Schools Brochure - Scout Activity Centres

Brilliant tials re s i d e n ary for prim ondary and sec . schools

Burst out of the classroom periences

School adventure ex

tel: 0845 300 2549 sac@scouts.org.uk

scouts.org.uk/sac

Welcome to the UK's biggest classrooms…

Adventure changes, inspires and touches young lives more than anything else I have ever seen. It builds pride, friendships and confidence at such a vital time in their lives.

Scout Activity Centres offer challenge and adventure to schools, Scouts and other youth organisations through our network of nine centres in the UK. We believe in helping all young people broaden their horizons and fulfil their potential by working in teams, learning by doing and thinking for themselves. We make outdoor learning and adventure affordable and we’re passionate about what we do.

We work with teachers to help co-create a learning experience which may start in the classroom and continue in the great outdoors. Led by teachers, co-designed with students and fully integrated into the curriculum, brilliant residentials have a huge impact on young people of all ages – and can help to deliver whole school change. Our centres have a range of residential packages to offer, including traditional camping experiences, adrenaline-pumping activities, picturesque hiking and so much more.

Learning doesn’t get more exhilarating than this, and that’s why I feel so proud to champion and promote adventure in young lives.

Bear Grylls Chief Scout of The Scout Association

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Contents Who we are and what we do ������������������������������������ 5 SCHOOL EXPERIENCES • Original Outdoor Experience ����������������������������������� 7 • Outdoor Adventure ������������������������������������������������ 9 • Adventure 50:50 ������������������������������������������������� 11 • Ultimate Outdoor Adventure ������������������������������� 13 Sample residential stay ��������������������������������������������� 14 Working collaboratively... ����������������������������������������� 16 Where are our centres? �������������������������������������������� 17 OUR CENTRES • Crawfordsburn ����������������������������������������������������� 18 • Downe ����������������������������������������������������������������� 19 • Ferny Crofts ��������������������������������������������������������� 20 • Gilwell Park ���������������������������������������������������������� 21 • Great Tower ��������������������������������������������������������� 22 • Hawkhirst ������������������������������������������������������������� 23 • Woodhouse Park �������������������������������������������������� 24 • Youlbury �������������������������������������������������������������� 25 • Yr Hafod �������������������������������������������������������������� 26

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Who we are and what we do Scout Activity Centres are operated by The Scout Association, the UK’s biggest mixed youth organisation.

We change lives by offering 6 to 25-year-olds fun and challenging activities, unique experiences, everyday adventure and the chance to help others so that we make a positive impact in communities. Any income generated by Scout Activity Centres goes back into the charity helping to change more lives.

For more information about our work and our plans visit scouts.org.uk.

SCHOOL RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCES We know that teachers are busy people. With piles of papers to mark, lessons to plan, and parents to contact; a teacher’s ‘to-do list’ is never complete. We appreciate that the demand to meet curriculum requirements is a constant challenge and priorities are often quick to change. In response to this, following consultation with a wide range of professionals in education and engagement with Learning Outside the Classroom and Learning Away*, we’ve created a range of brilliant residential adventure experiences that provide powerful learning opportunities for young people of all ages and abilities, as well as having an impact on teachers and schools as a whole.

■■ *Learning Away – a study through the Paul Hamlyn Foundation

Our school experiences are competitively priced, easy to book and the residential experiences cover a range of areas in the national curriculum. Many of our current schools have been visiting our centres for years and are testimony to the fact that we weave individual and group needs into the programmes we co-create. Children attending our day and residential experiences enjoy life-changing experiences that stay with them long past the time they have left full-time education.

They have fun and are supported to develop learning and thinking skills and build resilience. Perhaps above all, barriers are broken down between pupils and staff, so both leave our centres with relationships that have strengthened.

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All our programmes are designed to give maximum benefit to young people Your group will be able to set their own pace and enjoy the opportunity to enjoy free-time at our centres We’ll support you both in person and with resources at every stage from enquiry to follow-up lessons All of the activities in our programmes can be swapped and changed as you require All our centres hold the Adventure Mark and Learning Outside the Classroom quality badge We allow campfires at all of our centres, the perfect end to an exciting day of adventure

TAKE A LOOK AT THE OPTIONS: Original Outdoor Experience

Outdoor Adventure

Adventure 50:50

Ultimate Outdoor Adventure

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t though r e v e n ‘I this….’ o d d l I cou I’ll t skills n r a e l and ‘I’ve to use e l b a be ’ share…

Original Outdoor Experience OPTION 1 At Scout Activity Centres we believe that great school residentials give pupils the opportunity to learn tangible skills, work collaboratively, develop responsibility and break down barriers with teaching staff. We call this method adventure.

For over one hundred years The Scout Association has been using adventure as a tool to develop young people. This school experience has been designed around that tried and tested model, using all of the experience we’ve gained along the way.

Immersed in the natural surroundings of our activity centres and with the guidance of our instructors, pupils will develop tangible skills that are useful in both the outdoors and, importantly, back in the classroom. Our partners at the Learning Away project have shown that outdoor learning in this way has a direct impact on behaviour, collaborative working and attainment. Whether working as a team to cook a meal over an open fire, or reflecting on individual performance and adapting technique to score a bull’s eye in an archery session – this is the essence of what Scouting and school residentials are all about.

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One to four night residential experience Proven model of outdoor learning Tented village accommodation Hands-on skills based programme

WHY? This school experience is for you if: ■■ you want pupils to learn tangible skills ■■ you want pupils to take responsibility and work collaboratively

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you want more than just ‘handing over’ your pupils for a week you want to benefit from over one hundred years of expertise in traditional adventure you want the money you spend to go back into providing opportunities for young people

OUR APPROACH This school experience is delivered by our instructors with close support from school staff. In practice this might mean that an instructor teaches the group to light a fire, and teachers help to coach small groups in that skill. There is no need for school staff to have outdoors skills themselves – just a willingness to get involved. We believe this co-delivery is an essential part of the residential experience – helping to build bonds between pupils and school staff, and letting teachers learn more about their pupils to help them back in the school environment.

We’ve strived to achieve a balance between engaging pupils in challenging new experiences and providing a comfortable learning environment. While we provide comfortable mattresses and electric lanterns, young people sleep in canvas tents; this arrangement directly connects pupils with the adventurous spirit of the residential. Likewise this school experience is fully catered however pupils will cook at least one meal themselves. This adds context and relevance to skills such as fire lighting. The course helps develop skills for life that pupils can apply at home, and encourages an inquisitive approach to problem solving.

Exact activities vary by location, please see pages 18 to 26 for more details. Our minimum group size for this school experience is 20. If you’ve got a smaller group, please do get in touch and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

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Fully catered three meals a day Purpose-built tented village for a comfortable camping experience One free teacher place for every 10 young people

COST We’re honest with our prices, everything you need is included – no added surprises when you arrive. Please see the insert at the back of this brochure for details or visit scouts.org.uk/sac.

WHERE: Downe, Ferny Crofts, Gilwell Park, Great Tower, Hawkhirst, Woodhouse Park, Youlbury

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I will ‘I know r this be remem ce for n experie t of the res ’ … my life

Outdoor adventure OPTION 2 From their base in one of our lodges or tented villages pupils explore, paddle, co-operate, climb and think their way through a series of exciting challenges ranging from high ropes and archery to canoeing and orienteering. We believe adventure is the best way to learn and that’s why we’ve packed this school experience full of opportunities for pupils to encounter new situations and to forge strong working relationships that will benefit them in and beyond the classroom. This is an unforgettable experience of fun, challenge and adventure.

■■ One to four night residential experience ■■ Packed programme of activities ■■ Full board accommodation

WHY? This school experience is for you if: ■■ you want your pupils to collaborate and form strong working relationships that have benefit back in the classroom ■■ you want a balanced but busy programme of activities that gives every pupil the chance to discover new challenges ■■ you want the convenience of fully catered indoor accommodation ■■ you want the benefit of our experience working with 400,000 young people in the UK ■■ you want the money you spend to go back into providing opportunities for young people

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Fully catered three meals a day Indoor accommodation in our purpose-built lodges OR comfortable camping in our new tented village Action-packed programme of activities One free teacher place for every 10 young people

OUR APPROACH This school experience is delivered by our instructors with pastoral support from school staff. In practice this means that our instructors will lead your adventure sessions, looking after the group’s safety and teaching them new skills. The teacher’s role is to support their group – by letting us take the lead, school staff are able to get to know their pupils and provide individual help where needed. There is no need for school staff to have outdoors skills themselves – just a willingness to get involved with the learning process. We believe this co-delivery is an essential part of the residential experience. It helps to build bonds between pupils and school staff, and lets teachers learn more about their pupils to help them back in the school environment.

We’ve strived to achieve a balance between engaging pupils in challenging new adventures and providing a comfortable learning environment. For example, our activities are designed to enable a challenge by choice approach, allowing pupils to be stretched but not overwhelmed by tasks. We know it’s important to get the basics right too, which is why this school experience includes full catering and a choice of indoor accommodation or a comfortable tented village as a base for your stay.

Exact activities vary by location, please see pages 18 to 26 for more details. Our minimum group size for this school experience is 20. If you’ve got a smaller group, please do get in touch and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

COST We’re honest with our prices, everything you need is included – no added surprises when you arrive. Please see the insert at the back of this brochure for details or visit scouts.org.uk/sac.

WHERE: Downe, Ferny Crofts, Gilwell Park, Great Tower, Hawkhirst, Woodhouse Park, Youlbury

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adventure 50:50 OPTION 3 Relevant learning in real-life settings is what adventure is all about. However we know that sometimes the things you need to teach require some time in the classroom too!

This co-created school experience splits your time between self-led sessions and instructed activities. We believe in learning by doing and embedding knowledge through experience; we believe that education should be practical and hands-on wherever possible. In this school experience we work with you to design a programme that uses your curriculum expertise and our know-how in the outdoors to ensure that your pupils haven’t just read about it – they’ve lived it.

Our activity sessions can either be used to directly support your work (eg trajectories based on archery competitions, or sedimentary geology based on a day of caving), or to help you deliver parts of a course which you cannot deliver yourself (eg running your own map skills orienteering sessions but asking us to deliver a climbing session). With either approach this is an opportunity to bring learning to life and create a truly bespoke programme tailored exactly to your needs.

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Two or four night residential Split programme between teacher led time and instructed activities Full board accommodation

WHY? This is the school experience for you if: ■■ you want to show pupils how subject skills can be applied in practice with real-life examples ■■ you want to inspire or reward learning by combining it with exciting activities

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you want to run a large part of your own programme with your own content, eg subject-based, mentoring workshops, etc you want to benefit from our range of locations, facilities and activities you want the money you spend to go back into providing opportunities for young people

OUR APPROACH Based in either our indoor lodges or a tented village with full catering and access to training spaces, this school experience is a mix between adventurous activity sessions and time that you design and deliver yourself. We call it 50:50 but really the split is flexible and could involve sessions following on directly from an activity, self-led fieldwork, or even be self-leading on one of our trails.

We know that we’re good at what we do, but we also know that you are! As the expert in your own subject, your own pupils and your own school it can make sense for you to plan and deliver parts of the programme yourself – just let us know how we can help to deliver a truly engaging residential experience.

Exact activities vary by location, please see pages 18 to 26 for more details. Our minimum group size for this school experience is 20. If you’ve got a smaller group, please do get in touch and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

WHAT’S INCLUDED ■■ ■■

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Fully catered three meals a day Indoor accommodation in our purpose-built lodges OR comfortable camping in our new tented villages One free teacher place for every 10 young people

COST We’re honest with our prices, everything you need is included – no added surprises when you arrive. Please see the insert at the back of this brochure for details or visit scouts.org.uk/sac.

Looking for even more flexibility? Get in touch to discuss other options – including self-catering or accommodation only.

WHERE: Downe, Ferny Crofts, Gilwell Park, Great Tower, Hawkhirst, Woodhouse Park, Youlbury

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ivities ‘The act ating hilar were ex tructors ins and the friends… became it until can’t wa ip…’ tr the next

Ultimate Outdoor adventure OPTION 4 Overcoming obstacles, reaching your goals and celebrating your achievements, no matter how small – it’s what Scouting, and this residential, are all about. This school experience provides a real sense of adventure, all under the careful supervision of our instructors. Scrambling up ghylls, crawling through caves, sailing vast lakes or summiting mountain peaks; challenges don’t get much more exciting than this!

Inspiring locations and exciting activities make up a big part of this adventure – but the real value of this school experience is in the time and effort pupils put into achieving their goals, honing their leadership, teamwork and technical skills.

Led by our specialist instructors, with school staff taking a supportive role in the residential experience (don’t worry no outdoor skills required!), this is an opportunity for pupils to discover new environments, new challenges and gain a deeper understanding of their own abilities.

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One to four night residential Inspiring Lake District locations Indoor or tented village full board accommodation Real outdoor skills and goals designed to stretch pupils

WHY? This is the school experience for you if: ■■ you want to inspire your pupils and show them the value of persevering towards a goal ■■ you want a challenging programme designed to stretch your pupils under the safety and supervision of our qualified staff ■■ you want more than just a week at an Scout Activity Centre ■■ you want to benefit from The Scout Association’s expertise in developing young people ■■ you want the money you spend to go back into providing opportunities for young people

OUR APPROACH This school experience is delivered by our specialist instructors with pastoral support from school staff. All activities are led by instructors with the relevant and appropriate qualifications (eg Mountain Leaders, BCU, coaches etc). As well as technical competence our staff are also experienced in facilitating effective group work and personal development in the outdoors. They utilise challenge by choice and objective setting to ensure activities stretch pupils but are still enjoyable for all taking part.

The role of the teacher is to provide support to the pupils, helping to motivate and challenge them throughout the activity. Teachers do not need any outdoor skills, just a willingness to get involved with the action – we believe this active role is vital in building trust between school staff and their pupils, and forming strong working relationships that will have benefit far beyond the residential.

The school experience is designed to provide a balance of challenging activities with the right level of support for pupils to learn and develop – this includes full catering, hot showers and somewhere comfortable to sleep ready for another exciting day!

Our minimum group size for this school experience is 20. If you’ve got a smaller group, please do get in touch and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

WHAT’S INCLUDED ■■ ■■

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Fully catered three meals a day Indoor accommodation in our purpose built lodges OR comfortable camping in our new tented village One free teacher place for every 10 young people

COST We’re honest with our prices, everything you need is included – no added surprises when you arrive. Please see the insert at the back of this brochure for details or visit scouts.org.uk/sac.

WHERE: Great Tower

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sample residential stay Just to give you an idea of what a residential with us may look like, check out a sample programme below.

All of our school experiences are created in partnership with you, meaning that your activities, schedule and day set up can vary as much or as little as you like.

What it can’t do is reflect the intangible take-ways pupils and teachers will gain in the experience and invaluable impact residentials will provide in terms of raising attainment both academically and socially. This evidence can be found in the ‘Learning Away’ study.*

This sample programme highlights the breakdown of what one of our experiences may look like in terms of activity sessions and catering scheduling.

*See more at: learningaway.org.uk/residentials/evidence/

ORIGINAL OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE

*Backwoods cooking

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YOUR TRAINING, CONFERENCE AND EVENT CENTRES

We own and operate training and event centres in London hosting anything from meetings and conferences to training programmes, weddings and events. Why not visit for your next teacher training or inset days?

Visit towntocountry.co.uk for more information.

tel: 020 7590 6909 towntocountry.co.uk/bpHouse @BPHconferences

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tel: 020 8498 5300 towntocountry.co.uk/gilwell @GPconferences

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Lesson resources We’ve produced a number of lesson resources to help support you before and after your visit. These are available at scoutactivitycentres.org.uk/resources/lessonresources

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SUPPORT AND RESOURCES

ister tion Reg Associa

We encourage young people to rise to challenges and develop their resilience, enabling them to respond to opportunities in life. We also support young people to make informed decisions regarding safe behaviours and learn how to manage risk. For more information visit lotcqualitybadge.org.uk.

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All our centres continue to have an exceptional level of safety standards and systems, which are at the core of what we do.

Videos Whether you’re a seasoned camper and adventurer looking to brush up on your skills, or an absolute beginner, we’ve created a series of videos to help prepare you for your trip.

From fire-lighting and camp pitching to camp living and striking, our practical skills videos are available to watch at youtube.com/ScoutActivityCentres/playlists.

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TRIED, TESTED AND TRUSTED

Read the full report here at learningaway.org.uk/resources/ findings/interim-report-2014.

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Learning Away was founded on the belief that high quality residential experiences can provide extremely powerful learning opportunities for children and young people – and indeed, for adults as well.

As a result of their residential, of the secondary school students surveyed: ■■ 77% said that the way they were taught on the residential will help them to do better in the subject back in school ■■ 71% said they felt more strongly motivated to learn ■■ 84% said they get on better with their teachers ■■ 82% said they feel more confident to try things they wouldn’t have done before

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Not only have we been offering tried and trusted outdoor experiences for over one hundred years but we work with many schools creating a progression of residential opportunities. For example, many schools enjoy an experience at Youlbury, Oxford in September and Great Tower in the Lake District during the summer.

As a result of their residential, of the primary school students surveyed: ■■ 58% said they were better at their school work ■■ 72% felt their behaviour at school was better ■■ 75% said they get on better with other pupils in their class ■■ 83% said they feel more confident as a person because of the experiences they had

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Working with Learning Outside the Classroom and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation’s Learning Away project we know that a key challenge for schools is to connect residential experiences with pupils’ day-to-day learning to ensure that the benefits are effectively built upon and sustained. Whilst more school visits are being encouraged to cover cross-curricular work and with an emphasis on outdoor learning heading back to basics, we appreciate that you need support in delivering traditional outdoor experiences. And that’s where we can really help.

Considering that less than a fifth of a young person’s waking time is spent in school, the opportunity to engage young people with the much more intensive, rich and deep learning experiences that residentials offer is compelling. Here is a sample of key findings of a report by Learning Away:

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We reach out to many associations and bodies to ensure we understand your challenges and that what we offer meets your needs. We also engage with our guests and professionals in education through annual forums which we host across the centres.

Where are our centres?

Crawfordsburn 20 Bridge Road South Helen’s Bay Bangor, BT19 1JT 028 9185 3307 crawfordsburn.sac@scouts.org.uk

HAWKHIRST N CRAWFORDSBUR

downe Birdhouse Lane, Downe Orpington, Kent, BR6 7LJ 01959 572121 downe.sac@scouts.org.uk

GREAT TOWER

ferny crofts Beaulieu, Brockenhurst Hampshire, SO42 7YQ 023 8084 5092 fernycrofts.sac@scouts.org.uk

YR HAFOD

YOULBURY

GILWELL PARK

gilwell park Bury Road, Chingford, London, E4 7QW 020 8498 5300 gilwell.sac@scouts.org.uk

WOODHOUSE

PARK

Great tower Birks Road, Newby Bridge Cumbria, LA23 3PQ 01539 531279 greattower.sac@scouts.org.uk

hawkhirst Kielder Water, Hexham Northumberland, NE48 1QZ 01434 250217 hawkhirst.sac@scouts.org.uk

woodhouse park Fernhill, Almondsbury South Gloucestershire, BS32 4LX 01454 613006 woodhouse.sac@scouts.org.uk

/ScoutActivityCentres

DOWNE FERNY CROFTS

youlbury Boars Hill, Oxford, OX1 5HD 01865 326264 youlbury.sac@scouts.org.uk

Yr Hafod Nant Ffrancon Bethesda, Bangor Gwynedd, LL57 3LZ 0845 519 6114 0845 519 6113 (accommodation only) yr-hafod.sac@scouts.org.uk

/ScoutActivityCentres

@ScoutCentres

17

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Crawfordsburn ABOUT CRAWFORDSBURN

SCHOOL EXPERIENCES

Situated within beautiful Crawfordsburn Country Park, Crawfordsburn Scout Activity Centre covers an area of 22 acres comprising two large campsite fields, wooded areas, two accommodation lodges and activity areas.

Email crawfordsburn.sac@scouts.org.uk for details.

SURROUNDING AREAS Helen’s Bay train station on the main Belfast-Bangor line is only a 15 minute walk from the site and from there the seaside town of Bangor and the bustling city of Belfast are within easy reach. Close to the site are two leading heritage attractions – the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and Titanic Belfast, an acclaimed new visitor experience devoted to the history of this famous ship.

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book your adventure today scouts.org.uk/sac

ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE Visit scouts.org.uk/sac for full descriptions.

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Abseiling Adventure course Backwoods cooking Canoeing Crate stacking Fire lighting Kayaking Orienteering Picture trail

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Pond dipping Raft building Sailing Shelter building

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Downe ABOUT DOWNE

SCHOOL EXPERIENCES

Downe has been welcoming young people for over 80 years.

The centre is part of a proposed World Heritage Site due to its long association with Charles Darwin. The famous naturalist once roamed the woodland, carrying out experiments.

■■ Original Outdoor Experience – see page 7 ■■ Outdoor Adventure – see page 9 ■■ Adventure 50:50 – see page 11

ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE

SURROUNDING AREAS Downe is only 16 miles from the centre of London and all its attractions. It is also next door to Down House, where Darwin once lived.

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/ScoutActivityCentres

Visit scouts.org.uk/sac for full descriptions.

■■ Abseiling

■■ Rifle shooting

■■ Adventure course

■■ Sensory trail

■■ Aerial trek

■■ Shelter building

■■ All aboard

■■ Team building

■■ Archery

■■ Tunnel trail

■■ Backwoods cooking

■■ Volleyball

■■ Climbing

■■ Zip wire

■■ Crate stacking ■■ Fire lighting ■■ Grass sledging ■■ Hike routes ■■ Jacob’s ladder ■■ Jump mats ■■ Leap of faith ■■ Mini beast trail ■■ Nature trail ■■ Orienteering ■■ Pedal go karts ■■ Picture trail ■■ Pioneering

/ScoutActivityCentres

@ScoutCentres

19

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Ferny Crofts ABOUT FERNY CROFTS

SCHOOL EXPERIENCES

Situated in the heart of the New Forest with all its natural beauty and attractions, this centre is the ideal location for environmental as well as adventurous activities.

■■ Original Outdoor Experience – see page 7 ■■ Outdoor Adventure – see page 9 ■■ Adventure 50:50 – see page 11

SURROUNDING AREAS

ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE

The New Forest is rich with attractions and educational opportunities. It’s a great place to get close to nature.

Of interest nearby are Buckler’s Hard Maritime Village, Bealieu Palace House, the National Motor Museum and the New Forest Nature Quest.

Visit scouts.org.uk/sac for full descriptions.

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book your adventure today scouts.org.uk/sac

■■ Abseiling

■■ Pond dipping

■■ Adventure course

■■ Raft building

■■ All aboard

■■ Rifle shooting

■■ Archery

■■ Sensory trail

■■ Backwoods cooking

■■ Shelter building

■■ Bouldering

■■ Team building

■■ Climbing

■■ Tomahawk throwing

■■ Conservation

■■ Tree climbing

■■ Frisbee golf

■■ Volleyball

■■ Gladiator challenge

■■ Zip wire

■■ Hike routes ■■ Jacob’s ladder ■■ Leap of faith ■■ Medium ropes ■■ Mini beast trail ■■ Mountain biking ■■ Nature trail ■■ Orienteering ■■ Pedal go karts ■■ Picture trail ■■ Pioneering

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Gilwell Park ABOUT GILWELL PARK

SCHOOL EXPERIENCES

Set in 108 acres, Gilwell Park is in north-east London on the edge of Epping Forest. It has the feel of a country estate with all the advantages of being located close to the centre of the capital.

■■ Original Outdoor Experience – see page 7 ■■ Outdoor Adventure – see page 9 ■■ Adventure 50:50 – see page 11

ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE Visit scouts.org.uk/sac for full descriptions.

SURROUNDING AREAS Epping Forest is on the doorstep and with 6,000 acres of natural riches, it’s the perfect spot for mountain biking.

There is also horse riding school, sailing club and Lee Valley White Water Rafting Centre nearby.

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■■ 3G swing

■■ Medium ropes

■■ Abseiling

■■ Mini beast trail

■■ Aerial trek (indoors)

■■ Nature trail

■■ Aeroball

■■ Orienteering

■■ All aboard

■■ Pedal go karts

■■ Archery

■■ Picture trail

■■ Backwoods cooking

■■ Pioneering

■■ Climbing

■■ Pond dipping

■■ Conservation

■■ Raft building

■■ Crate stacking

■■ Revolving climbing wall

■■ Fire lighting

■■ Rifle shooting

■■ Freefall

■■ Swimming

■■ Gauntlet

■■ Sensory trail

■■ Grass sledging

■■ Shelter building

■■ Hike routes

■■ Team building

■■ Jacob’s ladder

■■ Wobbly pole

■■ Jump mats

■■ Zip wire

■■ Kayaking ■■ Ladder climb ■■ Leap of faith ■■ Low ropes

/ScoutActivityCentres

/ScoutActivityCentres

@ScoutCentres

21

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GREAT TOWER ABOUT GREAT TOWER Great Tower’s 250 acres of heavily wooded and rocky terrain are an ideal base for adventurous activities, environmental or field studies, group development exercises and many other events.

ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE Visit scouts.org.uk/sac for full descriptions.

■■ Adventure course

■■ Picture trail

■■ All aboard

■■ Pioneering

■■ Archery

■■ Pond dipping

■■ Backwoods cooking

■■ Raft building

■■ Bell boats

■■ Rifle shooting

■■ Canoeing

■■ Sailing

■■ Caving

■■ Sensory trail

■■ Conservation

■■ Shelter building

SCHOOL EXPERIENCES

■■ Crag climbing

■■ Team building

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

■■ Crate stacking

■■ Tree climbing

SURROUNDING AREAS With England’s five highest mountains and deepest lake, two national parks, three areas of outstanding beauty and much more, Cumbria’s rich natural environment is like nowhere else.

There is a range of things to do and see locally, including the World of Beatrix Potter, Fell Foot Country Park and the Lakes Discovery Museum.

Original Outdoor Experience – see page 7 Outdoor Adventure – see page 9 Adventure 50:50 – see page 11 Ultimate Outdoor Adventure – see page 13

■■ Fire lighting ■■ Geocaching ■■ Ghyll scrambling ■■ Gladiator challenge ■■ Hike routes

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Sue and all at Ch

22

School

book your adventure today scouts.org.uk/sac

■■ Hillwalking ■■ Jacob’s ladder ■■ Kayaking ■■ Leap of faith ■■ Low ropes ■■ Mini beast trail ■■ Nature trail ■■ Orienteering

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W Kielder

hawkhirst ABOUT HAWKHIRST

SCHOOL EXPERIENCES

Nestled within 200 square miles of Kielder Forest and surrounded on three sides by the vast expanse of Kielder Water, Hawkhirst is the perfect location for both water and land activities.

■■ Original Outdoor Experience – see page 7 ■■ Outdoor Adventure – see page 9 ■■ Adventure 50:50 – see page 11

ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE

SURROUNDING AREAS

Visit scouts.org.uk/sac for full descriptions.

Rich in history and natural wonders, there is lots to do and see around the centre. Take a trip to Kielder Castle, visit the Birds of Prey Centre at Leaplish, explore Hadrian’s Wall or take a fresh look at the night sky at Kielder Observatory. There is also a White Water Rafting Centre nearby.

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/ScoutActivityCentres

■■ Adventure course ■■ All aboard

■■ Nature trail

■■ Archery

■■ Orienteering

■■ Backwoods cooking

■■ Picture trail

■■ Bell boats

■■ Pioneering

■■ Canoeing

■■ Pond dipping

■■ Conservation

■■ Raft building

■■ Climbing

■■ Rifle shooting

■■ Crate stacking

■■ Sailing

■■ Fire lighting

■■ Sensory trail

■■ Geocaching

■■ Shelter building

■■ Ghyll scrambling

■■ Team building

■■ Gladiator challenge ■■ Hike routes ■■ Hillwalking ■■ Jacob’s ladder ■■ Kayaking ■■ Low ropes ■■ Mini beast trail

/ScoutActivityCentres

@ScoutCentres

23

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WOODHOUSE PARK ABOUT WOODHOUSE PARK

SCHOOL EXPERIENCES

Woodhouse Park’s 36 acre site is enclosed by peaceful areas of woodland. It lies on an escarpment, with a great view overlooking the River Severn and the Severn bridges which are around five miles away.

■■ Original Outdoor Experience – see page 7 ■■ Outdoor Adventure – see page 9 ■■ Adventure 50:50 – see page 11

ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE SURROUNDING AREAS

Visit scouts.org.uk/sac for full descriptions.

A perfect location for exploring the Cotswolds, Mendips and Wye Valley, or if you prefer a more urban experience, visit Bristol or Bath. Bristol has a variety of visitor attractions including its historic cathedral and zoo.

■■ Abseiling

■■ Radio communications

■■ Adventure course

■■ Rifle shooting

■■ Aerial trek

■■ Sensory trail

■■ All aboard

■■ Shelter building

■■ Archery

■■ Team building

■■ Backwoods cooking

cially e fantastic, espe er w s or ct ru st amazing All the in ry helpful and ve s ay w al as Ben who w a warm nature n. All staff had re ild ch e th h wit em. Food lt safe with th fe n re ild ch e and th d it. A good e children love th d an g in az oose the was am to be able to ch od go as w it d As it was variety an e children like. th t ha w ow k menu as I kn ate well. Than lt the children fe I e ad em ly m al all ho e children re astic week, th rs achieved you for a fant en the teache Ev . es lv se em rgetting enjoyed th ructors! Not fo st in e th by t challenges se t, awesome! the water figh y School

Fonthill Primar

■■ Climbing ■■ Conservation ■■ Crate stacking ■■ Fire lighting ■■ Hike routes ■■ Jacob’s ladder ■■ Leap of faith ■■ Low ropes ■■ Mini beast trail ■■ Nature trail ■■ Orienteering ■■ Pedal go karts ■■ Picture trail ■■ Pioneering

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book your adventure today scouts.org.uk/sac

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YOULBURY ABOUT YOULBURY

SCHOOL EXPERIENCES

Youlbury is set in 42 acres of secluded woodland in the heart of rural Oxfordshire. It is only a short drive from the historic city of Oxford.

■■ Original Outdoor Experience – see page 7 ■■ Outdoor Adventure – see page 9 ■■ Adventure 50:50 – see page 11

SURROUNDING AREAS

ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE

Oxford city centre, with its famous ‘dreaming spires’ is a must visit. Science Oxford and Manor Farm are also within easy reach of Youlbury.

Visit scouts.org.uk/sac for full descriptions.

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Thank you Yo

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Hagbourne C

■■ 3G swing

■■ Pedal go karts

■■ Abseiling

■■ Picture trail

■■ Adventure course

■■ Pioneering

■■ Aerial trek

■■ Rifle shooting

■■ All aboard

■■ Sensory trail

■■ Archery

■■ Shelter building

■■ Backwoods cooking

■■ Team building

■■ Bat detectors

■■ Zip wire

■■ Climbing ■■ Conservation ■■ Crate stacking ■■ Fire lighting ■■ Geocaching ■■ Hike routes ■■ Jacob’s ladder ■■ Leap of faith ■■ Low ropes ■■ Mini beast trail ■■ Nature trail ■■ Orienteering

/ScoutActivityCentres

/ScoutActivityCentres

@ScoutCentres

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one of d offers Yr Hafo ced mountain pla the best North Wales. in s t u h head of g at the ey, Yr in d n a t ll S ncon Va Nantffra ideal location n a Hafod is ich to explore h w m o r f boldest est and g the big ins in Wales mounta Snowdonia he within t al Park... io t Na n

Yr hafod ABOUT YR HAFOD

SCHOOL EXPERIENCES

Yr Hafod is a special place from which to enjoy the challenges of the mountains to the full, with the security of excellent leadership and the provision of quality accommodation.

Email yr-hafod.sac@scouts.org.uk for details.

SURROUNDING AREAS Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve is a 10 minute walk away, while crags with climbs and scrambles at all levels of difficulty surround Yr Hafod. Local attractions include the National Slate Museum and the Snowdon Mountain Railway.

y what afod are exactl H r Y at s ie lit p. The The faci FE college grou a as r fo g in we are look the flexibility as it allows us rb pe su is on ti loca ntain walking variety of mou e id w a te ia it to in students This allows the . ep st or do e from th a way which the outdoors in to experience standards and e appropriate th to nt va le re is The indoor of the groups. ls ve le t en er ff ownership the di udents to take st e th w lo al s nce and facilitie learn self-relia d an t en nm ro ial visit of the envi course resident e Th k. or w e practice team students as th ten quoted by of is od so af k H r to Y ar (staff thin e academic ye many highlight of th y Yr Hafod for jo en to pe ho also!). We you all.

Many thanks to e. m co to s ar ye iltshire College

Scott Carthy, W

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book your adventure today scouts.org.uk/sac

■■ Experts in school residentials, delivering education through adventure ■■ Over one hundred years’ experience in the outdoors ■■ Links with the National Curriculum ■■ Brilliant residential packages and over 50 adventurous activities ■■ A range of facilities to meet the needs of your group, including camping and back-to-basics experiences Scout Activity Centres are operated by The Scout Association.

By booking an experience at our centres you are helping to support our work with young people across the UK.

tel: 0845 300 2549 sac@scouts.org.uk

scouts.org.uk/sac © 2015 The Scout Association. Registered charity numbers: 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland)