PGL childrens activity holidays opinions please

bootman

Hi

I have a 9 year that I think would love to go on holiday to one of the centres.

I don't know anyone who has sent there children to these and I just wondered if anyone has done this and what they thought of it.

A motor sport week is what I am looking at.

Thanks

Amba_Gambla

I worked as an activity instructor at a PGL centre for 2 years......

Are you wanting a family holiday, or one where you send him on his own?

I think PGl hols are good wholesome fun, and should be more widespread. It's all safe and secure and a great experience, and I think your son is at the optimum age for a PGL hol -

If you want more info or have particular questions, post em here, and I'll see if I can answer them.....

beautifulgorgeous_2

I have also used scripture union holidays which are much cheaper but do have a significant "God" imput. My nine year old went last summer and enjoyed it so much that he is going twice this summer.

mrs_drudge

My two eldest went on these holidays for several years. The first time we went to collect them my daughter was in floods of tears and refused to speak to us - we thought she must have hated it but it was because she didn't want to leave! If you can find another child (friend, relative or just off the street) PGL often do very good deals on Buy one get one half price.
I would thoroughly recommend them - and more to the point - so would my children!
This was when they were younger - about 8 years ago now - they used to go to Borreaton Park and once to France.
Liz

bootman

I'm looking at the Boreatton Park. For a week in the summer for him. It's a bit hard trying to ask his friends mums if they fancy sending one of their kids as well, as £440 is quite a lot.

I'ts just the being on your own factor staying away from home for a whole week with nobody you know that will be the problem. Hopefully I can talk him round. He is a total outdoor boy so I know he will really enjoy the activities.

The above post mentions buy one get one half price. The offer that came with the brochure was 10% off if booked within 10 days. When is the best time to book for the best promotions?

pink_rabbit

On the PGL website they have Boreatton Park for half price w/c 18th Feb.

Our son went there and also to a couple in France, all on BOGOF and each time suffered major withdrawal symptoms as he enjoyed it so much.
He is now in his early 20's!

monkeyspanner

Our daughter and a friend went to PGL Brean House in N.Devon on a 4 day half price offer multiactivity (including surfing) break when they were around 10. Both had a really good time. I think PGL operate age banding 7-10 etc.. No negative comments from the kids other than "the wet suits stank". Clothes came back filthy so they must have had a good time. Accommodation looked a bit basic to me so I wouldn't fancy one of their family breaks but fine for kids.

Amba_Gambla

the accommodation is fine - when the centres change from kids breaks to family breaks we spent about a day and half converting it into better accommodation. A dorm that would have held 8 kids then holds a family of four with an ensuite etc. £440 seems a bit steep. When we did family hols, I think the adults were paying about £350 (full baord, all activites inc.)

with regards to being away for a week... (I really hope I don't offend anyone here) but I think it's something that kids need to do more. OK, you might be on your own, but so is everyone else. It's he same kinda thing as the American summer camp (which they are currently tryign to bring in over here). It may be difficult at the start, but it's well worth it, and the kids will be all the better for it.

When I worked on the summer camp in the USA, there was one first timer, and he was dragged (literally) kicking and screaming from the car - he was grabbing hold of anything he could not to stay in the car. His dad physically removed hima nd put him in a sailboat, and drove off..... that same kid 4 weeks later had changed almost unrecognisably, and 4 years later is a completely different kid.

I can't describe in words how much of a positive effect I feel that these activity weeks can have on kids.....

god, how old do I sound!

Moomin

I went on a PGL adventure course years ago with my school (we're talking late 80s here btw!). I went to the one in the Brecon Beacons (dunno if it's still there). It was my first proper introduction to outdoor activities and was such a memorable experience - pony trekking, abseiling, canoeing, kayaking, shooting, BMX biking, muddy assault courses and sailing. And then after these sessions the guides would lay on team outdoor activities like rounders or rugby etc. I think we had a disco one evening too. It was such a good laugh. We stayed in mini caravan-type things (2 in each I seem to remember) so it felt like quite a grown up thing to do at the time - kids aren't too concerned with accomodation. As long as it's clean and comfortable, that's the main thing. My most memorable moment was pony trekking down very steep hillsides - scarey stuff! And then having to waddle back to camp because my bottom and back were sore from the riding!
If I could turn back the clock, I'd do it all over again!

pandas66

Younger son went to Brecon Beacons Last year (June) and had a fab time. They did alsorts of activities he so enjoyed, I shall get him to post tomorrow if you like.

bootman

pandas66 wrote:

Younger son went to Brecon Beacons Last year (June) and had a fab time. They did alsorts of activities he so enjoyed, I shall get him to post tomorrow if you like.

Great Idea, I'll get my 9 year old to read what he has to say!

Thank you.