WHERE IS PHASELS WOOD?

Phasels Wood nestles in the Hertfordshire countryside, surrounded by fields and country lanes, serenely belying the fact that it is on the edge of bustling Hemel Hempstead with Watford just 5 miles away.

Until a few years ago the only access to Phasels Wood was via Rucklers Lane, which leads off the main A4251 road at Kings Langley, where the railway bridge spans the road, opposite Ye Olde Red Lion Pub. The lane changes after three quarters of a mile into a narrow single track lane. However, in 1993 the A41 Kings Langley by-pass was built and Phasels Wood was given an entrance, easily accessed via a lay-by on the by-pass, straight into the site.

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THE HISTORY OF PHASELS WOOD

Phasels Wood covers an area of 95 acres. The names of the fields and woods are recorded in the 18th century. The ancient Seymore field is 25 acres of rolling meadow, dotted with trees and wild rose bushes. The 30 acre woodland is made up of two mature woods, Great Wood and Phasels Wood, carpeted with bluebells during the Spring. After completion of the road, the camp site was extended by purchasing Long Field and Phasels Field.

Camping started at Phasels Wood in 1937 with various groups taking responsibility for developing their own clearing in the woods. Some of the woodland campsite names still reflect this pioneer beginning.

The history of the woods and fields go back much further than the camp site. There was a Roman road adjacent to the wood and during the archaeological investigations prior to the building of the by-pass, evidence was found of an iron-age settlement.

TRADITIONS

On some weekends during the main camping season, the Warden holds a traditional camp fire in the large, tiered campfire circle and Scouts’ Own Services are held in the outdoor chapel.

On request, both areas are available for use by Groups using the site.

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Phasels Wood Scout Camp prides itself in maintaining a safe environment for young people to enjoy themselves. All activities involve risks of some kind, but with good training, proper equipment and responsible leadership, these risks can be minimised to provide adventure and fun for everyone.

ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESS - All accidents, hospital and doctor's visits at Phasels Wood must be reported to the Warden and an accident form filled in as soon as is practical.

ACTIVITIES - All activities carried out must conform to policy, organisation and rules (POR)

ACTIVITY AREAS - The Activity areas should only be entered when the group is booked to do so. A leader must also be present at all times during the activity to look after those not engaged on the activity. Extra care must be taken when setting out treasure hunts or map reading exercises that people are not running through the activity areas.

AERIAL RUNWAYS - Aerial runways must only be constructed under the personal supervision of an experienced and responsible leader, who must also supervise the operation of the runway. When the runway is ready for use, please ask the Warden to double check that it is safe to use. Further information on aerial runways can be obtained from headquarters.

ARRIVAL AT CAMP - A warm welcome awaits you. Please call in at the Reception so that the Wardens know your Group is on site and you can be directed to your building or camp site if you have not already visited it.

ASGC - The Association of Scout and Guide Centres is the only body that focuses on the specific needs of Scouting and Guiding in relation to residential facilities. Phasels Wood is a member of the Association so you can be sure of a safe environment for young people visiting the centre.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES - If you are looking for something a little bit different, why not try one of our activity parties. These are run every Sunday afternoon using the activities and facilities at the centre. Food or bar-b-que can be arranged afterwards from Woodland Catering.

CAMPING & OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT - The Complete Outdoors stocks everything you may have forgotten or lost and is only 5 minutes drive from Phasels Wood.

CAR PARKS - There are three car parks situated throughout the centre. You will normally be directed to the nearest one for your camp although on busy weekends parents dropping off may have a 5 minute walk. Before taking any vehicle on to your campsite, obtain the Warden's permission. After unloading at your site, all vehicles are to be returned to a car park.

CHILD PROTECTION - All adults in your party must be deemed suitable by your organisation to work with young people and they will abide by the Scout Association’s child protection code. Click here for further information.

COMMUNCIATION - There is a payphone on site as well as good mobile phone reception. Letters can be posted from the reception and collected there everyday. Please ensure anyone sending you a letter has your group name clearly marked on it. Photocopying facilities are also available in reception at cost.

DEPARTURE FROM CAMP - Please notify the office 30 minutes before you leave to arrange a site inspection. Would the last Leader to leave notify reception that everyone in your Group has left the site so we can be sure no one is left behind.

DOCUMENTATION - For a list of all available documents regarding Phasels Wood Activity Centre please click here

DOCTOR - Appointments to be made via the Warden: The Surgery, The Nap, Kings Langley, Herts.

DOGS - Sorry no dogs allowed at any time - except guide dogs.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT- Any electrical appliances should be checked by a competent electrician, prior to arrival on site. The buildings have sensitive 'trips' that 'cut out' if anything is of a dangerous nature. All cabling must be out of reach of everyone in camp and anyone who could come in contact with them.

FIRE - All buildings have suitable fire fighting equipment and fire alarm systems. In the event of a fire leave the building/area, and report to the 'Fire Assembly Point' situated on the main field by the climbing wall and inform the warden immediately.

FIRST AID - The Hertfordshire County Scout Council will ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that all appropriate first aid and emergency facilities exist to meet their compliance obligations, and trained and competent appointed persons will be available to provide basic first aid services. Although facilities are available on site, your Group will be responsible for its own first aid provision.

GAS CYLINDERS / APPLIANCES - All gas cylinders should be stored in a safe, secure environment and changed away from all tentage or flammable substances. Any gas appliances should be checked by a competent person, prior to arrival on site and should be turned off at the cylinder when not in use. If you smell gas, turn off the cylinder/appliance at once. Gas refills are available locally.

GENERATORS - A competent electrician should, prior to arrival, check any generators to be used on site. The generator must be earth staked and be fenced off in a safe environment. Consideration must be given to other campers around the site and all generators should be turned off by 10pm. Any fuel must be stored in clearly marked containers and kept separate to the generator.

HEALTH & SAFETY - POLICY STATEMENT - It is the policy of Hertfordshire County Scout Council, in conjunction with its activity centre management committees, to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of its employees and all others who could be affected by the Hertfordshire County Scout Council activities.

The Hertfordshire County Scout Council also recognises its duties to take all reasonable steps to promote and maintain safe and healthy working conditions and to ensure that its statuary obligations are met at all times.

HOSPITAL - 24hr accident and emergency, Watford General Hosptial, Watford, Herts.

LAUNDRETTE - There are two laundrette's only a 5 minute drive from Phasels Wood open early until late.

LEISURE SHOPPING - The Marlowes in Hemel Hempstead is a bustling pedestrianised shopping centre, with many major national stores. There are ample parking spaces and the Water Gardens provide a relaxed river walk after shopping. Within a few minutes drive from Phasels there are several out-of-town units containing nationally known stores. Fast food outlets are in abundance in Apsley and Hemel Hempstead.

MAP REFERENCE - Sheet 166 - TL 051041- You can download a site map by clicking here.

PAYMENT OF CAMP FEES - The balance of camp and activity fees are due when you are at camp. Camp fees should be made during office hours, but not during busy Providore times. Camping for a week - please pay at least 2 days before you leave. Camping for a weekend - please pay before Sunday lunchtime. Do not leave payment until you are actually leaving the camp site as staff may be particularly busy at this time.If you are unable to pay during your stay and wish your invoice to go to a treasurer or accounts department, special arrangements must be made prior to your camp. Please ask for FORM P at least 2 weeks before your arrival date.

PROVIDORE - Arguably the favourite place for the younger visitors to Phasels Wood. It is a well stocked shop selling sweets, chocolate, soft drinks, ice slushies and ice cream. The souvenir side caters for every taste, from small inexpensive ornaments, novelties and games to branded key rings, site and activity badges. Opening times are displayed in the providore window but there are also vending machines available 24hrs for hot and cold drinks as well as snacks and sweets. It is suggested that pocket money consists mainly of 10p 20p 50p and £1 coins.

REFUSE - Please put all rubbish, including cold ashes, into a black bag and place in the large refuse skips by the car park.

SECURITY - Wardens resident on site all year plus activity staff and crew during weekends and school holidays. CCTV covers both entrances and camp centre. The main gate on to the A41 Bypass is locked each night around 10pm. The local gate into Rucklers Lane is accessible 24 hours for emergency vehicles.

SMOKING - Phasels Wood supports the right to smoke free Scouting. Whilst we understand people have the right to smoke we recongise people have a choice. We also acknowledge that non smokers have rights and choices. All buildings and activity areas are smoke free zones and people should be actively discouraged from smoking around young people. Click here for the fact sheet on smoke free Scouting.

SPECIAL NEEDS - Phasels Wood is equipped with toilet, shower and washing facilities for persons with special needs. All buildings and activities are accessible where practicable. For further information and advice please contact us.

SQUIRRELS - Watch out! There are clever squirrels about. Double store your bread and cakes.

SUPERMARKETS AND FOOD SHOPS - Commercially Phasels Wood is very well served. Sainsbury’s and Tesco are easily accessible in minutes by car. The village of Kings Langley has a high class butcher’s shop, newsagents, chemists and a Spar open early to late. Asda and Costco are also within easy driving distance. Delivery of food can be made to Phasels Wood but you must wait at the reception for your order as the this is the first place delivery drivers come to to find out where you are!

TAKEAWAYS - There are plenty of fast food and takeaways in the area. Apsley Fish & Chip Shop and Efeler both deliver to the site. Chinese, Indian, Pizza and Mcdonalds and only a 5 minute drive away.

TOILETS AND SHOWERS - There are plenty of toilet and free shower facilities throughout the centre with the largest block accommodating 700 people per hour! Every effort is made to keep the toilet blocks as clean as possible. Please encourage the children in your care to respect them. If you think they need attention please notify a member of staff immediately.