This is the largest Kingswood centre, accommodating 630 young people in a mix of en-suite and standard multi-bedded rooms.
It has an all weather centre with an impressive 25,000 sq ft sports hall and heated indoor swimming pool.
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
A new standard in the provision of learning outside the classroom, including a £1m high-adrenaline activity park
Our most environmentally sustainable centre, complete with one of Europe’s largest solar panels!
Dearne Valley opened its doors as the new Kingswood centre in 2012. Following a multi-million pound investment programme, Dearne Valley is our most environmentally sustainable centre, complete with one of Europe’s largest solar panels and an on-site waste recycling plant.
Features
1,000 years of power, politics and pleasure in an intimate family home
Really welcoming to children: indoors they can play with vintage toys and tinkle on the grand piano, plus explore the cellars and attics; outside there are several play areas and an orienteering course, plus bee hives, Iron Age Hill Fort and other structures to find and explore.
Croft Castle boasts over 1,500 acres of surrounding farm, park and woodland to explore.
Famous for our red squirrels, wildlife and Scouting
Brownsea Island is dramatically located in Poole Harbour, with spectacular views across to the Purbeck Hills.
A friendly run activity centre, we are small enough to care but large enough and experienced enough to matter. A residential outdoor education programme can be an extremely powerful, meaningful and fun learning experience. We aim to provide an Outdoor Education experience that will be the highlight to any educational or youth programme.
One of the UK's leading outdoor activity centres
Dukeshouse Wood has had a whole raft of new adventure activity features installed to become one of the country’s leading residential activity centres. The activity park in the grounds houses many of these new additions including a quad bike track, zipwire, outdoor laser, Jacob’s ladder, an outdoor climbing and abseiling tower and leap of faith.
Bowles is located near Tunbridge Wells on the site of a natural south facing sandstone outcrop which offers a range of outdoor adventure including superb rock climbing, a dry ski slope, orienteering, archery and the giant Leap of Faith!
Let The Adventure Begin!
The Frank Chapman Centre is part of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Councils Residential Education Service delivering a wide range of high quality outdoor programmes and activities for the community of Sandwell and others.
The origins of the Centre date back to 1963 when this beautiful site on the banks of the Medina Estuary was identified as a great place to set up a sailing school, by a group of Christians from a variety of church backgrounds.
Easy access to scenic mountains, tranquil lakes, awe-inspiring coastlines and breath-taking rivers. They pride themselves on their outstanding ability to deliver a wide range of high quality outdoor education programmes with a variety of activities to suit all ages and abilities.
New to PGL in 2009, this impressive Grade 2 listed Mansion House is set in 21 acres of grounds on the Sussex Downs.
Only 2 hours from central London, 1 hour from the M25, 45 minutes from Brighton and 1 hour from the Channel Tunnel.
Riverside is ideally located for activities based on the water, our programme also includes opportunities for climbing, hiking, team building, orienteering, camping and bushcraft.
The Oxford Canoe and Kayak Club meet at the centre.
At our PGL centre, 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!
Hesley Wood offers a fantastic location to learn by doing in a safe, secure environment. With on site activities, which will challenge young people to try new things, develop confidence and above all have FUN!
Offering everything from fun activities such as Canoeing, Mountain Biking and Bouldering, for individuals and groups at Cool Centres across Ireland.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s, Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve (part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve) is bursting with wildlife. Famous for its spectacular waterfalls and scenic woodland walks. In spring the woodland floor us abound with colourful wildflowers. Alive with bird song; over 100 species having made this reserve their home.
Located in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park with the mountains, rivers and lakes on our doorstep. It is the perfect location for going off and having adventures in the great outdoors.
· Fun, interactive and exciting sessions designed to engage youngsters and to experience the natural environment in new ways.
· We have an outdoor classroom site next to Margrove Heritage Centre. It has a mixture of woodland, meadow and ponds with access along a secluded footpath.
They have been providing Outdoor Education for almost 60 years to schools from Staffordshire and beyond, although it was another 20 years before it began to take the shape that you may recognise today.
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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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