Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Future Leaders Network Summer Retreat
The Summer Retreat will take place on Friday 8 July to Sunday 10 July 2022
I won’t be able to attend in person, can I attend virtually?
Our Summer Retreat is an in-person event, specially curated to deliver leadership training through interactive sessions and build networks between our in-person attendees. You therefore can’t join virtually.
We have a mix of virtual, in person and hybrid events throughout the year, so if you can’t attend the event this time, there will be other events for you in the future!
I am under 18 or over 30, can I attend?
Due to safeguarding reasons, we can only have people aged 18 or over on the start day of the event, unless specified otherwise (e.g. when we work with partner organisations who work directly with under 18s).
We design our events specifically for young people aged 18 - 30, and encourage people within that bracket to attend!
I have no leadership experience, can I still attend?
Yes, absolutely! At FLN, we believe that leadership comes in many forms and not always the ‘traditional’ roles. We exist to provide people with leadership opportunities, as well as developing leadership skills. There is a place for everyone at our events.
Is this the only event you are running?
No, in 2022 we have 3 national events. The first was the Spring Gathering, held on the 2nd April in London, the second is the Retreat and the third is FLN’s Annual Conference which will be held in the autumn - details available soon!
Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend an FLN event?
To access our events, you must either demonstrate proof of full vaccination status (e.g. NHS Covid Pass) or evidence of a lateral flow test taken within 24 hours of the event.
At what time should I arrive at the retreat?
We will be accepting arrivals from 5pm - 8pm on the 8th July at the Phasel Wood Activity Centre, however if you’re not able to arrive between these times, please get in touch at events@futureleaders.network we will do our best to accommodate.
I would like to come but I can only attend part of the event (only Saturday/Sunday). Is this possible?
We’d ask that if you purchase a ticket you are able to attend for the whole duration of the weekend, so we can accommodate as many attendees for the entire weekend. Our events are designed purposely so that you get the most of the weekend, which is why we ask you to attend the whole event where possible.
If you are unable to stay overnight at the venue (indoor lodge or camping) but wish to attend the rest of the event, please email events@futureleaders.network and we can discuss your needs.
How do I get to the event?
We ask attendees to make their own way to the Centre. You can find out how to get there on the Phasel Woods website. If you have any problems with getting to the event, please get in touch at events@futureleaders.network and we will do our best to accommodate.
Is there space for parking if I want to drive to the event?
Yes, There are three car parks situated throughout the centre. Please see the Phasels Wood website for more information.
When does the event finish?
The event will finish by 3pm on Sunday 10th June, with lunch available before attendees leave. If you need to leave before 3pm, please let us know at least 2 weeks before the event. The final programme for Sunday will be released closer to the event.
What is the accommodation situation?
Accommodation will either be in the indoor lodge, with shared bunk rooms with between 2-4 people per room (you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow), or outdoor camping in tents (you will have to bring your own tent and camping equipment). Lodge rooms will be allocated by gender where possible and you can let us know who you would be comfortable sharing a room with on the registration form.
Will I need to bring my own camping equipment?
You will need to bring sleeping bags & pillows. If you have selected an outdoor camping ticket, you will also need to bring a tent.
I don’t have a tent but would still like to camp outside. Is this possible?
If you’d like to camp but don’t have a tent, please let us know, and we can see if we can pair attendees up to share tents - Please get in touch at events@futureleaders.network.
Is there anything else specific that I need to bring?
A recommended list of things you will need will be shared closer to the time, but in the meantime you can read the guidelines from Phasel Woods.
Please be aware it might be cold in the evenings so bring enough warm clothes, as well as waterproofs in case of rain. Each attendee will be able to participate in one of two activities, High Ropes & Climbing Wall, and we will also be conducting an orienteering session, so please ensure you have a comfortable set of clothes for these.
You will also have enough downtime between sessions and activities during which time you might like to bring something to entertain yourself.
I don’t want to take part in the High Ropes or Climbing Wall activities - can I skip these activities for a reduced ticket price?
If you don’t want to take part in the activities that’s perfectly fine! Unfortunately we are unable to offer a discounted ticket price for attendees who aren’t taking part in the activities.
What kind of facilities are available at the Activity Centre?
The site includes toilets and showers, campfires and areas to sit, an onsite shop selling snacks, as well as a limited supply of phone charging lockers (indoor lodges include charging spaces that we can use too). More information can be found on Phasels Wood’s website.
Will there be Wi-Fi at the Centre?
Generally no - Phasels Wood is an outdoor activity centre in the countryside and therefore has limited Wi-Fi access. The Summer Retreat is a chance to disconnect and take a break, while learning about yourself, so we hope you will make the most of this time.
What if I have accessibility requirements?
FLN always strives to be as inclusive as possible in our events. If you have accessibility requirements, please let us know in the event registration form on the Eventbrite page, and/or email us at events@futureleaders.network so we can properly accommodate these.
What if I have dietary requirements?
All food served over the weekend will be vegetarian, with vegan & gluten-free options. If you have specific requirements, e.g. allergies, please let us know in the event registration form on the Eventbrite page.
What activities are planned for the weekend?
The weekend will be focused on a set of sessions helping you unlock your leadership skills over yourself, your teams and your systems.
These will be broken up with several activities you can engage in, including a climbing wall or high ropes session, which you can choose from when you register. More information about the activities can be found on the Summer Retreat website page, and specific information will be released closer to the time.
I’ve bought a ticket but am now unable to attend. Can I get a refund?
The Summer Retreat is a non-refundable event, so unfortunately we are unable to issue refunds. You can read more on our Events Terms and Conditions page.