Frequently Asked Questions
Have a look at the answers to the questions we are often asked. If you still want to know more, do get in touch.
FAQs
Can my child get funding to go on a course?
To be eligible, the participant must live in the parish of Bredon with Bredon's Norton. This includes the villages of Bredon's Hardwick, Kinsham and Westmancote. If you are not sure if you qualify, do get in touch.
How much will it cost?
We ask that the parent/s make a contribution towards the course. For a 5 day course the contribution is £120, for a 7 day course it is £150 and for the 14 day course, £250.
I have two children, can they both go?
There is no limit to the number of children going from the same family.
How do I book my child on a course?
Contact us using the online contact form. We need the participant's name, date of birth and address. We will then get back in touch with you and ask you to choose a course and date from the Outward Bound Trust's website. Once you have booked it, you must let us know so that we can tell the Outward Bound Trust that BOBA is sponsoring the course and they will invoice us. We will refund any over payment ie a 5 day course has a contribution of £120 but a deposit of £150 so we will repay the £30 difference.
If my child has been before, can they go again?
We see the shorter 5 and 7 day courses as a stepping stone to the longer 14 and 19 day courses which are more challenging and as a consequence offer greater benefits. We will sponsor a participant who has already been on a shorter course to go on a longer one when they are older, but not to go on another short course, even if it is 7 days rather than 5 days. There is no reason though why you cannot book direct with Outward Bound and pay the full fees.
Can my child go with their friends?
It can be reassuring to go away to an unfamiliar place with friends, but there are benefits to going without. The other participants are unlikely to know anyone else and will be keen to make new friends. It can be liberating to go where no-one knows you. You can be 'just you'.
Are mobile phones allowed?
Mobile phones are allowed but their use is limited to a period in the evenings. If there is an emergency of course the parents can call the centre to get in touch with the course leader.
Is there a briefing before departure?
We have a meeting for all the booked participants and their parents every June. This is so they can ask any questions and meet each other.
I've heard about presentations given by participants. What is this about?
We have our Annual General Meeting (AGM) in March every year in Bredon Village Hall. Many of our supporters like to come along. The highlight for them is hearing from participants how they got on when they went on a course. We ask that all our participants stand up a speak for just a few minutes about their experience. It is a small way of 'giving back' to those who have enabled them to go. It is often a first experience of public speaking, daunting, but hugely satisfying.
Are there lots of other similar associations around the country?
No! Amazingly, Bredon is the only village association in existence. Going back a couple of generations there were over 70 OB Associations, but now there are only 6 in the UK and the other five cover much larger areas eg counties or large cities. The OBT reckons that our parish has the highest density of alumni (people who have been on courses) in the world!