Public Activity Guide
Fifteen Acres of Adventure in the Heart of Leicester Approved Centre for Climbing, Trekking & Watersports No. L9068/R0628
Important n o i t a m r o f In
Welcome To LOPC
All sessions last 90 minutes which includes safety briefings and the fitting of specialist equipment.
Introduction The aim of Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre is to provide high quality, low cost and safe activities for all our users.
A consent form is required for each participant before beginning any of our activities. This can be downloaded from our website, or can be completed on the day.
LOPC provides adventurous outdoor activity experiences designed to stimulate, educate and motivate young people and others at affordable prices in a challenging and safe environment.
Lockers are provided for clothes, car keys and valuables can be locked away in the safe at reception, all are done at the owners risk.
There are a variety of ways to get involved in activities at LOPC for both juniors and adults.
What To Bring
Public Sessions Public activity sessions take place on weekdays from 6:30 pm and are available to anyone aged 5 and upwards. There are only 10 spaces available for each activity. It is essential to book in advance to avoid disappointment on the day.
Saturday Club
Clothing for all outdoor activities is weather dependant:
Advised Clothing for Land Activities The Saturday Club meets every week for land and water based activities and is open to all people from the age of 8 upwards. The idea of the club is for people to come and try out some activities, enjoy themselves and to burn off some energy.
Group Bookings LOPC offers many activities as group events, we can tailor make an activity programme to meet your needs, budget, and numbers. Our groups follow a ratio of 1 instructor for every 10 participants. We are able to facilitate a group of any size and provide you with an activity programme that will meet your expectations. For more information on arranging a group booking please contact the Centre.
Training shoes or walking type boots. T-shirt, long sleeved shirt or jumper. Tracksuit trousers or similar. Lightweight waterproof coat.
Advised Clothing for Water Activities
Old canvas-type shoes or trainers. Tracksuit, joggers or similar. Lightweight waterproof coat. Extras layers to keep you warm. Full change of clothes for afterwards.
What Not To Bring Wellingtons, sandals or fashion-type heeled shoes, crocs, flip-flops and other open toed shoes are not appropriate. Jewellery such as: earrings, bracelets, rings, necklaces & watches.
Advice For All Activities Avoid loose clothing. Long hair must be tied back. Extra warm clothing would be advised in colder weather due to waiting times. Bring lots of sun cream on sunny days. Remember soap and a towel. Remove all jewellery.
Introduction to Moving Water
t r o p s e l d PAd Courses
BCU 3 Star Award
Either Canoe or Kayak specific Separate Training & Assessments Learn to control your boat on more challenging waters
Children’s Canoeing Starter Course Participants will follow the Paddlepower scheme, which is designed as a fun way to introduce and develop youngsters in Paddlesport. Children can track their development with their own logbook as they work their way through 5 levels to achieve the Paddlepower Passport Award. On the course they will:
Learn to paddle forwards and backwards Find out how to steer and control the boat Develop the beginnings of water confidence Discover the differences between Canoeing and Kayaking and how they relate to each other Location
LOPC
Duration
7 x 90 min sessions
Times
09:30 - 11:00
Pre-requisites Age range 8 - 18 years. No previous experience required.
Introduction to Canoeing & Kayaking
BCU 1 Star Award
Learn to paddle forwards and backwards Find out how to steer and control the boat Develop a confidence on the water LOPC
Duration
5 x 90 min sessions
Choose from
Tuesdays Saturdays Sundays
18:30 - 20:00 11:30 - 13:00 13:30 - 15:00
Min age 14. Candidates do not Pre-requisites need to be able to swim but some water confidence is preferable.
Canoeing & Kayaking Improvers
BCU 2 Star Award An advancement from the Introductory 1 Star course The aim is to improve paddling skills and feel more confident and in control of the boats Location
LOPC
Duration
7 x 3 hour sessions
Choose from
Wednesdays
18:30 - 20:00
Saturdays
09:30 - 12:30 13:30 - 16:30 13:30 - 16:30
Pre-requisites
LOPC River Trent in Derbyshire River Derwent in Derbyshire
Training
4 x 90 min sessions + day river trip
Assessment
1 x 90 min session + day river trip
Choose from
Saturdays or Sundays
Pre-requisites
Minimum age 18. Candidates need to either hold the two star award or be at the equivalent level.
Aimed at coaches, youth leaders or anyone interested in paddlesport or the water environment Key focus on safety and fun for all Be able to lead and take responsibility for a crew and a Bell Boat Location
LOPC
Duration
2 days
Pre-requisites
Min age 16. Candidates should hold a first aid award.
Foundation Safety & Rescue Training Learn the simple safety skills used in paddlesport
River Leadership
Location
Sundays
Location
Bellboat Helm Award
Train in bank or boat based rescues to suit coaches
BCU 4 & 5 Star Award
Location
LOPC
Either Canoe or Kayak Separate training and assessments Courses include accommodation Courses are run by a top BCU Level 5 Coach
Duration
1 days
Pre-requisites
Minimum age 14. Boat based will require the 2 Star Award or equivalent level.
Location
Teesdale to the east of the Pennines
Duration
2 Days
Minimum age 18. Hold the Pre-requisites appropriate 3 Star Award or have the equivalent ability.
Bank based participants will not need the 2 Star Award.
White Water Safety & Rescue Training Course is very hands on with lots of rescue practice and getting wet
Course looks at a multitude of different scenarios and a variety of techniques to keep safe Location
Centre Nottingham
Day 2 - Matlock rapids in Derbyshire
(14 sessions)
Min age 14. Candidates should either hold the 1 star award or be of the equivalent level .
Day 1 - National Watersports
Duration
2 days
Pre-requisites
Min age 16. Confidence in swimming in normal canoe clothing on grade 2 water.
Coaching Courses
Climbing Courses
GNAS Archery Leaders Award This Grand National Archery Society course is designed to qualify novices and beginners to deliver Archery taster sessions and be able to provide individual coaching.
Level 1 Foundation Climber The National Indoor Climbing Achievement Scheme (NICAS) is a UK wide scheme designed to promote climbing development and accredit individual achievement on artificial climbing walls. It can be used as a starting point for people wishing to take up climbing and mountaineering.
The course will cover all relevant technical and coaching skills, history and etiquette. Location
LOPC
Duration
4 days
Times
11:30 - 13:00
The level 1 course covers the skills necessary to climb safely under supervision, and progresses onto the skills needed to climb independently at climbing walls around the country.
Pre-requisites Min age 18. No previous experience necessary
Designed to give you time to learn the skills necessary to achieve the Level 1 Award.
Designed to qualify novices and beginners, the England Fencing Activity Leaders Award will allow you to deliver introductory sessions within your organisation.
Location
LOPC
Duration
4 x 90 minute sessions
Times
11:30 - 13:00
Pre-requisites Min age 8. No previous experience necessary
BOF Teaching Orienteering Pt 1 This course is aimed at teachers, youth sector workers and people working in schools and outdoor centres. This course delivers the knowledge, understanding and practical ability to introduce the basic skills of Orienteering to beginners in a fun and exciting way on areas that are safe such as school sites or outdoor centre grounds. You will also be able to deliver simple competitions for participants. Location
LOPC
Duration
1 Day
Times
09:00 - 17:00
Pre-requisites Min age 16. It will be an advantage although not essential if you have knowledge of orienteering prior to the course.
Fencing Activity Leaders Award
Level 2 Top Rope Climber
The course will cover all relevant technical and coaching skills, history and etiquette.
This course is the next stage on from Level 1 and aims to build on the skills and knowledge already gained to create safe, competent climbers with the confidence to use public climbing walls in their spare time.
Please wear loose sports clothing.
Location
LOPC
Duration
4 x 3 hour sessions
Pre-requisites Min age 18. No previous experience necessary.
Times
11:30 - 14:30
Pre-requisites Min age 8. Hold NICAS Level 1 or have a similar ability and knowledge.
Location
LOPC
Duration
2 Day
Times
09:00 - 17:00
NSRA Air Rifle Tutor The NSRA Youth Proficiency Scheme Tutor’s Diploma is the standard course to equip adult instructors to run both “taster” sessions in air rifle shooting and also a YPS course which young people can use as part of their DofE, Chief Scouts Award, etc. Location
LOPC
Duration
2 Day
Times
09:00 - 17:00
Pre-requisites Min age 18. No previous experience necessary.
Activities & Age Limits
Activate s e r u t n e v d A Introduction to Activate
After School Club
Activate Adventures at LOPC is for young people aged 5 to 17 years. We are here to help you have a good time! You will be able to try things you have never tried before and our experienced Instructors will be able to help you develop skills and confidence in a safe and exciting environment.
The Activate After School Club is open to anyone between the ages of 5 (yr1) and 16. Arrival is from 3.30pm or via our school pick up service (where arranged).
With OFSTED registration, and being an Approved Centre by both the British Canoe Union and the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority you can feel confident to leave your children in our care. All our staff are experienced at making young people feel at home, and with a vast range of activities provided, each person will find plenty of activities they will enjoy and excel at.
The sessions start with ‘chill out’ time. This is a time to unwind after a long day at school, you can play games, read books and take part in creative activities , after this a snack is available (an example of which would be toast and squash). This is followed by a choice of activity sessions that last from 4.20pm until 5.30pm with collection between 5.30pm
Holiday Scheme The Activate Holiday Schemes are run during all school holidays (excludes bank holidays), available to anyone between the ages of 5 (yr1) and 17.
We offer half day options: Morning
Afternoon
Drop off from
09:00
Collection between
13:00 and 13:30
Drop off from
13:00
Collection between
17:00 and 17:30
Full day options: Drop off from
09:00
Collection by
Extra Options Breakfast Club
08:00 - 09:00
Late Collection
17:30 - 18:00
17:30
Canoe/Kayak
8yrs+
Games/Sports
5yrs+
Climbing
5yrs+
Fencing
5yrs+
Abseiling
5yrs+
Air Rifles
8yrs+
Bell Boating
5yrs+
Archery
5yrs+
Art & Craft
5yrs+
Bushcraft
5yrs+
High Ropes
8yrs+
Bouncy Castle
5yrs+
Raft Building
8yrs+
Team Building
5yrs+
Activities listed above are available but there may be restrictions - contact us for details.
Summer Scheme During the summer holiday there are the same multi activities as during the other holidays; however, these are run as complete week programmes so all activities can be done and we can build up a sense of ‘team spirit’. We also offer full day bookings for those who cannot attend a full week.
Award Scheme For those aged 12 years and above there is the opportunity to take part in the special Award Weeks during the summer holiday. This is an excellent chance to develop skills, learn new techniques and gain governing body awards. These are all a good lead into the Duke of Edinburgh Awards covering basic theory and safety elements. The award weeks all culminate in offsite activities at the end of the week.
Annual Events Throughout the year Activate coordinate various events for young people to take part in such as:
River trip to Abbey Park Sunflower Growing Competition Easter Egg Hunt Bonfire Party Christmas Party
Parties & s n o i t a r b e Cel
e t a r o p r o C Events
Birthday Parties
Teambuilding Challenge Teambuilding challenges give participants a level playing field because the employment hierarchy is left at work, giving individuals the opportunity to show strengths which may not shine through at work. There are similarities between the team building exercises and the working environment so the learning outcomes can be easily related back to the workplace. LOPC activities give a safe environment to take participants outside of their comfort zone as well as a place to share information and comment on each others performance. This approach has many benefits:
Improves self perception and relationships within teams and sub- teams. Identifies personality types. Understand why team members act or react the way they do. Helps agreeing roles within the team and development with others. Enables understanding of what motivates team members. Identifies team members’ strengths and weaknesses. Assists with allocating and agreeing tasks to the correct individuals.
One of our most popular requests is for birthday parties.
Company Examples Below are examples of companies who have taken part in activities at LOPC in the past:
Powergen Capital One British Gas Halifax Bank Mars Walkers Leicestershire Police Constabulary DHL Express Leicester Education Welfare Services Lincolnshire Co-operative Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service
Our activities offer something a little bit different from the normal birthday party experience, and will provide you with fond memories of your special day. The party experience at LOPC will give you:
1 x 90 minute activity with an LOPC instructor Up to 10 spaces for your friends or family members 1/2 hour use of an LOPC room for your party celebrations All safety kit is provided
Hen & Stag Parties Just what you need for a great value and no hassle Stag or Hen party. If you are looking for something unique for your group we can put together a tailor made package to meet your requirements and budget. All our activities are available for you to choose from giving you the flexibility to satisfy all participants’ interests. Party packages include all of the relevant safety equipment and are supervised by qualified Instructors.
How to Book Simply confirm with us your preferred date, and activity and we will arrange the rest. A consent form is required for each participant before beginning any LOPC activity. The parent or adult with legal responsibility of under 18’s, must complete a consent form on the young persons behalf. All forms can be brought with you on the day. If you have your Party at LOPC you will be the envy of your friends and the next thing you’ll know, you will be invited back by one of your friends to their party at LOPC.
Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre is set on a 15 acre site next to the River Soar, making it the perfect place for a wide range of exciting activities available for all abilities and experience levels. All activities are run by fully qualified Instructors. Our site is easily accessible and we have a hoist to enable people with reduced mobility to take part in water activities. We endeavour to be as flexible as possible to ensure your visit is highly enjoyable, and you will want to come back again and again!
How to find us: From City Centre Follow signs for the A6 Loughborough. Where the A6 meets the ring road A563 take the exit onto A6030 Loughborough Rd.
LOPC is the first turning on the left. From the North Follow A6 Signposted City Centre. Where the A6 meets the ring road A563 take the exit off the roundabout onto A6030 Loughborough Rd. LOPC is the first turning on the left.
From the West, East & South Join the ring road A563 until it meets the junction with the A6 Leicester / Loughborough Rd. Take the exit off the roundabout onto A6030 Loughborough Rd. LOPC is the first turning on the left.
By Bus
Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre is served by two buses, the 126 &127 Both stop just 100 metres away from the Centre.
Address
Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre Loughborough Road Leicester LE4 5PN
Telephone: 0116 268 1426 Email: info@lopc.co.uk
www.lopc.co.uk