Adventuring beyond the classroom

The great outdoors provided a learning experience with a difference for a group of intrepid students.

Rock climbing, raft building and archery may not be what you expect from a Business School degree, but for a group of first year students, taking to the great outdoors brought a university experience they’re unlikely to forget.

Each year, new Business School students are taken on a free trip to Liverpool Hope’s outdoor education centre Plas Caerdeon in Snowdonia. Set in 18-acres of self-contained grounds and overlooking the Mawddach Estuary, the facility is used to enhance the student experience.

This year’s theme was a sense of belonging, and the 46 students were challenged with working together to support each other in teams.

Jo Whittingham, Senior Professional Tutor in Accountancy & Finance, supervised the trip and described the students’ experience:

“Day one, we arrive, play hunt the suitcase, allocate rooms, grab some lunch and out for a number of team work and problem-solving activities.

“Not so bright, but early start, to day two, the teams had to use negotiation skills to set their itinerary. They opt for raft-building, archery, zip wires, walking and climbing. The raft building needs some work… let’s just say it was ok on land.

“Day three, the students got creative helping shape our thoughts on our exciting move to a new building on campus in 2021.

“And before you know it. We were on our way home.” The trip proved to be a great success, with the students asked to give feedback on their experience. All of those who attended said they enjoyed the trip and it helped them to make or strengthen friendships.

Business Management student Theo Domfeh described what he got out of the trip. He said: “The highlight of the trip was discovering the essence of teamwork. Being able to negotiate/cooperate with people despite not knowing them, has helped people to come out of their shell.

“Since the trip, a lot of people have got closer, which means if someone is not able to attend important classes or doesn’t understand a topic, they will find it easier to ask for help.

“My favourite activity was climbing up a ladder that was held by my fellow team member. Initially we had few people who were scared to climb up the ladder, but once other people did it and encouraged them, they were able to complete the activity. This shows that encouraging and leading the way is a crucial part in becoming a successful team.”