with racism and identity discrimination
Nothing matters more than keeping young people safe. You can read how we do that here - How we look after young people.
We have a stated commitment to Think Planet - to evaluate and reduce the negative impact our trips, fundraising, communications and team activities have on the planet. This is ongoing and we continue to review and make conscious decisions around purchasing, resourcing and everyday actions. For example
Everyone gets a minimum of three trips (including your first time trip). If you are 8 on your first trip, you can continue to return up until you turn 18. If you are 17 on your first trip, you can come back for two return trips as an over 18. If you are 18 or over on your first trip, you can return for two further adventures.
Seasuits and hijabs on our outdoor adventures help remove barriers to accessing and enjoying the water. There are all sorts of reasons someone might not want to wear a traditional wetsuit.
The typically tight-fitting gear is not suitable for those whose religion requires modesty. Others may not feel very confident wearing one and would rather an extra layer or different design. There are health reasons too: wetsuits might not provide coverage from the sun some people need.
Thanks to the Finisterre Foundation, we have four seasuits available on our outdoor adventure trips that aim to remove these barriers, so all young people and team members can get involved and enjoy water-based activities free from worry.
There are also four hijabs too, which are quick to dry, lightweight, and securely fitting, Like their seasuits, Finisterre's hijabs also come with inbuilt SPF 50+ protection, perfect for spending time in the outdoors.
It’s a really nice break from the real world.
Laura had finished her treatment for ovarian cancer, but she still needed help making sense of what she had been through. She rediscovered herself on the water with others she could relate to.
Find out more about Laura's Story
Find out more about the trips Support the Trust