“…for I want you to understand what really matters…”
Philippians 1:10 (NLT)
We believe that the relationship of a father really matters.
A Dads and Lads Wilderness Weekend is the perfect opportunity for father and son to spend quality time together; sharing in a real wilderness adventure. These high quality canoe expeditions are founded on careful attention to detail.
Each expedition is led by highly skilled and experienced instructors; whose aim is to facilitate your adventure, not to take you on their adventure. You get to share a canoe, a stove and a story, with your child.
A Dads and Lads Wilderness Weekend involves two days continuous canoeing down the River Wye, with an overnight camp on the Saturday night. Follow the link to see a sample itinerary. We have chosen a bank holiday weekend so that after paddling on Saturday and Sunday, you get a chance to relax with the whole family on Monday, and you miss the worst of the traffic!
We meet you at the river’s edge where all the equipment is ready and we discuss the aims of the expedition, pack the boats and cover some basic canoe skills. Once we launch onto the water we’re on our own! We paddle the expedition unsupported: you carry your own food, camping equipment and clothing. We stick together, learn together and help one another. At the end of the trip simply take your own equipment along with the memories of your shared experience, and head for home.
Please take the time to explore the pages below, including the Frequently Asked Questions page, which will hopefully answer many of your questions. Similarly, our expedition costs page will clarify exactly how much you will need to spend. CYE provides all the expensive kit you need; and we don’t have any hidden costs.
Wilderness Weekends are supported by Cotswold Outdoors. Upon booking, we will give you a discount code, to use with Cotswold.
The expeditions are run by Christian Youth Enterprises Sailing Centre; a Christian adventure sports charity based on the South Coast. The expeditions are monitored by the HSE, through the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority. Thorough Risk Assessment precedes all expeditions.
“The whole experience is designed around facilitating a genuine adventure for father and son to experience together; sharing those quality moments you’ll always remember.”
Booking process:
1. Fill in the online booking form, and pay a deposit.
2. Our accounts team will be in touch to confirm receipt of the deposit.
3. Our Wilderness Weekends team will contact you, to confirm the details of your booking.
4. You receive a "co-ordination" pack, with some paperwork for you to keep, and some for you to return in an SAE.
5. We phone you in the week before the expedition, to answer any last minute questions and confirm meeting arrangements.
Friday night camping:
Although the expedition does not officially start until the Saturday morning, we are pleased to be able to offer camping in Hereford on the Friday night, in case you don't fancy travelling out on Saturday morning. On the Friday night we can provide a tent (if you are using one of ours for the expedition) but we cannot provide any food. Fortunately the campsite is very close to Hereford town centre, and even closer to a supermarket.
Useful Links: