F A OR N S D E FU C R ON TH D ER AR ED Y S U CH CA O TI OL O S N
OU ED T U DO CA O TI R ON
Skills for life, memories forever...
Skills for life, memories forever...
WHY CHOOSE ESSEX OUTDOORS? Essex Outdoors provides high quality outdoor learning opportunities, from activity days and Forest Schools through to residential experiences and adventurous expeditions. With four centres in Essex offering a wide range of activities and with great transport links to the London and the Eastern region, we’re the perfect choice for your outdoor needs and our competitive prices mean we’re great value too!
From archery and climbing through to power boating and sailing, Essex Outdoors delivers a full range of activities to excite and inspire. Following a recent programme of investment in facilities and activities across the service we can now accommodate and cater for every need. At Essex Outdoors, we are committed to delivering high-quality, high-value learning opportunities to the young people of Essex and the wider community.
5 great reasons to choose Essex Outdoors
Fantastic value
Accommodation and facilities
With activity days from just £30 per person and five day/ four night residential visits from just £180 per person, you’ll find our prices hard to beat! Right on your doorstep
Whether you’re looking for a fun day of outdoor learning or a summer camp experience for a whole year group, we have the accommodation and facilities to meet your needs. Excellent customer service
With four centres across Essex, from Harlow in the west to Bradwell in the east, we offer high-quality outdoor learning experiences in a range of environments, without the cost or hassle of travelling long distances.
Our team is passionate about the service we provide and we’ll be on hand before, during and after your visit to ensure that it runs smoothly. Our excellent service is evidenced by our customer return rate of 85%.
High quality activities From archery through to zip wire, all of our activity programmes are challenging and fun, and include numerous links to the new national curriculum – all delivered by our friendly and qualified instructors.
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Why choose Essex Outdoors?
Quality Badge awarded by
Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
Call 0845 200 4220 or visit essexoutdoors.com
WELCOME TO ESSEX OUTDOORS We believe passionately in the power of outdoor education to inspire young people to learn in new and exciting ways. It’s been our focus during the many years we’ve been delivering outdoor education to young people in the Eastern region. We’ve designed our activities around you and your needs so you can easily demonstrate and identify links with the curriculum. In addition, our carefully designed programmes of outdoor learning can broaden horizons, promote positive values, develop confidence and self-esteem, and raise social and environmental awareness. Whatever your need, our dedicated team of specialists are here to ensure you get the most out of your visit, whether it’s for a half day activity session or a five day residential programme. We look forward to welcoming you to Essex Outdoors soon.
Richard Forbes
Head of Essex Outdoors
Skills for life, memories forever...
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Call 0845 200 4220 or visit essexoutdoors.com
Contents 3 6 8 10 12 14 15 16 18 20 28 29
Why choose Essex Outdoors? Our centres and activities Residential programmes Activity days Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Support for GCSE, BTEC and study breaks Links to the national curriculum Essex Schools Expeditions Continuing professional development Our centres Frequently asked questions Planning and how to book
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Skills for life, memories forever...
OVER 30 ACTIVITIES AT FOUR CENTRES IN ESSEX
Bradwell
Nestled amongst the creeks and marshes on the Dengie peninsula and surrounded by farmland, activities at this centre are equally at home on the land or in the water. More information about Bradwell can be found on pages 20 and 21.
Harlow
This oasis of urban adventure is located on the banks of the River Stort and offers specialist climbing and paddling activities as well as being home to ‘The Lock’, one of the largest indoor climbing walls in the South East. More information on Harlow can be found on pages 24 and 25.
Danbury
A woodland haven in the heart of Essex, set in 70 acres of ancient woodland and open healthland and boasting stunning views of Essex. More information about Danbury can be found on pages 22 and 23.
Mersea
A stunning 60 acre coastal location on the charming island of Mersea on the edge of the River Blackwater and offering an extensive range of activities on and off-site. More information about Mersea can be found on pages 26 and 27.
All of our centres are inspected and approved by the Adventurous Activities Licensing Service (AALS), and all of the centres hold the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom’s “Quality Badge”, which demonstrates our commitment to quality.
Colchester
A120 Braintree
Essex Outdoors Harlow
A12 Clacton
Essex Outdoors Mersea
Chelmsford
A414
A12
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Our centres and activities
Essex Outdoors Danbury
Essex Outdoors Bradwell
Call 0845 200 4220 or visit essexoutdoors.com
Activities Capacity
Bradwell
Danbury
Harlow
Mersea
Accommodation total
60
440
-
452
Activity total
100
200
120
320
-
300
-
300
Accommodation Camping - tents supplied by centre
-
Camping - tents supplied by client Log cabins Residential centre
-
110
-
104
45
30
-
48
Facilities Accessible amenities Big screen cinema room
-
CafĂŠ
-
-
Disco
-
Fire pit
-
Function hall
-
Outdoor classroom
-
-
-
-
-
-
Staff lounge Swimming pool
-
Dining room
-
-
-
Training and conference rooms
Activities Adventure / Obstacle course
-
-
Aerial runway / Zip wire
-
-
Aerial trekking
-
-
All terrain boarding
-
-
-
Archery BMX biking
-
-
Bridge build / Pioneering
-
-
Bumble
-
Bushcraft
-
-
-
Canoeing Caving
-
-
-
-
-
Climbing wall -
-
Crabbing
-
-
Dinghy sailing
-
-
Coastal discovery
-
Fishing Forest / Beach school
-
-
First aid
-
-
High ropes It’s a Knockout
-
-
Kayaking
-
-
-
-
-
Power kites
-
-
Powerboat (RIB) rides
-
-
Keelboat sailing Low ropes
-
-
Off-road biking Orienteering / Map skills
Quad biking
-
Raft building
-
-
-
Scavenger hunt
-
-
-
-
Team challenge / Problem solving
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Skills for life, memories forever...
EXTEND YOUR STAY WITH A RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMME Residential programmes provide a great opportunity for young people to be rewarded, gain experience of the wider world and face a range of challenges that can contribute significantly to their personal development.
Outdoor learning can also be a valuable tool for developing social and group skills - helping young people to engage in their school and home lives and providing opportunities to improve health and fitness. At Essex Outdoors we offer a wide range of residential programmes, from overnight stays through to five day/four night residential visits. All of our packages are fully catered, meaning all you have to do is enjoy yourself.
Whichever centre you choose, there are a wide range of activities available and our experienced team will be more than happy to identify the right programme for you based on your particular requirements – whether that’s having fun and trying new things, or linking to the national curriculum. We also offer a wide range of evening activities to keep everyone entertained, from camp fire circles and cinema nights through to silent discos and It’s a Knockout!
Whether you’re looking for Scandinavian-style log cabins, traditional camping in patrol tents or self-contained accommodation, Essex Outdoors can provide what you need against a backdrop of ancient woodland, an urban oasis or beautiful coastlines.
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Residential programmes
Call 0845 200 4220 or visit essexoutdoors.com
Sample programme (from ÂŁ119 per person, fully catered in log cabins) Time
Day 1
AM
Day 2
Day 3
Breakfast
Breakfast
AM
Arrive
Canoeing
Bushcraft
AM
Obstacle course
Canoeing
Mountain bikes
PM
Own packed lunch
Lunch
Lunch
PM
Archery
BMX bikes
Aerial runway
PM
Climbing
High ropes
Depart
PM
Evening meal
Evening meal
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Skills for life, memories forever...
ENJOY UP TO FOUR EXCITING ACTIVITIES ALL IN ONE DAY! From multi-activity days through to one day expeditions, and from outdoor learning themed visits through to fun days out, we can create the right experience for you.
Alternatively, let us arrange a one day expedition for you, by foot, bike, boat or canoe and complete a memorable journey – all under the watchful eye of our highly trained and qualified team.
“
Staff at Essex Outdoors make the difference in our selection of provider. I am able to discuss our needs and know they will be met. This makes Essex Outdoors my provider of choice for our outdoor activity.
“
All of our activities provide the opportunity for young people to learn new skills in a fun and exciting environment whilst promoting communication, teamwork and problem solving skills.
Tutor, South Essex College
Sample programme (from £30 per person) Time
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Activity
Time
Activity
AM
Arrive
PM
Climbing
AM
Obstacle course
PM
Aerial runway
AM
Archery
PM
Depart
PM
Own packed lunch
Activity days
Call 0845 200 4220 or visit essexoutdoors.com
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Skills for life, memories forever...
DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD TRAINING AND EXPEDITIONS The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award gives young people aged 14-24 the chance to develop skills for life and work, fulfil their potential and have a brighter future.
The team at Essex Outdoors are fully qualified and experienced in all aspects of the Expedition section, and many of them are also Accredited Expedition Assessors, so Essex Outdoors can cater for all your DofE Expedition needs. Call us on 0845 200 4220 to discuss your expedition requirements. The team regularly arrange visits to France, Italy, Slovenia, Morocco and Cyprus and, of course, throughout the UK. Training courses for DofE leaders are also offered from all four centres.
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Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
“
The organisation from start to finish was fantastic and all those involved were great with them all and made them feel safe and supported at all times. They are all walking taller and have really benefitted from being away from home, doing amazing things. This will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives, whatever they do.
“
Essex Outdoors is proud to be a DofE provider and has been delivering the Expedition section of the Award for many years, at Bronze, Silver and Gold level.
Parents of a participant in a Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition to the Pyrenees
Call 0845 200 4220 or visit essexoutdoors.com
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Skills for life, memories forever...
SUPPORT FOR GCSE, BTEC AND STUDY BREAKS Essex Outdoors has a proven track record in delivering activities to support the national curriculum and further education. Here are just some of the programmes we offer: GCSE PE We deliver GCSE PE modules in a variety of sports, from archery and climbing through to mountain biking. The team can work with you to identify a programme that not only meets your curricular needs, but also fits in with your timetable! And our trained and qualified team can even help you assess your students as they progress through the programme.
BTEC Uniformed Public Service Courses Public Services are at the very heart of our community, and those who pursue a career within one of the uniformed services will be fulfilling a vital role in society. We run programmes which can fulfil some or all of the Leadership and Teamwork and Outdoor and Adventurous Activities units. Whether it’s a day visit or residential basis, we can create the right programme to cover off as much content as you need for levels 1, 2 and 3. We can also help with evidencing activities.
Study / revision breaks Swap towers of books for the climbing tower at a one or two night study break and keep studying fresh and fun!
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Support for GCSE, BTEC and study breaks
Students can enjoy a mix of study sessions (directed by your staff) and stimulating and exciting outdoor activities run by our team, to keep your students’ minds and bodies active. Facilities available include state-of-the-art classrooms with free wi-fi and projectors as well as fully catered residential accommodation set alongside a range of challenging activity sessions. Call us on 0845 200 4220 to discuss your specific requirements or visit essexoutdoors.com for more information.
Sample programme (two day / one night) Time
Day 1
Day 2
AM
Arrive
Breakfast
AM
Study session
Study session
AM
Activity session 1
Activity session 3
PM
Lunch
Depart
PM
Study session
PM
Activity session 2
PM
Dinner
PM
Study session
Call 0845 200 4220 or visit essexoutdoors.com
LINKS TO THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM Outdoor learning, as well as being used to reward and engage young people, can be used to support many areas of the national curriculum. We’ve listed some of the links but there are many more potential links which can be made depending on the subject and the results you need to achieve. Subject
Curriculum link
Activity
Biology
•
Interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem
Coastal discovery • Crabbing • Fishing • Forest School
•
Understand how mechanical systems are used
Adventure/Obstacle course • Aerial runway/Zip wire Aerial trekking • All terrain boarding • Archery BMX biking • Caving • Climbing wall • Dinghy sailing High ropes • It’s a Knockout • Kayaking Keelboat sailing • Low ropes • Off-road biking
• •
Proficiency in the handling of different materials Analysis and evaluation of own and others’ work, in order to strengthen visual impact of application
Raft building
•
Use fieldwork in contrasting locations to collect, analyse and draw conclusions from geographical data
Coastal discovery • Forest School
•
Interpret Ordnance Survey maps in the classroom and the field, including using grid references and scale
Orienteering
•
Use algebra to generalise the structure of arithmetic
Archery
•
Take part in outdoor and adventurous activities which present intellectual and physical challenges; work in a team; build on trust; and develop skills to solve problems
Adventure/Obstacle course • Aerial runway/Zip wire Aerial trekking • All terrain boarding • Archery BMX biking • Caving • Climbing wall • Dinghy sailing High ropes • It’s a Knockout • Kayaking Keelboat sailing • Low ropes
•
Speed and the quantitative relationship between average speed, distance and time Forces: pushes and pulls; stretching and squashing; deforming objects; friction between surfaces; resistance to motion of air and water; balanced forces as opposing forces/equilibrium
Adventure/Obstacle course • Aerial Runway/Zip wire Aerial trekking • All terrain boarding • Archery BMX biking • Caving • Climbing wall • Dinghy sailing High ropes • It’s a Knockout • Kayaking Keelboat sailing • Low ropes • Off-road biking
Pressure in liquids Waves on water as undulations.
Canoeing • Dinghy sailing • Kayaking Keelboat sailing • Powerboats
Design & Technology
Geography
Maths
Physical Education
• Physics
• •
For more information on how you could use outdoor learning to support the national curriculum, call us on 0845 200 4220 or email info@essexoutdoors.com
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Skills for life, memories forever...
ESSEX SCHOOLS EXPEDITIONS Essex Schools Expeditions is a dedicated service for Schools and Youth Groups providing adventurous, challenging, fun and safe trips abroad for young people.
Expeditions offer fantastic value but most importantly they offer participants the opportunity to explore, discover and learn. Every expedition – no matter the destination – helps enhance a young person’s sense of responsibility, independence, self-esteem, creativity and perseverance. It can be used in conjunction with other programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or simply as an alternative learning experience.
“
Feedback has shown what a truly amazing experience you guys gave our students (and staff). As the trip leader I cannot express how much the Essex Outdoors team took the stress out of running the trip. As we organise our trip through you next year I would love to request the same team as I truly cannot fault them. The parents were very impressed with the presentations before the trip and felt a real sense of trust.
“
Essex Outdoors has over 20 years experience in successful expeditions to Europe and beyond. We work with leaders and young people from planning through to delivery, to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible and that participants gain the most they can from the valuable experience.
Teacher, King John School
Call us on 0845 200 4220 to discuss your requirements and destinations such as Marrakech and the High Atlas in Morocco, the French Pyrenees, Slovenia, the Italian Dolomites and, of course, throughout the UK.
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Essex Schools Expeditions
Call 0845 200 4220 or visit essexoutdoors.com
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Skills for life, memories forever...
TEACHER SUPPORT AND CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) Essex Outdoors offers a range of support and CPD training which can take place in our centres or at locations throughout the region. Educational Visits Coordinator (EVC) Training A one day course introducing safe working practices on educational visits, including: legal background, duty of care, risk management, visit policy, role and responsibilities of the EVC, understanding the local authority’s policies and procedures, and how to submit a visit for approval.
Visit Leader Training A one day course for any teacher, leader or instructor hoping to lead an off-site educational visit. It provides a framework for planning and organising a safe visit including: legal background, risk management, effective visit planning, and the role and responsibilities of the Visit Leader and EVC.
Outdoor Learning Cards Developed by the Outdoor Education Advisers Panel (OEAP), this one day course provides those working with young people the skills to deliver exciting and inspirational outdoor learning opportunities, using a specially designed set of Outdoor Learning Cards. Suitable for use with Key Stages 1-3.
First Aid Courses Essex Outdoors also provides a comprehensive range of First Aid courses for teachers, leaders and other members of staff who are working with young people, including: • • • • • •
First Aid at Work (three days) Emergency First Aid at Work (one day) Paediatric First Aid (two days) Outdoor First Aid (two days) Emergency First Aid in the Outdoors (one day) Royal Yachting Association (RYA) First Aid (three days)
National Water Safety Management Programme A two day Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) course. Suitable for teachers, leaders, outdoor activity instructors and people who work with children, young people and adults. This course provides the skills to manage water safely. For more information on all of the courses on offer, please contact us on 0845 200 4220, email info@essexoutdoors.com or visit essexoutdoors.com
Environmental Learning Cards A two hour OEAP course highlighting environmental activities that can be undertaken at or close to schools. Suitable for use with Key Stages 1-3.
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Continuing professional development
Call 0845 200 4220 or visit essexoutdoors.com
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Skills for life, memories forever...
BRADWELL Bradwell is based on the Blackwater estuary overlooking a lovely stretch of sheltered tidal water on the east coast of Essex.
Nestled amongst the creeks and marshes of the Dengie peninsula and surrounded by farmland, Bradwell provides a friendly and intimate setting in which to enjoy a wide variety of inspiring adventurous activities, including a comprehensive range of Royal Yachting Association (RYA) courses. Delivering high-quality residential and day-based outdoor education programmes, Bradwell is recognised as a leading provider of sailing and yachting activities. Bradwell also offers a purpose-built centre which boasts accommodation for up to 60 young people in comfortable bunk rooms, with separate rooms for staff, plus a lounge, dining room and games room. A small self-contained residential cottage is available for groups looking for a little more independence. The centre also includes facilities for wheelchair users including a lift and specialised accessible rooms with adjoining facilities for carers. The catering team ensures groups are well fed for a high energy day of sailing, canoeing or mountain biking!
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Our centres
Centre at-a-glance Location
Coastal / Rural
Travel Times
London 1.5 hours - Norwich 2 hours Nearest station - Southminster Nearest airport - Stansted or Southend
Size & Capacity
60 residential • 100 activity
Accommodation
Residential centre, cabins, cottage and small tents
Facilities
Dining room, games room, wheelchair accessible
Activities
Over 10 separate activities including, powerboating, paddlesports and sailing plus a variety of land based and technical courses.
Essex Outdoors Bradwell Waterside Southminster Essex CM0 7QY Tel: 01621 776256 Email: bradwell@essexoutdoors.com
Call 0845 200 4220 or visit essexoutdoors.com
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Skills for life, memories forever...
DANBURY Danbury is a woodland haven in the heart of Essex located in 70 acres of prime countryside, just one mile from Junction 18 of the A12.
Set amongst ancient woodland and open heathland and adjacent to Danbury’s Country Park, the centre boasts stunning views and is the perfect setting for enjoying its renowned multi-activity programmes and technical courses, or simply exploring the local environment. Danbury offers a wide range of activities such as aerial trekking, canoeing, climbing and mountain biking. Duke of Edinburgh and expedition leadership courses are also run from this centre. The centre has recently undertaken significant investment in its accommodation as well as new and upgraded activity stations, and now boasts 10 Scandinavian-style log cabins, a newly built dining hall with full catering facilities, extensive camping and amenities, a self-contained residential unit and a fully equipped conference suite and classroom. With all this and over 15 different activities to try, you can guarantee your experience at Danbury is one you’ll be talking about for years to come.
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Our centres
Centre at-a-glance Location
Woodland / Heathland
Travel Times
London 1 hour - Norwich 1.5 hours Nearest station - Chelmsford Nearest airport - Stansted
Size & Capacity
450 residential • 200 activity
Accommodation
Residential centre, cabins and tents
Facilities
Dining hall, fire circle and wheelchair accessible
Activities
Over 15 separate activities including aerial trekking, high ropes, mountain biking and quad bikes plus a variety of land based and technical courses.
Essex Outdoors Well Lane Danbury Essex CM3 4AB Tel: 01245 223342 Email: danbury@essexoutdoors.com
Call 0845 200 4220 or visit essexoutdoors.com
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Skills for life, memories forever...
HARLOW Harlow is our oasis of urban adventure set in a small and friendly site, offering an amazing range of activities and adventure.
This non-residential activity centre is situated on the banks of the River Stort navigation, close to Harlow Town Centre, within easy access of the M11 and just a one minute walk from Harlow Town Rail Station. A specialist climbing and paddlesport centre, Harlow is home to ’The Lock’ one of the largest indoor climbing walls in the South East, with more than 1,000m2 of climbs and reaching over 14 metres in height. Harlow also benefits from access to miles of tranquil waterways, offering the perfect environment to learn to canoe, kayak, or even try your hand at ‘bumble’ our unique urban version of coasteering! The centre is able to cater for users of all abilities from age eight and up, and over the years has developed excellent relationships with schools and organisations for young people with special educational needs, as well as providing excellent curricular support and enrichment activities for schools. Other facilities at Harlow include a conferencing suite for up to 30 people plus a coffee shop and café providing hot drinks and delicious snacks, to refuel for more adventures!
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Our centres
Centre at-a-glance Location
Urban / River
Travel Times
London 40 mins - Norwich 1.5 hours Nearest station - Harlow Town Nearest airport - Stansted
Size & Capacity
120 activity
Accommodation
N/A
Facilities
Wheelchair accessible, climbing wall, conferencing and classroom
Activities
Over 10 separate activities including canoeing, climbing, high ropes, kayaking and raft building plus a variety of land based and technical courses.
Essex Outdoors Burnt Mill Lane Harlow Essex CM20 2QS Tel: 01279 620270 Email: harlow@essexoutdoors.com
Call 0845 200 4220 or visit essexoutdoors.com
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Skills for life, memories forever...
MERSEA Our centre at Mersea is situated on the charming island of Mersea on the edge of the River Blackwater estuary, just south of Colchester.
With more than 60 acres of carefully maintained grounds and commanding far-reaching views over the estuary, the centre can accommodate up to 500 visitors at a time with accommodation ranging from traditional patrol tents to modern log cabins and a newly built residential centre. Despite its scale, Mersea retains a unique “family” atmosphere, which keeps customers returning year after year. Following recent investment, Mersea has a comprehensive range of facilities including a self-contained residential centre to accommodate up to 48 people, a training and conference suite for up to 40 people, dining rooms, a laundry room, a new toilet and shower block with dedicated amenities for disabled users and families, a large well-equipped main hall and even a big screen cinema room! The coastal location makes it the ideal environment for shore-based studies and access can be provided to a small field study centre situated nearby which is only reachable by boat. We are also happy to help you plan trips further afield which could include Essex Wildlife Trust and RSPB Reserves, Colchester Castle Museum, Colchester Zoo and Constable Country.
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Our centres
Centre at-a-glance Location
Coastal / Rural
Travel Times
London 1.5 hours - Norwich 1.5 hours Nearest station - Colchester Nearest airport - Stansted
Size & Capacity
500 residential • 200 activity
Accommodation
Residential centre, log cabins and tents
Facilities
Dining hall, laundry room, big screen
Activities
20 separate activities including adventure course, caving and zip wire, plus a variety of land based and technical courses.
Essex Outdoors Rewsalls Lane East Mersea Colchester Essex CO5 8SX Tel: 01206 383226 Email: mersea@essexoutdoors.com
Call 0845 200 4220 or visit essexoutdoors.com
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Skills for life, memories forever...
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What equipment do I need to bring?
Do you provide secure storage/locker facilities?
On all of our courses, specialist/technical equipment will be provided, so participants coming for a day visit just need to wear warm, comfortable (and waterproof, if required!) clothing. If you are staying on a residential basis, you will be provided with a kit list of suggested items.
Our centres can provide secure storage, but unless you have specifically requested the use of residential accommodation then it is strongly recommended that you do not bring any valuables with you, or that you make your own arrangements for safe storage.
How many accompanying staff do we need to bring?
Can I bring my car onto your sites?
Groups participating in activities at our centres must bring at least one leader/responsible person for every 10 young people participating in activities. However, groups not participating in activities need only bring enough staff to comply with their own guidelines/codes of practice.
Do you provide somewhere for non-residential activity groups to eat/leave kit etc? Rooms/marquees are available to hire by request, but unless you have specifically requested the use of a room/marquee, then we do not provide rooms for eating, storage of kit, or use during inclement weather. As a result, it is strongly advised that activity groups bring as little luggage with them as possible, and leave as much as possible in their coach/car etc.
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Frequently asked questions
Groups bringing large/heavy equipment may be allowed access to our site for unloading only; all other vehicles must be left in our customer car parks, where personal kit can be transported onto our sites by foot.
Do you provide bedding? It varies from centre to centre – please contact the individual centres for further details. Contact details can be found on pages 20 to 27.
Am I insured on your site? All of our centres are covered by Essex County Council’s third party liability insurance, but any additional cover should be arranged by yourself.
Call 0845 200 4220 or visit essexoutdoors.com
PLANNING
HOW TO BOOK
At Essex Outdoors, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver high quality outdoor education, and that means making sure that you have all the information that you need – before, during and after your visit.
Step 1. Choose a centre, dates and focus of your visit
When planning your visit, please contact us to discuss your aims and objectives for the visit – our team will be more than happy to help and advise. If you are an educational establishment, you may be required to submit a request for visit approval to your local authority. Please contact us for further information. If you require a copy of our Code of Practice, which summarises our Health and Safety obligations and includes a summary risk assessment, please visit essexoutdoors.com.
Safety All of our activities, although adventurous, are also educational, safe, and delivered by our competent team. In line with our Codes of Practice, all of the activities offered by Essex Outdoors are delivered by staff who have been trained in accordance with both Essex County Council and national governing body (NGB) guidelines. All of our centres are inspected and approved by the Adventurous Activities Licensing Service (AALS). All of our staff have undergone Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks prior to their employment with us, and all of our instructors have attended child protection and/or safeguarding training. Qualified First Aiders are always on-site at all of our centres, and where residential accommodation is provided a Duty Person is always on-site 24 hours a day, to assist in the event of any emergency.
• Select the centre you wish to visit. • Choose your preferred dates and length of stay. • Decide on the desired focus and outcomes of your visit.
Step 2. Contact our booking team • •
Phone us on 0845 200 4220 or email us on bookings@essexoutdoors.com and we’ll arrange a call-back at a convenient time. Based on the information you provide we’ll send you a written quote for your approval along with our booking form and our Terms and Conditions.
Step 3. Confirm your booking • Send us your completed booking form and deposit*. • Your booking will be confirmed and you will receive details of your programme and confirmation of the price.
*Please note deposits are non-refundable – for further details of our booking process please refer to our full Terms and Conditions.
Pre-visit information and planning • •
Arrange a pre-visit to meet the team and discuss your requirements. We can also support you with promoting the visit to your group and/or parents. Finalise your group numbers and send us details of any special needs or dietary requirements.
On the day Upon arrival at the centre you will be given a welcome pack and when you depart you will have the opportunity to complete an evaluation form, to provide us with feedback from your visit.
Top tips for booking Our busiest period is during May to July and these dates get booked up quickly – sometimes over a year in advance. Bookings during October to March are often better value than in our peak season. Our centres are open all year round and many of our core activities run throughout the year.
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Skills for life, memories forever...
This information is issued by Essex Outdoors, Essex County Council. You can contact us in the following ways: info@essexoutdoors.com essexoutdoors.com 0845 200 4220 Essex Outdoors Well Lane, Danbury Essex CM3 4AB twitter.com/@EssexOutdoors facebook.com/EssexOutdoors The information contained in this brochure can be translated, and/or made available in alternative formats, on request. Published March 2015.