Call to Adventure 2024

Outdoor mentoring programme for boys 11-13

Mentored by

Chris Packe

Organisation links
Location address: Scaynes Hill, RH17 7NP
Chosen age group:

Ages: 12 - 13 years

Available tickets:
Standard £695
Next date: Saturday 12th Oct,
A summary
NEW DATES FOR 2025 COMING SOON - DO GET IN TOUCH NOW TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST **NOTE: BURSARY PLACES AVAILABLE - PLEASE ENQUIRE** For lots of resources including videos, testimonials, pictures and FAQs, make sure you visit www.chrispacke.com. Call to Adventure is an outdoor mentoring programme for a tribe of 11-13 year old boys. It comprises 3 episodes between May and October: an energetic springtime weekend camp in the woods, a 3 day summer hiking expedition, and then welcoming in the darker autumn months back in the woods. This is placed to meet boys in Year 7 and Year 8, at that stage for a thirst for adventure and a taste for independence really starts to arise. The Call to Adventure is a classic mythological concept. The young protagonist reaches a point where something adventurous has been activated. He feels the need to travel away from the civilised village and the close protection it provides, into the wild lands and the unexpected challenges that they offer. Crazy antics ensue. A mentor is there to give the helping hand they need, in the moment and in the way that they best need it. For the protagonist, it’s not about being happy and safe, it’s about seeing what happens when they pull themselves from the comfort they have experienced so far, and it initiates the process of exploring what they are capable of, and what kind of person they want to be. The universe celebrates this kind of risk! It certainly worked for Katniss Everdeen, Luke Skywalker and Bilbo Baggins. On the Call to Adventure, Chris Packe meets each young adventurer where they are at: providing support where it’s needed, and not offering the support when it’s not needed, allowing a meaningful experience to play out in the innately rich and challenging medium of hearty outdoor pursuits. This isn’t School – far from it in fact – but we will inevitably learn lots of skills along the way, including bushcraft and survival skills, campcraft, navigation, foraging, nature awareness - but the beauty of getting out purposefully into nature is that it tends to offer up exactly the lesson a person needs at the time... but often does not expect. This programme aims to support and inspire a young lad’s unfolding adventurous life. It is useful in and of itself, and it also provides an excellent foundation for the Wolf Pack programme for 13-15 year olds, which takes things to the next stage, befitting an intrepid young man. Get in touch with Chris to find out more, or find the listing here on Eequ. THE 3 CAMPS (7 days in total): May 18-19 (Sat-Sun) – Woodland camp, Sussex: Establish the tribe, bushcraft, firecraft, expedition skills including navigation, night games August 2-4 (Fri-Sun) - Expedition: An expedition to Dartmoor, to properly feel the wind in our faces and learn how to look after ourselves and our companions October 12-13 (Sat-Sun) – Woodland camp, Sussex: More fun and games together, plus the challenge of the Overnight Solo COST - £695 (payable in one go or as £395 deposit and £300 balance by 31 March - let Chris know if you want to do it this way and he'll set it up) - PARTIALLY FUNDED PLACES: If this programme appeals to you, but feels out of reach financially, then please do not turn away. I have a patron, the Spayne Lindsay Foundation, who supports my work, and we can have a conversation about how we might be able to help. Get in touch with me and we can talk about it - What’s included: food (many hearty meals!), accommodation, mentoring, tuition, activities, materials, group equipment - Not included: Personal kit and travel costs. For the summer expedition, an efficient option (and great fun) is to hire a minibus and drive the whole group. I would expect this to cost c.£70 per person. Note that this travel time is not included in the indicated times for this trip; we would be leaving early and arriving late on the indicated days, or you can meet us there at the 4pm start time BOOKING PROCESS 1. Get in touch with Chris (use the 'Message Mentor' button - please make sure you leave your direct email and phone number) 2. Also check out the videos, references, testimonials, FAQs and other resources on www.chrispacke.com 3. Then it's time for a conversation between parent / guardian and Chris 4. After that, Chris meets / Zooms / speaks with the potential participant, to break the ice, and allow him to find out for himself from Chris what it's about so he can make his decision 5. Once all are happy, and the participant has decided for themselves that they want to join in, we can go ahead with the booking OTHER IMPORTANT INFO - This programme requires the commitment of each participant. In the bonded group we shall have, an amount of synergy is lost by an individual missing one event, and the whole group is affected, not just the absentee; each member carries a responsibility for the wider group. Participants will be able to meet or speak with Chris before committing, in order to be fully informed to make the decision - A degree of physical fitness is required, and a mindset to take on the various challenges. Sometimes we will be carrying our equipment on consecutive days, often over rough terrain. By design, there is some struggle - Similarly, this programme requires a degree of social / emotional skill, and an agreed willingness to engage in such challenges, as they come hand in hand with the physical endeavour. As with the physical aspects, it is fine (and normal) to struggle at times with social aspects, however for the benefit of the individual and the group, any participant must have the capability of functioning in a group situation, and be able to engage in the spirit of the programme - Bookings on this event are subject to Chris Packe's Terms and Conditions, available to view during the booking process and at www.chrispacke.com/about-me/terms-conditions - To find out more about Wolf Pack, the bigger brother programme to Call to Adventure, and a natural next step to progress to, visit www.chrispacke.com/programmes or search for the Wolf Pack listing on this Eequ site Chris is licensed by AALA to provide adventurous hiking activities. OTHER THINGS I OFFER These are the other programmes and events I run, which can all be found here on eequ: Adventurous programmes for teenagers and nearly-teenagers: Wolf Pack for Girls (aged 13-16 / Year 9 - 11) Wolf Pack for Boys (aged 13-16 / Year 9 - 11) Wolf Pack All-Stars (5-day mountain expedition for Wolf Pack graduates) Lively woodland camps: Feral Fathers (dads and sons, or dads and daughters, or dads and both) Woodland archery: 5-hour immersive sessions for private groups on request
About your mentor
Chris Packe
Wild guide
Chris spent 15 years in investment banking, followed by 10+ years in the woods. He is particularly interested in leading curious people into less familiar environments and conditions: where the emergent and unbidden may play out, and things may be seen from an alternative perspective. This comes to life as nature-based youth mentoring programmes – year courses for young men and women such as Wolf Pack (13-15 years), Call to Adventure (12-13 years), as well as Feral Fathers (feisty weekend events for fathers and sons / daughters), adult or corporate events, and convening a monthly men’s fire circle (since 2015). In addition, he does work that is variously described as coaching, mentoring and guiding (he is a qualified mountain leader, and an archery instructor), and also sketch comedy, writing, cartooning and songwriting. Chris also finds himself owning a piece of woodland - a place to work, experiment and often to just go to alone and sleep in. He lives in Forest Row and a teenage daughter and son.
"Can I trust you?"
A number of people who join my programmes, courses and events already know me personally, or have had a previous experience with me, such as a Feral Fathers weekend or archery day, or know me by reputation. An equal number have come across me for the first time, so I start out little more than a stranger. For many parents in this position, I fully appreciate that it can be a big deal for their child to join a multi-night course. To address this directly, I'm setting out a few layers through which a connection and trust tends to get built ahead of an experience. 1. Background checks & qualifications I, and all my adult staff, have the necessary Enhanced DBS checks in place, and we always have an appropriate number of staff with suitable first aid qualifications - this is a minimum. Given the hiking / expeditionary aspect to some of my courses, my activities must be licensed by AALA (the Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority, a government body). This involves a very exacting inspection and approval of my qualifications, operating procedures and policies - which means I am held to a very high standard on an ongoing basis, on ALL of my activities. As a qualified Mountain Leader, as well as the technical expertise, it means I have also been assessed and approved through a rigorous process on group management and welfare. 2. Direct contact I never take 'blind' bookings on multi-day events. It always begins with a conversation / meeting with the parent/s, to build a direct relationship and address any areas of interest or concern. For my year programmes like Wolf Pack and Call to Adventure, I always meet or Zoom with the child involved, so they can get a accurate picture of what the experience involves, as well as getting to know me, so that they can decide for themselves whether they wish to join. For one-off multi-day events, as well as the initial contact, group Zoom calls can also be arranged, where parents and children interested in the event can get a similar level of clarity and comfort. Some families prefer to meet me, check me out properly, and also have an awesome time at my woodland archery range. So it is possible to have a form of 'taster' day, if an appropriate group can be assembled. 3. References from previous parents Over the years I have had hundreds of children in my care, and therefore a lot of parents who have an opinion of me. I have put together a pack of references from a group of parents who have booked their children on programmes I have run, which can be found on my website at https://chrispacke.com/programmes/ Furthermore, parents can go on to contact these referees directly if they wish. The hope is that this third party view can give a solid layer of comfort to those who desire it. I am very open to any other ways that I can address the matter of building trust ahead of booking an event, do get in touch if you need.
Learning aims
Aim 1
In the company of a crafty mentor and a band of fellow travellers, this programme can equip boys with confidence and willpower, life skills, practical skills, and broader horizons. A strong taste of what's to come in the coming adolescent years.
Aim 3
By the very nature of the programme, a range of physical, mental, emotional and social skills will be called upon and inevitably refined. These will be discovered and explored along the way.
Aim 2
An initial feeling of self-reliance, an expanded awareness of his potential, and a sense of how it feels to step into a meaningful challenge.
Aim 4
Beyond that, the programme does not seek to prescribe any learning outcomes, but rather meet each boy where they are in each situation, and give them the helping hand, or the firm nudge, that they need.
Testimonials
“Call to Adventure has been so great bringing together boys my age to have fun and be kids, but also have lots of responsibility and do hard stuff that fits becoming young men. Remembering when I walked such a long way really motivates me to keep on going when there’s something I think I can’t do.” George “Call to Adventure was really great and the trip to Dartmoor was amazing. It makes me want to do more of that kind of wild hiking.” Finley “He loved every single adventure and looking back he feels like his confidence has grown and he has created such wonderful memories.” Shelley (parent) “I hoped Call to Adventure would help bring him out of himself, give him confidence, positive male role models and FUN. The impact this program has had on him cannot be over-stated. The amazing, kind, funny, confident, loving and truly brilliant boy he’s always been is here front and centre.” Heather (parent) “He was always enthused when he returned, fondly retelling tales of camp adventure (hammocks, food and fire), misadventure (waking up in dew-soaked grass) and wild games in the woods at night. I saw how much he valued his time away with the boys and, as an only child, how important forming those brotherly bonds was for him. Getting to do it simplistically in beautiful nature without any technological distractions is the cherry on top.” Tania (parent) “He enjoyed the sense of camaraderie being part of the group and benefitted from having a positive male role-model. It’s a safe and supportive experience to have fun, try new things, challenge yourself and grow as an individual.” Ashleigh (parent) “He loved every minute of the 3 weekends. He was able to explore life in the countryside, open air sleep, challenging himself physically in a 30km expedition and being a valuable member of a new community. As he put it to me after his return of the first weekend, he felt ‘at home’ with Chris and the whole crew. He loved the meals, the amazing landscapes, learning to put up a tent, making a fire and build new friendships. These experiences made him reflective and more appreciative, definitely more adventurous and less fearful of being out of his comfort zone.” Emma (parent)
Pricing information
Ticket nameStandard
Price£695
LEARNER REFLECTIONS0 reflections
Where we'll be
Wapsbourne Wood, Scaynes Hill, West Sussex, RH17 7NP
WHAT’S PROVIDED
Drinks
Meals
Equipment
Safety
Enhanced DBS
Risk Assessment
Public Liability Insurance
First Aid Training
First Aid Kit

Please note

Please note, it is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the safety measures. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed here.

Cancellation Policy
No refunds are given except in the case of a cancellation by the Mentor.This programme demands a high level of commitment from the organisers, and therefore a reciprocal level of commitment from families sending their son to join. We form a tribe and journey through the 3 experiences as a cohesive group. Absences or mid-programme cancellations are highly disruptive to the group, due to the strong bonds formed. Before the programme starts: Once a booking is made, it means that other inquirers may need to be turned away. If a person has booked, changes their mind and wants to cancel before the programme starts, they will get a refund less £200 if the cancellation is before 31 January (this is reduced to £100 if the place is filled by someone else). After 31 January, no refund can be given, unless the place is filled, in which case a refund less £100 is given. After the programme starts: No new participants are able to join, and so there can be no refunds, apart from at the Mentor's discretion. In order to facilitate the commitment from the participant , I will meet / speak / Skype with parents and son, to ensure that the time is indeed right, and the intention strong and clear, to participate in this programme. After booking, I will send you additional documents including terms of participation (various acknowledgements and understandings around how we will operate), along with brief questionnaires around health and intention. Detailed event information will be circulated in good time ahead of each event.

My experience consists of a leisure activity, on a specific date(s), and therefore the 14-day ‘cooling off period’ under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 does not apply.

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