It's 'clean camping' in Strathspey after the long lockdown haul
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Abernethy Trust’s outdoor centre at Nethy Bridge has started getting 'back to business' with fun – and very clean – camping.
Operations director Andrew Marrian told the Strathy the Christian adventure centre has now resumed operations.
First up were some extra special Abernethy Under Canvas camps.
The two gatherings – in place of the usual summer camps which would contravene government guidelines on Covid-19 – have just been successfully staged.
Camp Aspen was held at the beginning of the month for four days and the second, Camp Birch, soon followed.
Mr Marrian said: “We have been running activities that can be socially-distanced, all of them held in family bubbles, with one instructor per group.
“The first canoeing expedition saw two twin brothers and their families reunited for an overnight expedition! It was wonderful to see families get outside together and experience a bit of fun after such a long time in lockdown.
“The camps were run in a socially-distanced and much smaller way – for 40 guests– instead of our usual summer camps.
“We are following strict government guidelines about how to run an adventure residential within the good to go self-certification guidance.”
Centre bosses said it was a real team effort to relaunch activities.
“Our guests were wonderful and coped well with the changes to our usual operations,” said Mr Marrian.
“Our team did a brilliant job in the run up to the camp and during the week itself. We benefited from community help as well – everything from borrowing dining tents to last-minute grounds excavations for tent power supplies!
“A huge thank you to everyone who helped us in our final push to reopen safely and responsibly.
“There are a lot of unsung heroes out there who have pulled together, notably the Cairngorms Business Partnership, linking with other local organisations, sharing strategies on opening up and welcoming guests back, led by Mark Tate who did a brilliant job.”
Locals can also book the outdoor activities delivered by the centre.
