Family time

Challenge overview

The Nuts Challenge in Dorking offers families a unique opportunity to gain deeper empathy for refugees’ experiences while raising funds for humanitarian aid. This obstacle course challenge helps participants understand a fraction of the physical and emotional challenges faced by those forced to flee their homes.

Who can participate

• This challenge is aimed at the family unit of mum, dad and teenagers
• Teenagers aged 13-16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian throughout the course
• All family members should be comfortable with mud, water obstacles, and physical challenges
• Families should assess their fitness levels honestly before committing
• Consider each family member’s comfort with modest dress requirements during physical activity

Choosing your challenge

The Nuts Challenge offers two seasonal events, each with different difficulty levels:

Winter challenge (early March)

• Recommended for those seeking maximum empathy with refugee experiences
• Colder conditions create additional challenges
• Mud tends to be deeper and water obstacles more challenging
• Better reflects winter hardships faced by displaced people
• Typically raises more sponsorship due to increased difficulty

Summer challenge (early September)

• More comfortable conditions for first-time participants
• Warmer weather makes modest dress management easier
• Still challenging but more suitable for younger teens
• Excellent starting point for families new to obstacle courses

Distance options

Single lap (7km)

• Recommended for first-time participants
• Suitable for families with younger teens
• Complete 60+ obstacles
• Typically takes 2-3 hours
• Suggested fundraising target: £500 per family

Double lap (14km)

• Recommended for families seeking maximum challenge
• Better reflects the extended journeys of refugees
• Complete 120+ obstacles
• Typically takes 4-5 hours
• Suggested fundraising target: £1,000 per family

Registration process

1. Visit the Nuts Challenge website
2. Select your preferred season and lap option
3. Register all family members (ensure guardian details for under-16s)
4. Complete medical forms
5. Pay registration fees
6. Download and sign liability waivers

Pre-challenge preparation

Physical training (2-3 months before)

• Family walks/runs (3-4 times weekly)
• Upper body strengthening for obstacles
• Practice carrying each other (simulating helping injured refugees)
• Train while wearing intended challenge clothing
• Include teenagers in training planning to build commitment

Equipment preparation

Modest dress guidelines

Refugees don’t get to wear fancy hiking gear when they’re forced to leave in a hurry, so neither do you. 

Brothers/fathers:

• Regular outerwear, e.g. thobe, jubba or kurta
• Moisture-wicking base layer suitable for muddy conditions
• Regular trainers or trail shoes
• Small backpack for essentials

Sisters/mothers:

• Full length abaya and hijab/khimar
• Moisture-wicking base layer suitable for muddy conditions
• Sturdy boots compatible with modest dress
• One-piece khimar with underscarf recommended

Night before

1. Evening prayer (Maghrib)
2. Family meeting to review safety procedures
3. Pack essentials:
   • Water bottles
   • Energy-dense snacks
   • Basic first aid
   • Emergency contacts
   • Change of clothes for afterwards
   • Towel and plastic bin bags to transport dirty clothes home in
4. Lay out all gear
5. Pray Isha on time
6. Early night’s rest

Challenge rules

1. Complete course as a family unit
2. Support team members through obstacles
3. Maintain modest dress requirements
4. Document journey (respectfully) for awareness
5. Listen to course marshals
6. Know when to rest/slow down

Teen engagement strategies

Social media campaign leaders

• Put teens in charge of creating social media content
• Document training journey through short videos
• Share weekly preparation updates
• Create challenge hashtag
• Connect with other participating teens
• Host Instagram/TikTok live sessions about refugee awareness
• Share facts about refugee youth their age

School engagement

• Present the challenge in school assemblies
• Start a refugee awareness club
• Create informative displays about refugee journeys
• Write articles for school newsletter/website
• Organise documentary screenings about refugee experiences
• Host talks by local refugee support workers

Fundraising strategy

Pre-challenge

1. Create fundraising page (JustGiving/GoFundMe)
2. Share preparation journey on social media
3. Contact local mosques/community centres
4. Reach out to refugee charities for support
5. Involve teenagers in fundraising planning

During challenge

1. Designate a support person for updates
2. Capture key moments (respecting modesty)
3. Share live updates when possible

Post-challenge

1. Share completion photos/videos
2. Write family reflection piece
3. Thank donors individually
4. Continue advocacy for refugee causes

Reflection framework

During challenge discussion

• Physical exhaustion vs refugee journey length
• Weather hardships vs refugee exposure
• Family unity in crisis
• Limited resources management
• Prayer during displacement

Post-challenge family discussion

1. Personal challenges faced
2. Moments of struggle/triumph
3. New perspectives gained
4. Lessons learned about refugee experiences
5. Ways to continue supporting refugee causes

Suggested beneficiary organisations

• UNHCR
• Islamic Relief
• Refugee Council
• Save the Children
• Local refugee support initiatives

Remember: This challenge provides only a glimpse of refugee experiences. Maintain respect and humility throughout, acknowledging that real refugee journeys involve far greater hardship and uncertainty.