• Extensive grounds
• Chapel
• Large Meeting room
• Games room
• Bar
• Tea/ coffee making facilities
• Drying room
• Walking boots & cagoules
• Adequate on-site car parking

CHURCH BASED YOUTH ACTIVITIES

A week or a weekend at Castlerigg Manor is a particularly effective way of working with young people of a variety of different ages.

A weekend away which includes time spent socialising, praying, working together and taking part in outdoor activities, is relatively easy to organise; it does not usually require any specialist experience. Parish volunteers can usually put together a highly enjoyable and successful programme.

It is also worth noting that, depending on the centre's workload (and subject to prior agreement) Castlerigg youth work staff can be hired to give some programme input if required.

Castlerigg staff are willing to help with ideas and on occasion, may be available to help lead a walk in the locality if this is required. It is also possible for groups to buy into local activities such as water sports, abseiling, visiting farms or other local attractions. The staff at the Manor are happy to put you in touch with such organisations. Keswick has a number of amenities including swimming baths.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

In recent years many parishes have started to run programmes for those who are due to receive, or have recently received, sacraments such as Holy Communion or Confirmation. A residential weekend in a new environment is an ideal way of working with Young People. Parish catechists can present Sacramental catechesis over a 2 or 3 day period in an exciting and enjoyable way, interspersed with a number of activities, which Castlerigg staff may be available to help with. Living, eating and working together at Castlerigg also helps to reinforce a sense of belonging to the Church community. Groups are encouraged to bring a priest for at least part of the weekend. If this is not possible, however, Masses are often held at Castlerigg as well as at the Local parish in Keswick on Saturday evening and Sunday morning.

PRACTICALITIES

The Manor normally needs to plan well ahead to accommodate the groups who wish to come here. We also normally ask for a deposit several months in advance of your trip. Ideally, therefore, you need to be thinking about your arrangements some months ahead.

You will need to decide whether you wish to stay at Castlerigg on a full-board, part-board or self-catering basis.

For full details of prices for all residential options click here

Groups are reminded of the need to bring their own towels and toiletries and are responsible for tidying the rooms they have used prior to departure.

Listed here are some of the things you will need to consider if bringing a group of young people to Castlerigg:

• Transport to and from the Manor including pick-up and drop-off.
• Consent forms from parents (including contact addresses/numbers).
• Details of any medical conditions, medication and allergies.
• How children's medication will be dispensed top them.
• Any special dietary requirements.
• Staffing the trip on a ratio of at least 1:10 with an appropriate male/female adult balance. Three adults is the usual minimum.
• Insurance. (Diocesan parishes are covered by diocesan insurance policies for Third Party liability. Please note, however, that these policies do not include personal belongings.)
• A 'Behaviour Policy' or a 'contract' that parents and young people have agreed to in advance. This should incorporate the house rules of Castlerigg.
• Familiarising yourself with child protection issues and establishing the suitability of volunteers.
• A First Aid kit if you are engaging in outdoor activities away from the Manor.
• Your timetable of activities for the trip and any equipment you may need.
• Obtain a list of available rooms from the Manor to sort out sleeping arrangements.
• The type of clothing and footwear needed if you are taking part in outdoor activities.
• Collecting deposits and payment for the trip well in advance.