How do I promote Ventures and Falcons?
We’d love to help you promote Ventures and Falcons. Please visit our Tell others page which has loads of helpful information and resources to get you started.
Where are the holidays and when do they run?
We run around 100 holidays every year across England and Wales. We even have one in Switzerland. Most of our holidays run during the summer holidays, but we also have some that run at different points throughout the year.
How can I get involved?
We have over 100 holidays to choose from, so let us help you find the right one for you or your group. If you’re new to Ventures and would like to find out more about our holidays please visit our About us page and view our holiday listings online. Here you will find the descriptions of all our holidays so you can decide which one suits you. Once you’ve decided, complete the volunteer application form and we’ll be in touch to get you started. If you’re still not sure, give us a call.
How inclusive will the holiday be?
Our goal is to include and welcome every young person, whether they have faith or not, and regardless of family circumstances, race, gender or sexuality (including those who identify as LGBT+). We strive to make sure that every young person has equal access to the opportunities that we offer. If you want to talk things through with someone to make sure we’ve got everything in place for you and can offer you our very best welcome, we’d really encourage you to contact the bookings contact, Overall Leader or the Ventures and Falcons Office.
Do you need to be a Christian to volunteer?
Yes. We ask that all our leaders are committed Christians who are modelling a Christ-like lifestyle.
Can I bring a group?
Groups thrive when they experience new things together, and are further strengthened when they build on shared experiences back home. We’d love for you to bring a group along to one of our holidays. We even have new group discounts available. Give the Ventures and Falcons Office a call to find out more.
Do I have to come with my group?
There are plenty of benefits for going along with your group to one of our holidays, but we understand this isn’t always possible.
Some members of my group might not be able to afford the cost, is there any help available?
If price is a barrier, we’d rather you let us know so we can talk you through our bursary scheme in case that enables more young people to experience one of our holidays.
How old do the children need to be?
We run holidays for 8-18 year olds and each Venture and Falcon has a specific age range within that. Occasionally leaders may be flexible on this - it's worth asking. Your child must be at least eight years old by the start of the Venture or Falcon.
How can I pray?
Prayer is such an important part of everything that we do and we would love you to pray for all of the holidays, the children and young people that come on them and their families. Please visit our prayer page to find out more.
Who do I talk to about a child's specific needs?
We do everything we can to cater for special needs, whether dietary, physical, or anything else. All we ask is that you let the holiday leaders know at the time of booking about any particular need. If you do not let us know in good time, we may not be able to provide the appropriate care your child would require on the holiday.
What is the accommodation like?
Our accommodation is as varied as our holidays, and it will be clear from the programme whether it is indoors, in tents or on boats. Most of our accommodation is in small or large dormitories. Very occasionally, when a holiday is especially popular, we will put mattresses on the floor to gain extra space. If you'd like to know more, contact the relevant leaders.
What about travel?
In most cases, parents and guardians are responsible for the travel arrangements to and from the holiday venue. There may be organised transport arranged by the Venture or Falcon leader. Those who travel independently on public transport can be met at the coach or railway station nearest to the holiday, if you arrange this in advance.
What about safety?
We take the issue of safety extremely seriously. We have a safeguarding policy which all leaders agree to abide by and are given training in. Each Venture and Falcon also has a specific Safeguarding Officer who deals with all issues surrounding this area.
It is normal practice to have a qualified First Aider on site and a qualified Lifeguard will always supervise swimming, where required.
Ventures and Falcons are licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) to provide specified activities such as caving, climbing, trekking and watersports. Licence details can be confirmed by calling the Licensing Authority on 029 2075 5715.
Who's in charge on the holiday?
Our holidays are led by volunteers, whose primary responsibility is to provide a safe and enjoyable holiday for young people. We Use the Disclosure and Baring Service (DBS) as part of our safer recruitment policy and each holiday as Overall Leaders appointed by and accountable to CPAS.
Where can I find the legal terms and conditions?
The latest version of our terms and conditions can be found by clicking here.
What if I can't find the answer to my question?
For more details about a particular holiday it's best to speak to one of the leaders or the Bookings Contact.
If you have a general enquiry which isn't answered elsewhere, you can contact the Ventures and Falcons Office by emailing ventures@cpas.org.uk or calling 0300 123 0780 (option 1).