Our outdoor adventure activities include kayaking, sea kayaking, sailing, climbing, canoeing, expeditions, gorge walking, navigation, bushcraft skills and team building.
Orienteering
Orienteering
What is it?
Orienteering is a term used to cover sports that use maps and a compass to help the participant navigate what is usually unfamiliar terrain. People usually use the word to refer to orienteering on foot, but it can apply to a much wider range of pastimes including travelling by canoes, bikes, cars and skis; however, foot orienteering is the most popular version to try out!
What does it involve?
The basics of orienteering involve successfully reading a map and compass to reach checkpoints marked on the map in a certain order to check them off a list and complete the course. Electronic navigational devices are not allowed while orienteering, and there are many complex variants on style and rules involving teamwork, relay and time trials - but the basics remain the same throughout.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
This activity can be a great way of connecting students with nature in an increasingly technological world, and will satisfy any budding explorers in the group. It's also a great team building exercise as everybody works together to navigate their way through an unfamiliar environment to reach the goal.
What equipment do we need?
If going orienteering with an established company, they should provide all the equipment you should need, but make sure to check beforehand. You should make sure all your students are dressed appropriately for whatever the current weather is - check the forecasts and ask the venue for advice!
Who is it suitable for?
There are no real age limits on orienteering, but you may find it hard to engage younger children in the activity as it requires attention to detail and a fair amount of patience; but exploring the outdoors may hold an appeal for some students!
Costs?
The varying nature of the outdoors and the complexity of the course will change the costs of orienteering from place to place.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Participants should hold a reasonable level of interest in the activity or could quickly get bored!
How do we include?
You may find it hard to include students with physical disabilities in orienteering as it often takes place outdoors on uneven terrain, and requires quick travel when competing. However, there are places that have courses set up specifically for those with disabilities which could be a great experience for those concerned - make sure to check what's available in your area!
Doing it abroad?
Orienteering is fairly popular all over the world, but not especially well advertised! Don't wait until arriving to seek out the activity, make sure to do your research beforehand to find a good organisation.
Main website:
http://www.britishorienteering.org.uk is the main website for the competitive sport, but also has some good links concerning school trips!
Venues with this Activity
Adventure Aberdeen is a 'not for profit' Aberdeen City Council service. We provide an essential and vibrant outdoor service to education, social care and community establishments across Aberdeen city. As part of a continued effort to provide a top quality service at unbeatable value, Adventure Aberdeen also works with private and corporate groups.
Northern Ireland's National Outdoor Centre
Tollymore National Outdoor Centre offers a range of one day and weekend courses in rock climbing skills, learning to lead and multi pitch climbing, Canadian canoeing, kayaking and sea kayaking, mountain biking, orienteering and coasteering.
Set in the heart of the beautiful Peak District, our outdoor activity centre provides a wide range of outdoor challenges and experiences such as bushcraft, orienteering, climbing, camping and navigation skills as well as kayaking, canoeing, trekking and mountaineering
Wayahead Training is here to enable and teach. We provide safe, fully accredited expeditions, and outdoor learning and leadership programmes.
Our team of friendly professionals prides itself on creating a welcoming atmosphere and providing programmes tailored to meet your needs.
There are 45 acres of grounds packed with activities so everything is just a short walk away.
As well as recently constructed accommodation, dining room and indoor activity zone, there are more than 20 activities all situated on site. Marchants is also the only centre to have the awesome new Powerfan freefall activity!
Nesscliffe hill is a sandstone escarpment & is now a country park with various footpaths through the woods. To the north of the hill the ramparts of an old hill fort are present. An old sandstone quarry face forms a spectacular cliff, popular for rock climbing. Cut into the cliff face is a cave reputedly the hideaway of the highwayman Humphrey Kynaston & his horse.
Close to the shore of Lake Windermere in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Great Tower Scout Activity Centre is an ideal base for exploring this famous area. Set in 250 acres, the centre offers both sizeable woodland to explore as well as natural rocky crags for climbing.
Pendine Outdoors offer all kinds of adventure and team activities to a very diverse clientelle from primary children to sports teams.
The centre is perfect for outdoor education – offering instructed activities such as kayaking, climbing, archery and rafting.
Barnstondale is a truly inclusive adventure and activity centre. With outdoor pursuits, team building, sports and excitement to be had, you can create your own adventure at Barnstondale.
Situated in a stunning location in the beautiful Peak District National Park, White Hall Outdoor Education Centre has given thousands of young people wonderful, memorable experiences since it opened in 1951 as Britain's first local education authority outdoor centre.
Programmes aim to enrich the curriculum and help learners reach their potential through positive engagement with the education process, increasing confidence, group awareness, healthy activity and fun.
Bedfords Park is a fantastic place to come and explore with your school. We have a plethora of habitats and wildlife to learn from: from meadows to lakes, woodlands to ponds - and not forgetting our resident herd of Red Deer.
EYFS:
Exploring Senses, Pond Power, Go on a Bug Hunt, Teddy Bears Picnic, Natural Art
Key Stage 1:
The official visitors' centre of the Geopark way. Attractions include interactive iPads and wall maps encouraging kids to learn all about the geology, archaeology, history and water of the Malvern Hills. The Cafe stocks a wide range of local food and drink and has free WiFi and parking.
A great park with things to do for all the family including a skate park and miniature golf! Ride the miniature railway for a great experience!
Set in the heart of Normandy this 17th century Chateau is set in four acres of beautiful private grounds.
Features
This beautiful 17th century Normandy Château is located in the idyllic fishing village of Criel-sur-Mer, providing the ideal opportunity for young people to immerse themselves in French culture
Just 90 minutes from Calais and 20 minutes from Dieppe, the Château is surprisingly accessible
Plas Pencelli is large outdoor centre located on the edge of the Brecon Beacons in South Wales.
Situated in the heart of the Rockingham Forest, the park offers access to fantastic woodlands, meadows, thickets, marshes and ponds to explore.
Recreation
Challenging Disability Through Outdoor Adventure
Founded in 1978, Calvert Trust is the inspiration of John Fryer-Spedding, whose vision was to enable people with disabilities to benefit from outdoor activities in the countryside.
We believe that puddles are for jumping in, edges are for looking over. Rock pools are the domain of adventurous fingers and toes. That your time is precious, that family, friends, sandy toes and salty air are what turn a holiday in to a trip of a life time.
The evil Dr Horrid is up to his dastardly tricks again! This time he has planted a 'dirty' bomb somewhere in the Hills aimed at contaminating the famous Malvern Water industry and poisoning locals. Our agent, Jane Pond, has learned that the deactivation code for the bomb is hidden in clues around the Hills. Can you find the code and save the day?
Outdoor Adventure is a small and personal residential outdoor activity centre in a stunning cliff-top location on the rugged North Cornish coast.
We have over 30 years experience in delivering high quality School Activity Trips, Family Activity Holidays and non-residential activities. Sole occupancy of our centre is also available.
Looking for a fun and interesting way to explore Robin Hood country? Don't just wander around aimlessly, do a Treasure Trail! These fun Trails show you the most interesting, historical and scenic locations. Enjoy a fun walk in the fresh air and solve the clues along the way.
Robin Hood’s Major Oak Treasure Trail is a fantastic way to explore.
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The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
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