How to utilise NICAS Schemes during school holidays
With over 260 NICAS accredited facilities across the UK, we know the success of term-time NICAS programmes. But what about the school holidays?
There is a common misconception that NICAS schemes are designed for long-term progressive classes, where every candidate aims to complete Level 5. But this simply isn’t the case. Across the UK, walls are utilising the schemes to give participants an introduction to NICAS, in some cases in a one-off session.
So, how are they doing it?
It would be impossible to detail every option out there, so below are two examples of ways that facilities can use NICAS Wild Climbers or NICAS Clip for a multi-day holiday camp.
Wild Climbers Camp
- Target audience: First things first, there is no max age group! Everyone loves climbing, everyone loves learning, and everyone loves stickers! As long as you consider group age brackets for bookings, anyone can take part.
- Camp focus: Participants will work through the 6 skills animals of Wild Climbers, with the aim to complete the ‘taking part’ section of each skill.
- Outcome: On completion of the camp, each participant will receive a Wild Climbers ‘Took Part In’ certificate and get to keep their logbook. They will have received a sticker in each animal’s skill and feel GREAT!
- Upsell: Term-time Wild Climbers sessions or enroll onto NICAS Climbing, Bouldering or Clip (dependent on age).
- Other Camp options: Family Camps, SEN Camps, Home Educational Camps, Inclusive Climbing Camps, or End-of-Term School Camps.
NICAS Clip Camp
- Target audience: Again, let’s remove the idea of a maximum age. This session should be all about giving kids a chance to have FUN – whether they’re already on a more traditional NICAS scheme and want to let their hair down, or regulars at a Clip ‘n Climb-style facility but not enrolled on NICAS Clip.
- Camp focus: Participants will work through the Clip Foundation level with other fun and engaging ground-based games.
- Outcome: On completion of the camp, each participant will receive their Clip Foundation certificate and get to keep their logbook.
- Upsell: Term-time Clip sessions, or enroll onto NICAS Climbing or NICAS Bouldering.
- Other Camp options: Family Camps, SEN Camps, Home Educational Camps, Inclusive Climbing Camps or End-of-Term School Camps.
Camp Considerations
- How many days, duration of each session, and age groups.
- If you plan to do full or half day sessions, which are longer than your standard classes, what other activities can complement the scheme? For example, arts and crafts, colouring, or easily set up ground-based games.
- Ensure your camp follows the recommended duration for each scheme and you have a clear camp session plan for your staff to follow.
But my centre isn’t registered to deliver Wild Climbers or Clip?
If you are already a NICAS Climbing or NICAS Bouldering accredited centre, then adding Wild Climbers or Clip to your schemes couldn’t be easier. There’s a simple uplift form to register your interest, your Course Director will need to attend a short online induction, and then a £50+VAT annual registration fee is added for each scheme. Other than ordering some logbooks, that’s it!
If you’re currently a NICAS Clip accredited centre and want to operate Wild Climbers, get in touch, and we can work with you on the uplift application process. Again, it’s super simple!
Check our minimum requirements for NICAS Wild Climbers & NICAS Clip
Get in touch
Our Head of Commercial Partnerships, Tom Vaessen-Walker, has over 20 years’ operational experience in the climbing industry and is more than happy to give further help or advice on holiday sessions to our accredited centres – plus he can also support you through the uplift process. You can contact Tom on tom@nicas.co.uk
Lastly, did you know we’re hosting our very first NICAS Operational Support Webinar on Tuesday 12 November at 10.00am? Join us for expert tips on scheduling, staffing and marketing your NICAS programmes from Tom Vaessen-Walker (NICAS Head of Commercial Partnerships).