Our instructors are experienced and qualified educators, including certified English/Spanish language teachers and/or experienced Forest School leaders. All instructors have up to date first aid training. The instructors are supported by monitors who are all over 18, have at least UK A Level equivalent qualifications, have experience working with children and have completed the 4Elements Galicia training programme which includes, First Aid, Emotional Intelligence training, Bushcraft and safety or Forest School Level 1 and at least one monitor or instructor on every camp will have an Open Water Lifeguard qualification.

The camp is the often the first time away from home for children. Sometimes children are quite young on camp and or are beginners in certain activities. Other times the whole newness of the camp can be a challenge for them.
We always let children take on new things at their own pace, encouraging them to try things and helping them with their decisions.
Our staff are trained in emotional wellbeing and will be sensitive to the needs of each child. We will seek to find solutions to each challenge, either by moderating the level or offering an alternative. We also recognise that the core value of a summer camp is in the taking on of new experiences and so we will encourage and accompany children to venture from their comfort zone. This, in effect, is where the learning really happens 🙂
In relation to canoeing and surfing see the next question about swimming

Yes, at surfing for instance, a monitor will be allocated to non-swimmers and non-participants for any reason! who will engage the children in body boarding by the shore or organise beach games like cricket and football, looking in rock pools, shell art, kites, fishing, sandcastles etc …
The beach that we surf at, Praia de Nemiña, is a really good beach for beginners to start out of they want to. It has regular waves and the sand is gently shelving so everyone can “find their depth” – even if this means hanging out with the camp monitors who will be on the beach while the surf instructors are in the water.
The canoeing sessions take place in a short section of very slow flowing water, monitor ratio is increased for this activity and life jackets are provided. We have found that low level swimmers feel comfortable taking part. There is a large recreational area perfect for games or yoga, beautiful landscapes to paint and oak woodlands to study if the non-swimmers don’t feel comfortable canoeing. There will always be a monitor allocated to the children who do not take part in the water sports.
Under no circumstances will a child feel left out for not taking part in a group activity. They will be accompanied and provided with engaging alternatives

At 4Elements Galicia, the safety and well-being of all children is of utmost importance. To maintain a safe and positive environment, we emphasise the importance of promoting good behaviour and provide clear guidelines for both staff and children. Our Code of Conduct for Campers policy outlines what is considered acceptable behaviour and the steps that will be taken in case of any unacceptable behaviour. The aim of this policy is to promote a positive and respectful atmosphere for everyone at camp, where every child and staff member is expected to uphold these standards.

Here is some general information on how discipline is typically managed at 4Elements Galicia:

1. We establish clear rules and expectations: clearly defined rules and expectations help to establish the tone of the camp/session and provide a framework for how behaviour should be managed. These rules are communicated to campers/learners and their families before the start of camp.
2. We consistently enforce rules: consistent enforcement of the rules helps to maintain a safe and respectful environment. This includes addressing any inappropriate behaviour promptly and fairly.
3. We practice positive reinforcement: encouraging positive behaviour through rewards and recognition can help to promote a positive camp/session culture.
4. Age-appropriate expectations: we recognise that different age groups require different approaches to discipline. For example, younger children may respond better to positive reinforcement, while older children may require more structure and boundaries.
5. We know that effective communication is very important: we promote open communication between camp/session staff, learners, and families in order to help resolve conflicts and maintain a positive camp/session environment.
6. Training for staff: 4Elements Galicia provides training for camp/English Forest School staff covering appropriate positive discipline techniques to help ensure that the camp experience is safe, positive, and enjoyable for everyone.

We recognise that discipline should be supportive and educational, rather than punishment focused. The goal is to help campers/students learn and grow, while ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone

Specific dietary requirements are not a problem. In the build up to the camp we send out a Welcome Pack where parents can fill in specific dietary requirements. Then we make sure that the cook and monitors know this before your session begins, and tasty alternatives will be provided.

At 4Elements Galicia, we are committed to providing an inclusive learning experience for all participants, regardless of their background or situation. Our facilities are designed with accessibility in mind, featuring single-level access to bedrooms, classrooms, and living quarters, with street-level access for added convenience.

However, some of our on-site activities often take place in the woods and valley below, which may not be easily accessible for everyone. Our off-site activities involve hiking, swimming, canoeing, and surfing.

If you have specific disability considerations, please reach out to us and we’ll be happy to accommodate you as best as we can. You can also schedule a video call or an on-site meeting to view our facilities and learn more about our activities.

Upon enrolling your child on a programme, you will be required to complete a form that includes details of any medical conditions they may have. If your child requires medication while they are at the program, please ensure that you have filled out the appropriate section in the Welcome Pack. This will be sent to all registered participants well in advance of the program’s start date and will outline how we can ensure your child receives proper care during their time at camp/English Forest School sessions.

Campers are not permitted to bring their own personal snacks (fizzy or sweetened soft drinks, biscuits, sweets/candies, chewing gum etc..) onto the camp. This policy is necessary to avoid attracting mice and ants in the bedrooms, to ensure campers are eating healthily and have an appetite at meal times and it reflects our limited storage space. Tobacco, alcoholic beverages or other substances and strictly forbidden. Cameras (for legal reasons), speakers, electronic games, sharp objects, lighters or matches are also forbidden.

Fizzy or sweetened soft drinks, biscuits, sweets/candies, chewing gum and other snacks are not permitted. Unless requested previously by the monitors, toys, games, even personal magnifying glasses or field binoculars are not recommended. Each session will provide all the necessary material to carry out the activity and objects from outside the camp generally only serve as a distraction from the session.

All of our grounds and activities are fully risk assessed prior to each visit, and at the end of each day. During sleeping hours one monitor is on site, metres away ensuring 24hr supervision. At 4Elements Galicia we work with fully trained, experienced organisations and individuals with excellent safety management systems. They comply to regional and national authority safety guidelines, with up-to-date First Aid training specific to the activity and with clean police records. Our detailed Health and Safety Plan is available on request.

For some children, the idea of trying something new or sleeping away from home and being in an unfamiliar environment can be overwhelming and cause feelings of insecurity and fear. As parents, it’s important to provide support and encouragement to help them overcome these challenges. Explain that although the transition may be difficult at first, they will soon feel comfortable and enjoy the experience. It’s essential to avoid forcing the child to attend sessions/ camp and instead, motivate them to go. A gentle push and encouragement can be helpful, but never impose the decision on them. Let them take the step on their own and be there to support them along the way

The ideal age to attend summer camp for the first time depends on the child’s maturity and level of independence. However, starting earlier is usually recommended as it can help in developing key skills like autonomy and social skills.

On 4Elements Galicia residential camps, the recommended age range is between 8 to 16 years old. For children who have a strong attachment to their parents, it may be helpful for them to attend with a friend or relative for their first time to increase their sense of security and decrease homesickness.

The ideal age to attend for the first time depends on the child’s maturity and level of independence. However, starting earlier is usually recommended as it can help in developing key skills like autonomy and social skills.

On 4Elements Galicia English Forest School sessions, the recommended age range is between 4 to 12 years old. For children who have a strong attachment to their parents, it may be helpful for them to attend with a friend or relative for their first time to increase their sense of security and decrease anxiety.

On our English Forest School Sessions we maintain a monitor to child ratio that is never lower than 1:6 and this is increased according to age the activity.

Yes, we require that all campers must be covered by medical insurance during their stay abroad. Spanish nationals can provide details of their State Health Card. For non-Spanish nationals, we require that you have the European Health Insurance Card (if you are travelling from a country which is party to the agreement) and/or private insurance policy.

Our instructors/monitors are rigorously selected to meet the group’s demands for Camps and English Forest School sessions. We select educators and professionals with experience in and dedication to working with children and adolescents. Their backgrounds are all in education, sometimes trained in Montessori, sometimes Teaching English/Spanish as a foreign language, sometimes outdoor education- Forest School qualified, sometimes all of the above!

Our centre has all the necessary permissions from the relevant government departments of the Xunta de Galicia, and complies with building, fire safety, sanitary and food handling regulations. We carry out periodic checks of our heating and water quality systems.

We hold Civil Responsibility and Accident insurance policies as required by law and provided by ALLIANZ, COMPAÑIA DE SEGUROS Y REASEGUROS, S.A. (Part of the German financial services company Allianz SE).

The camp director and at least one other instructor/monitor will have FOREST SCHOOL AND PEADRIACTRIC FIRST AID training that is specific to the outdoors awarded by ITC FIRST, all other monitors have at least basic first aid training.

Canoeing and surfing activities are provided by local federated schools with their own complete safety measures, insurance policies and most importantly long and varied experience working with local and international children.

4Elements Galicia is located 9km or 12 minute drive from a large regional hospital located in the town of Cee. Fire and ambulance services have vetted our grounds and access. On our contact page you have the exact coordinates.