Outdoor learning
grounded in
Friesland
Supervision ratio
1:10
One teacher per ten students, maintained throughout all activities
Instructor certification
VOG + cwo
All staff DBS/VOG cleared; sailing instructors CWO certified or equivalent
Programme length
2 - 5 days
Flexible formats from residential weekend to full Trips Week
Schools already served
8,6/10
Including several international schools
Our safety commitments
We know that signing off on an outdoor residential for 140 students means staking your professional credibility on the provider you choose.
Every standard below applies to every group, every trip.
Fries & Fruitig | International School Safety Standards
Applicable to all groups · Updated 2026
✓ Staff Screening (VOG)
All Fries & Fruitig instructors and hosts hold a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG). This is the Dutch equivalent of a DBS Enhanced Check. Documentation is available to EVCs on request.
✓ Sailing Qualifications (CWO)
All water-based instructors hold a CWO qualification (Dutch national sailing certification) or a recognised international equivalent. No student takes to the water without a certified instructor present.
✓ Life Vests | Always On Water
Every student wears a properly fitted life vest for every water activity, without exception. This rule applies regardless of swimming ability, weather conditions or activity type.
✓ First Aid On-Site (BHV)
A Fries & Fruitig staff member with BHV (Dutch occupational first aid) certification is physically present throughout the entire programme, not on-call, on-site.
✓ Swimming | Non-Dutch Diploma Protocol
Students who swim competently but hold a non-Dutch diploma may participate in water activities with signed parental consent. Students without swimming ability receive a full alternative dry-land programme with no disruption to their schedule.
✓ Weather Protocol
Outdoor activities proceed in rain. Students are briefed on appropriate clothing from day one. A national weather code warning or lightning triggers a pre-prepared indoor alternative, agreed in advance with the lead teacher. There is no unplanned downtime.
✓ Dedicated Host | Full Residency
Your group has a named Fries & Fruitig host for the full duration. The host is your single point of contact: managing the schedule, briefing teachers on expectations, and reachable by phone 24 hours a day throughout the trip.
✓ Supervision Ratio
We recommend, and help you plan for, a minimum ratio of one supervising adult to every ten students across all activities. This is built into the programme schedule, not left to chance on the day.
Activities & Outdoor Learning
Learning that happens outside.
Every activity is facilitated by our own certified instructors and can be aligned with your curriculum goals or used as standalone experiential learning. Ability-appropriate alternatives are always available.
⛵
Sailing & Watersports
Supervised sailing on the Friese lakes. from first-time tasters to multi-day voyages. Includes kayaking, SUP and canoe options. All instruction
are available in English.
CWO certified · Life vests required
🗺
Navigation & Orienteering
GPS challenges and map-based expeditions through Friesland's wetlands and countryside. Develops teamwork, decision-making and
resilience in a real outdoor context.
Ages 10+ · Full dry-land option
🎯
Team Challenges
From archery tag and Expedition Robinson to Code Pier. Structured team activities designed to build collaboration with a competitive edge.
Adaptable for all abilities
🌊
Water-Based Exploration
Canal boat excursions, punt tours and open-water experiences. A direct way for students to
encounter Friesland's unique water landscape and ecology.
Life vests always · Consent form where required
🧠
Problem-Solving Programmes
Custom scenarios involving logistics, communication and leadership. Designed for trips that want documented learning outcomes alongside outdoor adventure.
Curriculum-linkable
🌤
Indoor alternatives, always ready
Every outdoor session has a pre-planned
indoor equivalent, agreed with lead teachers
before arrival. Weather does not mean
unscheduled time. Groups keep moving.
Activated automatically · No disruption
Food & Dietary Requirements
Every student, every meal
International classrooms come with diverse dietary needs. We build your menu in consultation before arrival, not a token vegetarian option on the side.
🥥 Nut-Free
Full nut-free catering including kitchen protocol. Not just ingredient swaps
☘ Halal
Fully halal menus available on request, with sourcing documentation if required
🐄 No Beef
Beef-free menus for Hindu students and other dietary or cultural preferences
🍚 Warm soup at lunch
Hot midday meal as standard, something to look forward to after a morning outdoors
🌿 Vegetarian & vegan
Full alternatives throughout all meals, not afterthoughts
💬 Custom Requirements
Allergies, intolerances or cultural needs not listed? We work through them before you arrive
Before every trip, we ask for a full dietary list from your school. We review it with your EVC, confirm what we can accommodate, and put it in writing, so parents and students know exactly what to expect before they leave home.
Logistics & Communication
One team. Constant clarity.
The success of a school trip rests on logistics, not just activities. Here is how we manage the practical side so you can focus on your students.
🏠
Your dedicated host
A named Fries & Fruitig host is assigned to your group for the entire stay. They know your schedule, your teachers by name, and everything agreed before you arrived.
- Present on-site throughout the programme (not evenings)
- Reachable by phone 24 hours a day for the full duration
- Single point of contact for all logistical questions
- Pre-trip briefing with your lead teacher on roles and expectations
📅
Accommodation & scale
We accommodate groups from 30 to 200+ students across our Friesland locations. Adult rooms can be arranged with private en-suite where available.
- Heeg (up to 200 guests) and Nijhuizum locations
- Private or semi-private rooms for adults on request
- Arrival-night accommodation for external activity partners
📋
Pre-trip documentation
Everything your school needs to sign off the trip: safety policy documents, staff credential summaries, dietary confirmations, and detailed daily schedules.
- VOG and CWO certificates available for school records
- Parent consent form templates for swimming activities
- Daily programme with teacher responsibilities clearly assigned
- Emergency contact sheet and site access information
🤝
External activity partners
We are experienced in working alongside external groups and making sure both teams know who is responsible at every moment.
- Site protocol briefing for external partner staff
- Coordination of shared accommodation and catering
- Early-arrival logistics for partner teams sorted in advance
- Fallback programme if partner plans change on the day
Recent Enquiry
What a Trips Week looks like with us.
"We had a really great experience! I received a lot of help that made the booking process very easy. The stay itself also met all expectations. I would certainly recommend Fries en Fruitig and use them again in the future." - M. Donoghue
Similar situation to | ~140 students | + 15 staff | Age 11–12 years | External partner: 6 additional staff | Adults: en-suite preferred
Get in touch
Ready to see the site?
The best way to decide is to come and look.
We invite EVCs and trip coordinators for a personal site tour, no commitment, no pressure.
You can get in touch and request a tour on our location. Feel free to ask any information you need.
Email: info@friesenfruitig.com
Language: We correspond in English throughout the entire planning process
Response time: Within three working day.
Voor een origineel schoolkamp bedrijfsuitje, familie- of vriendenuitje in Friesland!
