Day Retreats are popular with schools and other groups from all over the Archdiocese of Birmingham and beyond, with over 2000 adults and children enjoying an Alton Castle experience each year.
We pride ourselves on providing fun-filled Day Retreats tailored to suit a variety of ages and themes, the most popular of which are:
Team Building
Holy Communion
Confirmation
Lent
Teacher / Adult Day Retreats
Day Retreats For Adults
Faith Groups - Popular with adult groups of all kinds from youth leaders to parish groups, we can offer a variety of activities or just peace and quiet on the beautiful surroundings of the Castle.
School Staff Days - Tailor made to the requirements and objectives of individual school staff, these days can be exciting and action-packed, reflective and relaxing, or a bit of both ! It is a chance for staff to spend time together away from the pressures of school and is a perfect start or finish to any term.
For further information, including details of costs, please e-mail maggie@altoncastle.co.uk or telephone 01538 703224.
Day Retreats For Children
The days are based around exciting activities which encourage the whole group to get involved and co-operate to solve problems and complete a variety of challenges. In addition, each activity includes a chance for reflection on the theme of the day.
The day begins with an opportunity for prayer suitable for the age range and ability of the children who are then divided into groups of around 15 for the activities which are lead by members of our enthusiastic team.
In keeping with Alton Castle’s mission statement, spirituality runs through each day. It forms a part of each activity and the children will also have the opportunity to experience a guided meditation and opportunites for reflection. The day ends with a short liturgy, encouraging the children to take all that has been learnt throughout the day back to school.
Information for Schools / Visiting Staff
Day Retreats are offered to all Key Stage 2 and 3 year groups. It may be possible to accommodate Key Stage 1 groups by special arrangement.
Costs for Day Retreats start from £7.25 per child (plus VAT which is reclaimable through your LEA). Children and visiting staff are required to bring with them:
a packed lunch
any medication or inhalers they might need
a change of clothes and footwear
waterproof clothing / sunscreen and hats as appropriate.
Schools are required to bring at least one responsible adult with every 15 children that attend.
It is advisable to arrange either an early start or a later return to school so that the children can gain as much as possible from their time at Alton Castle.
Treasure Hunt - This is your chance to explore the site and find treasure using just a series of photographs and the help of your friends along the way.
Conveyor - Can you work together to keep the plastic balls and water moving and succeed?
Confirmation Days
Activities include:
Searching - Can you visit all the places marked on the map to discover more about the Holy Spirit?
Night Line - An activity based on trust and communication. Children must guide their blindfolded partner through the twists and turns of the course.
KS2 Team Building Days
Activities include:
Giant Marbles - You no-longer have hands to use to pick up the balls – just a single pole each. Only by working together can you complete the task of transporting the balls across to the other side without dropping them.
Bog Buggy - Can you use rope, a pile of 'junk', and your team working skills to ferry your group across the bog? Some talent for construction and lots of laughter essential!
KS3 Team Building
Activities include:
Crates - How high can you stack the crates and climb? You will need all the help and support you can get!
Mangonel Mayhem - Your challenge is to build a catapult and work out how to fire it to see how much mayhem you can create with it!
Further Information
If you have any questions or would like to book a day retreat at Alton Castle, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01538 703224.
