Castle Head Field Centre lies in its own extensive grounds between the southern fells of the Lake District and the shores of Morecambe Bay. The Centre has 120 beds and a number of large indoor spaces including 6 workrooms, student common rooms, a separate staff lounge and a sports hall.
Raft Building
Raft Building
What is it?
The practice of raft building is probably one of the most well known team building activities, as the basis of the activity is put together a working raft and get it floating with everybody on board in the shortest time.
What does it involve?
Raft building usually involves teams being given lengths of wood, various ropes and plastic sealed barrels and then given only vague instructions before aiming to combine all the apparatus to make a working raft. There is often also the additional goal of getting the raft successfully floating on water with everyone aboard, and sometimes there is a physical goal to reach somewhere on the water itself.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
The most obvious benefit of raft building is the intense teamwork required to complete the activity, but it also improves practical thinking and the ability to combine the skills of the group together to achieve the best possible outcome.
What equipment do we need?
Raft building will generally be carried out under the organisation of an activity provider, so it's unlikely you will need to supply any equipment other than ensuring the students bring wet weather clothing/swimwear!
Who is it suitable for?
You should always exercise caution with younger children around water, especially if they are to go on it on a raft of their own creation! However, it's likely that the instructor will be experienced in judging if a craft is safe to be ridden, so in general, raft building could be suitable for all ages.
Costs?
Raft building should be a reasonably cheap activity to book for your students, but it often comes as part of a more expansive watersport package which will have higher costs!
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
You should make sure young children are well supervised around water, especially in a potentially high paced situation such as raft building.
How do we include?
Those with severe physical disabilities may not be able to participate fully - for example, if someone needs to use a wheelchair, they will not be able to climb upon a raft! However, you can include those with disadvantages in ways such as making them leaders of a group - they can direct the activity of everyone else!
Doing it abroad?
You'll be able to find raft building acitivities (or something similar) wherever there are open bodies of water! You should always check before the trip to make sure.
Main website:
http://www.ultimate-activitycompany.co.uk/raft-building/ has some great information, but always check out individual websites for specific venue and activity details.
Venues with this Activity
Nurture in Nature
FSC Bishops Wood is an excellent base for primary school trips. At Bishops Wood Field Centre we offer opportunities in both fieldwork and adventurous activities for primary school children. From Literacy through landscape to wilderness bushcraft designed to encourage problem solving and teamwork.
If you are looking for somewhere that is more like a home from home, with outdoor education programmes that are crafted with care, delivered by quality people, driven by our values of Education, Inspiration and Play; a place rooted in the rich heritage and tradition of learning outside – Great News! You have just found it.
Rookesbury House is a stunning former stately home situated at the top of a hill amidst a 2000 acre private estate. With its grand entrance through the gate keeper’s lodge and the drive sweeps through fields of arable crops to the house, you can be sure of a secure and calming setting at this former prestigious boarding school.
We offer a fantastic range of adventure activities for all ages and abilities. We offer school residential trips for up to 80 persons suiting all tastes and budgets.
Discounts are provided for larger groups.
If your kids love watersports, they’ll love our Croft Farm Waterpark activity centre in the heart of the Cotswolds, near to the historic town of Tewkesbury.
Croft Farm has lots of green space for land based activities, as well as superb opportunities for a wide range of water-based fun on its own 12 acre lake and the nearby River Avon.
Whitemoor Lakes occupies a 25 acre grassland site at the end of a shallow 40 acre lake with space for football, volleyball and full-on adrenaline adventure activities.
Dany Duncan set up ElementalUK in 2006 to enable people to get closer to the elements – whether by immersing themselves in the thrills and spills of the Cornish coast or hitting natural highs in the mountains of France.
We are a well established, fully accredited family owned school, youth group adventure travel specialist. We offer technical activities that require more experienced instructors at prices that are affordable and great value for money.
At Essex Outdoors we believe passionately in the power of outdoor education.
Taking the classroom outdoors can broaden horizons, promote positive values, and develop confidence and self-esteem. Outdoor learning can also raise social and environmental awareness.
Hillcrest is a small, homely centre, with staff who really love working with younger guests.
It’s in a quiet rural setting and is ideal for a first visit away from home or if you’re looking for somewhere really friendly and extra welcoming!
We can come to you to arrange your trip, or you can come to the Centre for a pre-visit. This will allow us to plan your excursion down to the last detail so that it works perfectly with your individual needs as a school or group.
Caythorpe Court is a fantastic place with everything you could possibly need to make your PGL holiday perfect. With 65 acres of grounds surrounding a huge mansion house there’s loads of great facilities and even more brilliant PGL activities!
We’ve also improved it further with new lodge accommodation and a purpose built dining room.
The centre is set in 45 acres of grounds with its own private beach and cliff top views. One of the first things you’ll notice is the huge high ropes course with its zip wire and the stunning views of Weymouth, Portland and Chesil Beach.
Superbly situated on the shores of the Mawddach Estuary and set against the spectacular backdrop of the Cadair Mountain Range, Min y Don Christian Adventure Centre provides a unique setting for family and youth group holidays, small conferences and retreats,
Merseyside Youth Challenge Trust’ established in 1985 is an urban-based Outdoor Pursuits Education Centre (Charitable Trust) in South Liverpool. The City Council provides premises for the Centre together with 35 acres of public parkland.
Widehorizons Bryntysilio Centre is set above the River Dee, situated in ten acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. We provide a broad programme of adventure activities including mountaineering, canoeing and mountain biking.
At Outdoor Academy we pride ourselves on our affiliation with young people. Our principal focus lies with youths whose behavioural problems have left them excluded from mainstream education, or those with learning difficulties.
Mepal Outdoor Centre has been providing outdoor experiences for over 30 years to schools, colleges, youth groups, clubs, charities, corporate groups, families and individuals. Whether you are visiting us for the day or coming for a residential visit, we can tailor a programme to suit your needs.
Outdoor and adventurous activities enable pupils to enjoy challenging and unfamiliar experiences that test and develop their physical, social and personal skills. They can be among the most memorable experiences for pupils of their school days.
“At SWAC we’re passionate about water sports…from sailing and rowing, to powerboating and stand up paddle boarding, we’ve got it all covered.
It offers a variety of facilities to provide opportunities for indoor and outdoor activities ranging from a Rainbow Day to Senior Section camping. Although close to local amenities, Pettypool is secluded enough to be a safe attractive environment for all who use it.
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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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