ESTC - handbook

The Edinburgh Ski Touring Club

ESTC – Children on Trips Policy

It is ESTC policy to welcome the children of members – after all they are potential new club members! Indeed membership is open to anyone over the age of 12 (ESTC Constitution, 2010, 3.1). Children under the age of 12 are welcome to attend club events with parent/guardian members subject to certain considerations.

Important factors are:

• Flexible accommodation – lots of separate rooms as children of different ages sleep at different times.
• Facilities for children in the event of inclement weather (both in the accommodation and nearby).
• Easy terrain nearby.
• Ski hire and sledges/paulks for children.
• Separate meal times for children. This allows parents to relax at their sitting.
• Timing with regard to school holidays both in Edinburgh and elsewhere.

Unless the owners indicate their property to be family friendly, the club should not use unknown new venues specifically for family events.

The decision about whether an event is child-friendly will most often be made on the type of accommodation and its location. In these cases the accommodation is suitable for families, with separate sleeping rooms rather than alpine bunks. There is also living and/or play space. Other factors such as health & safety, the terrain of the area, any training or other service being offered and the informed judgment of the organiser will be taken into account in deciding if an event is to be designated as:

Family Priority: Open to any club member but priority will be given to families. The club will endeavour as far as possible, to organise one such event each winter.

Family Friendly: On such trips members without children will be as welcome as those bringing children. Country House events would fall into this category.

Not suitable for young children: This warning may apply to accommodation where access is on foot, by boat, on ski or by bicycle. These remote locations far from roads may present health and safety issues for children under 12. Some accommodation is not ideal for young children as some may have steep stairs or even ladders to access sleeping space.

Anyone with queries about the suitability of an event should consult the trip organiser.

On trips where children attend, the adult bringing them is entirely responsible for their welfare. Parents and guardians are requested to keep night time and early morning noise down and to be especially vigilant regarding safety in the kitchen.

First Draft by Julie Finneran, additional comments from Neil, final version by Brent (5 November 2010). Considered by the ESTC Committee at the September, October, November 2010 and February 2011 Committee meetings.