IMPORTANT
ANNOUNCEMENT
Following the announcement from Girlguiding about the proposed closure of Blackland Farm, we have taken the difficult decision to defer Olave to summer 2025.
Since the announcement we have looked at many possible alternatives, however given the now short timeframe we haven’t managed to find anywhere suitable to accommodate us.
We know that this is a huge disappointment to both girls and leaders. We acknowledge and appreciate the work, fundraising and planning that has already been put into Olave.
We’re looking forward to Olave 2025 and thank you for your continued support.
Below you will find guidance on what happens next regarding booked places and payments, as well as how to talk to girls and parents about this decision.
If you are a volunteer who has sent a booking form and/or payment to the Olave team
We will contact you directly to arrange a refund.
If you are a unit leader who has received booking forms and/or payments from members of your unit
You should:
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Let your girls and parents know about this decision, you can copy and paste the information above to do this
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Refund any payments that have been made towards Olave 2024
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Destroy any booking forms you have received
If you have been fundraising for Olave 2024
You will be able to use the funds you have raised for Olave 2025, as their intended purpose remains the same.
What happens next?
The Olave management team are excited to begin planning for Olave 2025. Once we have confirmed a venue, we will launch the event and encourage units to start booking their places. We will share updates as soon as we are able to.
Talking to girls and parents about this decision
As well as the information above, here are some things which may help you talk about this decision and answer any questions you get from girls or their parents.
On 18 May, Girlguiding announced they had been recommended to sell the 5 Girlguiding activity centres, which includes Blackland Farm. Read Girlguiding’s full statement. That is the reason we had to review the viability of Olave 2024 and ultimately defer it to 2025.
It’s ok to feel sad about this decision. Many of us have been looking forward to Olave for a long time, and having to wait another year isn’t something anyone expected. But we hope that you are also pleased to hear that Olave isn’t cancelled, it’s just postponed. We are still working on giving you an amazing week of activities, friendship and new experiences and we can’t wait for the day we welcome everyone to camp.
By deferring Olave to 2025 it will allow us to give volunteers, parents and girls certainty in upcoming plans and deadlines, and provide the best possible event.
If you have further questions
If you have any questions that haven’t been covered in the guidance, please email us info@olave2024.org.uk.
Olave Management Team Statement, 1st June 2023