Packing Information

Event attendees should not pack more than they can carry. These are suggestions only.

Suggested items to to pack include

Summer Camps

Arriving @ Kidzspeak

Attendee arrival procedure

Attendees will have an accompanying Greenspeak staff member on all suggested flights. Attendees will exit the plane wearing their Greenspeak T shirts, and be counted in the first available area of the airport. When all attendees are accounted for, they will move to Immigration. Staff will help Attendees fill out forms, and will ensure all are through immigration before going through themselves. They group will then go to baggage collection to get luggage, before proceeding as a group through customs. All attendees are to carry their own luggage. Once again the escorting staff member proceeds through customs last. Once through customs they will be met by the senior staff member of their event, and taken to the bus. If the bus is waiting for multiple flights, the group may wait in a public area of the airport until all attendees are present.

Clearing immigration and customs

Children should have their Passports with a valid visa (if required) and their Incoming Passenger Card correctly filled in when arriving in their host country.  The Greenspeak escort staff will assist children in ensuring that this documentation is completed and ready, however customers are requested to have this prepared prior to departure if possible.

Due to the strict customs laws of the countries that we operate in, particularly Australia and New Zealand, it is strongly recommended that children do not bring any food items with them from home, as it will need to be declared upon arrival in the country and is likely to be confiscated.  Trained sniffer dogs operate in many airports and baggage x-ray is regular practice to ensure that prohibited items are not being carried, so please do not put any food items in either carry-on luggage or checked luggage. On the spot fines can also be imposed as well as prosecution for those caught bringing prohibited items into certain countries.  Please refer to the Customs and Immigration Websites of your host country if unsure.

Australia | Canada | Greece | New Zealand

Orientation

Orientation will happen as soon as all members of the group have arrived. This means that some students that arrive early may have to wait in the meeting room for a short while. During orientation the group will be introduced to staff members, and get an introduction to what will be happening throughout the course. They will also get a copy of the rules and safety procedures of the camp, and a code of conduct. They will be told about the itinerary for the evening and the following day. This will be displayed in the common area. Attendees will then play a short 'name game' to get to know each other, before being assigned to their rooms. They will have a short time to unpack and wash up before dinner.

During the trip

Meals

Greenspeak considers meal times to be a very important part of the children’s day, not only for the nutritional reasons, but also for the social development of the children.  The children will be encouraged to use self help skills, sharing with others and helping staff to set up or clean up after meals providing a sense of responsibility.

All venues are fully catered provide a range of menu items that change on a daily basis.  Children will be offered a nutritious breakfast, morning and afternoon teas, lunch and dinner and a continuous self-service supply of drinks is available at all venues.

On excursion days, venues will supply each child a packed lunch, as well as Morning and Afternoon Teas.  Each child will be provided a ‘Greenspeak’ drink bottle upon arrive which they will be encouraged to keep with them at all times.

If your child has any food allergies or intolerances, the Camp and Venues will cater to their needs to the best of their ability.  Please ensure that you disclose these allergies / intolerances on the Medical / Health information section of the Enrolment Form.

Due to the strict customs laws of the countries that we operate in, particularly Australia and New Zealand, it is strongly recommended that children do not bring any food with them from home, as it will need to be declared upon arrival in the country and is likely to be confiscated.  On the spot fines can also be imposed as well as prosecution.

Excursions

One of the key learning activities during children's stay with Greenspeak will be the excursions.  Excursions are an important part of learning and enhancing the development of children's conversational skills.  Each camp will go on at least 8 excursions during its program, some of which will require overnight stays in other locations.

During excursions, each child will be required to wear their ‘Greenspeak’ issued t-shirt to ensure easy identification of your child and the group at all times.  In addition to this, they will also be required to wear the Greenspeak ID lanyard and their Greenspeak hat.

An appropriate number Greenspeak staff will be present at all excursions (see Child/Carer Ratio) dependant on the location of the excursion.  In addition, other instructors and guides will also be present, as your child’s safety will be foremost in our minds particularly at these times.

Lessons

Lessons will be conducted in scheduled time slots, usually on alternate days with activities. Lessons will be conducted by senior teachers assisted by junior ones. The group will be divided in half, so there are no more than 15 students per class with two teachers. Students will be expected to be on time to class, with all of the necessary equipment. Students are expected to demonstrate courtesy and respect to teachers and each other. Classes may take the form of teacher led activities, pairwork, groupwork or discussions, and be either in the classroom, common area or outside. Although there is no formal assessment, students are expected to participate in all activities. Teachers will fill out a comments section after each lesson, regarding both the student's involvement, and the lesson itself. Lessons may be observed from time to time to check high standards are being maintained.

Free time

During free time students should remain in pairs or groups in designated areas only. The only exception is going to be going to bed early, in which case they should inform their supervising leader before going to their room.

Attendees

Code of conduct

The Student code of conduct is for attendees safety. It ensures respect for staff and each other. A copy of the code of conduct may be found in the event handbook, and the welcome packs. Severe departures from the code of conduct may result in attendees being sent home at their parents' expense.

Drugs and Alcohol

Illegal drugs and alcohol are not permitted on ANY kidspeak event. Any student found in possession or under the influence will be separated from the group, and provisions will be made to send them home at their parent's expense.

Discipline policy

For the smooth running of the Camps as well as the safety of all participant and staff concerned, there are rules in place that the children will be continually reminded of.  If these rules are broken or there is an issue of concern, parents will be notified and there is a possibility that arrangements will be made to send the child home early if necessary at parent's expense.

We understand that children respond differently to different methods of behavior management, therefore at the Camp, positive reinforcement in the form of praise or rewards is encouraged.  However, should certain situations arise that may compromise safety of the child involved or others attending the Camp, a necessary discipline in the form of a ‘time-out’ may be enforced.

Should a more pressing issue arise and staff believes that further action is required; they will complete a ‘Behavior Management Report’ (BMR).  Should the child receive more than 3 BMR’s during their stay, parents will be contacted and consideration will be given to sending the child home early.

All children are expected to obey the rules and maintain the highest standards of manners and general conduct at all times.  All staff are responsible for maintaining correct behavior and orderly conduct at all times.

There are four basic rules that are followed at Greenspeak: