Activity CLubs
We believe the fun of Dukes Barn shouldn’t just be for schools and external groups. Our activity clubs give children and adults of all ages and abilities, from the local community, the chance to regularly participate in outdoor & nature activities at and around Dukes Barn. All abilities are welcome and the neuro- and physically diverse are encouraged to attend as we can cater for all needs. See below for booking and what is on at our clubs each week.
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THURSDAYS 10 TILL 12PM: INDOOR & OUTDOOR PLAY SPACES TO EXPLORE
***FREE hot drinks available for adults. Please feel free to bring your own reusable cup with a lid.***
Our Mini-Adventurers is an ideal place to introduce pre-school children to the wonder of nature and the natural world around them.
Running from 10am - 12pm every Thursday* during Derbyshire term-time, these sessions are aimed at tots on the move to school aged children. They are relaxed and informal sessions led by our qualified early years teacher. Younger siblings are of course welcome along too, however we recommend a sling or baby carrier as the paths can be a bit uneven for prams and pushchairs.
We offer a different focus led activity each week, with a free flow play area set up in our allotment to support children in their learning, this includes a mud kitchen, water wall, sand pit, fairy glen, herb garden, fruit area and vegetable plots and wildlife area. All of our activities are optional meaning children are able to make decisions and choices as to what they’d like to do throughout the session, and work at their own pace.
Half way through the session we stop for a drink and snack - we ask that you provide your own due to the current situation. Please note that due to the lack of sturdy surfaces you must only bring cold drinks.
Our allotment is a working allotment with fruit bushes, vegetable plots, grasses and other plants, and the minibeasts and insects they attract which makes it a wonderful area to explore. It is surrounded by a gated wall perimeter, however during our Preschool & Toddler session the adult accompanying the child has responsibility for the child, and must supervise them at all times.
These sessions must be booked online via the booking system. Please follow the button link above.
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Due to the re-organisation of staffing, the new Green Adventure Club will now operate on Wednesdays only for combined ages and abilities 4- 16 yrs from 5.00 - 6.30 (flexible timings for younger children if required)
There will be two instructors at all times to enable full enjoyment splitting into two groups if necessary, depending on the ages and abilities of individuals attending.
The club will run during school term-time only, is led by two experienced instructors and is designed to allow children to experience different adventure activities appropriate to the seasons. Every week the session will centre around another activity that will enable children to explore their limits, learn how to stay safe outdoors and protect and nurture the world around them. The club always has our indoor climbing wall as its base, where we have access to a toilet, a small kitchen area, and tables for crafts. We will utilise this facility and other sites at Dukes Barn, including our allotment, outdoor classroom, low ropes, tunnel, fire pit and willow den as weather and light allow throughout the year. (see below and booking for the timetable).
NOTE: Each block is limited to 12 children ( or less, depending on the needs of individual children) to ensure a high-quality learning experience.
Parents must always remain on-site or accompany the group by walking or in cars if an offsite activity is planned. Minibus transport for children is provided.
Cost:
£8 per session includes all materials and equipment.
These sessions must be booked online via the booking system. Please follow the button link above.
TIMETABLE:
TIMETABLE Summer term beginning the 5th of June - 21st of July 2023.
Week 1 - Stream Walking
Week 2 - Wet activity - please bring a full change of clothes!
Week 3 - 21st of June
Raft building and decoration.
Week 4 - 28th June
Rafty testing at Emperor Lake - Bring spare clothes!
Thursday, 29th of June.
Raft race at Bakewell.
Week 6 - 12th of July
Rock scrambling - Please wear trainers, long trousers and a long-sleeved top. You might also need a waterproof coat.
Week 7 - TBC
Please allow for adaptation and flexibility in activities due to weather conditions.
** Age groupings are for guidance only. Please get in touch if you think your child would be better suited to an older or younger group. Two instructors are present on both nights.
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For all clubs
Wear sturdy shoes - open toes sandals or flip flops will not be suitable. We recommend you and your child wear trousers and long sleeved tops. Also dress for the weather, welly boots, water-proof trousers and rain coats are highly recommended if it has rained overnight or is forecast.
Also bring a NUT free snack and cold drink.
Please note that the site has a small resident dog ‘Daisy’ who, while kept in the Centre Manager’s private house during group session, does roam free at other times.
MINIS (ONLY)
There is a mud kitchen and water tray to play in so old clothes, plus a change are recommended whatever the weather.
If, on the rare occasion, the weather makes outdoor play too unpleasant we do have access to both covered and/or our indoor climbing wall area, with soft play equipment, where we can continue play and complete craft activities.
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We have hand washing in the outdoor class room and toilet facilities (however please bring your own changing mat if attending minis) in the main buildings.
We have access to our indoor climbing wall area for wet weather.
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If possible please arrive on foot as there is limited car parking just inside the entrance to Dukes Barn. Please do not park in the upper carpark through the arch as children will be playing and moving about. If parking in the village, please park considerately.
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CANCELLATION BY US
In the event the group can not take place due to a force majeure or staff illness a full refund will be given.
CANCELLATION BY YOU
Refunds will only be given in exceptional circumstances as appointments can be rescheduled for free, therefore please ensure you give the reason for your cancellation. No refunds will be offered if cancelled within 48hrs as we will not be able to fill the slot.
“…Green Adventurers Club is by far his favourite. He likes the balance between sporty and craft activities, Liz’s guidance and the company of the other children.
The place is clean and looks brand new, and we are looking forward to the spring and summer to use the outdoors garden and classroom. I also immensely appreciate Liz’s care with covid safety, it means a lot to us. I wish this was twice a week!”
“Minis is a fantastic, child led, outdoor exploring wonder! It’s accessible for all children any age/ developmental stage. They can truly be themselves and have fun, exploring the world around them in a safe space with the most fantastic leaders.”
