activity centres schools brochure

Adventurous and Educational Activities

Burst out of the classroom

scouts.org.uk/sa c

tel: 0845 300 2549

168.1 - AC Schools Brochure 2009.indd 1 13/09/2010 14:12

Ferny Crofts – The New Forest Experience

Our latest centre is situated in the New Forest, a perfect place to experience the outdoors.

See page 12 for more.

Your adventure IT’S NOT SIMPLY A FEW DAYS AWAY FROM SCHOOL...

Scout Activity Centres are all operated by The Scout Association – the UK’s largest mixed youth organisation.

Our aim is simple – to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential.

We believe this makes us the perfect people to deliver great outdoor experiences that support the National Curriculum, Every Child Matters and Learning Outside the Classroom.

PERFECT PARTNERS

We create a successful partnership with every group that visits, even if it’s only for one day. Our team will spend time making sure we fully understand your aims and objectives and deliver exactly what you want.

TRY US OUT

Each centre offers a number of informal open days throughout the year. And if a date doesn’t suit, just contact the centre and arrange to pop in. We can also come to you either for a chat, or why not let us deliver some free taster activities in your school?

We look foward to seeing you soon!

book your adventure today www.scouts.org.uk/sac2

NEWfor 2009

starts here!


Your adventure

WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE?

1. PRE AND POST VISIT LESSON IDEAS We believe the best outdoor experiences start in the classroom and continue once you return. Therefore, our lesson ideas help you make the most of being outside.

2. WE’RE SIMPLY ABOUT ADVENTURE Because we are a charity, you can be safe in the knowledge that we are committed to the quality of your experience, not just generating income. Any income we do generate is reinvested into our centres and Scouting across the UK.

3. WE HAVE OVER 100 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE OF DELIVERING ADVENTURE This is longer than anyone else out there. Add to this the parents of 400,000 children who trust us to look after their children every night of the week and you will understand why we are a favourite choice.

4. LARGE ORGANISATION – SMALL, FRIENDLY CENTRES With ½ million members, we are the UK’s largest mixed youth organisation and yet our centres only deal with a small number of young people at a time. This is to make sure we can give everyone the attention they deserve and help them get the most from the experience.

5. DELIVER THE PROGRAMME YOURSELF For those teachers more confident in leading an outdoor experience, you simply book elements of your trip with us and deliver the rest yourself. See page 6 for more.

book your adventure today www.scouts.org.uk/sac

starts here!

3


4

The difference it makes HOW DOES SPENDING TIME AT ONE OF OUR CENTRES HELP A YOUNG PERSON’S EDUCATION?

It’s hard to put into words what a young person can achieve while taking part in residential and/or adventurous activities. The progression in self confidence, communication skills and the development of a sense of team is hard to rival in any other environment.

EVERY CHILD MATTERS

We can deliver every one of the initiative’s five outcomes – just talk to our programme team about adjusting activities to meet your exact needs.

NATIONAL CURRICULUM

Taking part in a residential or day programme will broadly help meet the overall aims of the curriculum as well as some specific subject areas.



Most definitely one of

the best things I have

ever done.

Memories of fun and

adventure I’ll take with

me long after I have

left school...Catherine, 12

The difference it makes BEING OUTSIDE IS ONLY ONE SMALL PART OF THE EXPERIENCE…

Equally as important is the preparation and the follow up once you’re back in school. We recognise this, which is why we have developed a number of pre- and post-trip lesson ideas and resources. See over the page for one example and visit the website for more!

scouts.org.uk/sa c

‘Every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances’

Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto


Take a look online for more information at:

5


What we do OPTION 1: EDUCATION AND ADVENTURE

Let us do it for you – we will work with you to understand your requirements then build you

a package to suit. You might choose one of our off-the-shelf packages from two to five days,

or work with us to tailor one to your specific needs. With a range of activities from archery to

zip wires, each provides a very different learning outcome. Together we will agree what mix of

challenges are appropriate to your group.

Whether you want the group to camp or stay indoors we have a range of facilities to meet your

needs. Fully equipped kitchens are available in our lodges but there is still the option of a full

catering service. Our centre staff are on hand throughout the booking process to assist you in

finding a package that will suit you. When you arrive on centre a dedicated Programme Leader

will work with you, keeping the group entertained from breakfast until bedtime – the only hard

part is deciding what to have for lunch!

OPTION 2: SELF PROGRAMME

Our unique Self Programme is aimed at teachers who want to run elements of the residential themselves. You book desired accommodation (or camping space and equipment), catering (if required) and any number of activities from the standard list (see page 8).

You then put together your programme using as many or as few of our instructor-led activities as you want. Once this is done, simply fill in the gaps with your own programme ideas.

We can provide activity ideas with full lesson plans and resources should you need some inspiration. The cost is based on what you book – for a full price list go to our website.

OPTION 3: ACTIVITY DAY

We will customise a programme around your time constraints and needs. From simply using our woodlands for an environmental or art project to taking part in some team building activities, our team will be happy to help.

Our programmes

book your adventure today www.scouts.org.uk/sac6


What we do Arrive around 11am Breakfast Breakfast

Settling in Climbing Low Ropes

Site orientation Orienteering Zip Wire

Lunch Lunch Lunch

Team Building Sensory Trail

Departure (typically 3pm)Archery Backwoods Cooking

Dinner Dinner

Egg Drop Wide Games

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3

For a full activity list see page 8.

Every programme is written after ensuring we fully understand what you want your group to achieve while with us. Most of the activities we offer can be delivered in different ways to meet various needs. We ensure our instructors are fully aware of your requirements so they can deliver the appropriate content.

The above programme can be delivered in a way that covers all the Every Child Matters headings and/or areas of the National Curriculum.

We also understand the importance of pre- and post work to ensure the pupils get the most from the experience. Below is an example of a pre-residential lesson.

For more ideas visit our website.


A typical three-day Education and

Adventure Programme

LEARNING OBJECTIVE:

Children should learn about the centre and its surrounding area.

TEACHING ACTIVITIES:

Ask the class to do some research into the site they will be visiting using resources such

as the internet and books. Ask them to locate the centre on a map and plan a route

to travel from school. Students should be able to make comparisons between home

and the centre including its location, land use, populations, history, etc.

LEARNING OUTCOME:

To have a knowledge and understanding of the area they will be visiting and how

it differs from their home town.

CURRICULUM LINKS

Geography 1a, e. 2a, c, d. 3a, b, c, d, f. 6a, d. ICT 11b. Citizenship/PSHE 1c, 5h.

QCA Geog. Unit 6, 13, 25. ICT Unit 2C. PE Unit 30.

Pre-residential lesson

7


88

3G Swing AbseilingAdventure Course

Aerial TrekAeroballArcheryBCU Kayak and Canoe Courses

Bell BoatsCamp Craft/Bushcraft

CanoeingChase TrailClimbingCrate StackingDinghy Sailing

Drascombe Long Boats

EnvironmentalFan Descender

Frisbee GolfG8 - Global Awareness

Grass SledgingHigh All Aboard

High See-SawHike RoutesJacob’s LadderJump MatsKayakingLaunch TripsLeap of FaithLow RopesMedium Ropes

OrienteeringPedal Go KartsPicture TrailPioneeringPole ClimbingRaft BuildingRevolving Climbing Wall

Rifle ShootingRowing Boats

RYA Dinghy Courses

Shelter BuildingSwimming Pool

Team BuildingSensory Trail

Zip Wire

Backwoods Cooking


Our activities

Activities @ our centres

Our centres


9

Leap of FaithLow RopesMedium RopesOrienteeringPedal Go Karts

Picture TrailPioneeringPole ClimbingRaft BuildingRevolving Climbing Wall

Rifle ShootingRowing Boats

RYA Dinghy Courses

Shelter BuildingSwimming Pool

Team BuildingSensory Trail

Zip Wire

Backwoods Cooking


TEAM BUILDING

A number of small problems and

tasks to get your group really

working together. The tasks will

vary depending on the group

but all are designed to challenge

them. Each task is reviewed

to ensure that the group

develop their skills throughout

the activity.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Take your group hunting

for minibeasts In the local

woodlands. Armed with

collection pots, viewing

trays and nets, the group

will discuss and identify

what they find.

ZIP WIRE

Travel at high speed

while suspended and

harnessed from an

overhead cable.

Determination and

courage required!

3G SWING

This amazing activity starts

with two people being

hauled 10 metres into the

air by the rest of the group.

When both people agree,

they pull the ripcord and

swing towards the ground

at high speed. How high

will you go?

LEAP OF FAITH

Will you make it to the

trapeze bar suspended

in front of you? Individuals

take it in turn to test their

nerve, but will they or won’t

they make it to the bar before

being lowered to safety?

9


LOCATION

Only eight miles from JCT 4 on the M25 and just outside Orpington.

ABOUT DOWNE

Celebrating its 80th birthday in 2009, Downe is a beautiful, wooded 86-acre site. 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 his experiments.

SURROUNDINGS

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

TO BOOK

And for more information, contact the Downe team on 01959 572121 or email [email protected]

I’ve been coming to Downe

for three years now. Every

time is different and every

time the kids love it.’

Sam, teacher

DOWNE Tel: +44 (0)1959 572121 Email: [email protected]

86 acres

of

woodland


DOWNE Tel: +44 (0)1959 572121 Email: [email protected] 11

Darwin’s

home

www.scouts.org.uk/sac

3 LODGES SLEEPING 28-38 PEOPLE

CAMPING

CATERING AVAILABLESelf or full catering

PROGRAMMES AVAILABLE Education and Adventure, Self Programme and Activity Day

AERIAL TREK

An obstacle course with a

difference – it’s high in the air!

Will you make the leap across

the gap?

Can you successfully tackle the

scramble net? Challenge yourself

and find out!

See page 8 for the full activity list.

Example activity


LOCATION Only 10 miles from the centre of Southampton and five miles from Lyndhurst.

ABOUT FERNY CROFTS

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

SURROUNDINGS

The New Forest is rich with attractions, educational opportunities and is simply a great place to get close to nature. Just a few things of interest nearby are Bucklers Hard Maritime Village, Beaulieu Palace and Motor Museum and The New Forest Nature Quest.

TO BOOK

And for more information, contact the Ferny Crofts team on 0238 084 5092 or email [email protected]

FERNY CROFTS Tel: +44 (0)238 084 5092 Email: [email protected] 12

In the heart

of the

New Forest


We had a fantastic week

and the staff are the best

we have ever come across.

Sam, Wimbledon

FERNY CROFTS Tel: +44 (0)238 084 5092 Email: [email protected] 13www.scouts.org.uk/sac

“We had a fantastic week

and the staff are the best

we have ever come across.

Sam, Wimbledon

CLIMBING

As you move up the wall you will

feel your confidence grow as you

push for the summit on one of our

purpose-built climbs.

LOW ROPES

An excellent activity that lowers

the physical difficulty to allow

teamwork to take a stronger role.


Example activities

2 LODGES SLEEPING 32 PEOPLE

CAMPING




LOCATION

About 15 minutes from JCT 26 of the M25, only 25 minutes on the train from central London, the centre sits in Epping Forest.

ABOUT GILWELL PARK

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

SURROUNDINGS

Epping Forest is on the doorstep and with 6,000 acres of natural riches, it’s the perfect spot for mountain biking. It’s also within easy reach of central London.

There is a horse riding school and sailing club nearby.

TO BOOK

And for more information contact the Gilwell Park team on 020 8498 5411 or email [email protected]

14 GILWELL PARK Tel: +44 (0)20 8498 5411 Email: [email protected]


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‘The post-residential lesson was almost as much fun as the activities themselves.

Almost...Robert, teacher

GILWELL PARK Tel: +44 (0)20 8498 5411 Email: [email protected] www.scouts.org.uk/sac

FAN DESCENDER

Do you dare to experience free-

fall from the top of our high ropes

course? The fan descender will

gently stop you before you hit

the ground.

SENSORY TRAIL

How much do we rely on our

senses? Explore each of the five

human senses through a number

of games and challenges.


Example activities


CAMPING



Only 25

mins from

London


LOCATION

About 50 miles north west of Newcastle, on the shore of Kielder Water.

ABOUT HAWKHIRST

Nestled within 200 square miles of Northumberland’s Kielder Forest and surrounded on three sides by the vast expanse of Kielder Water, Hawkhirst extends across 70 acres of mainly coniferous forest.

This makes the centre the perfect location for water sports and land activities.

Stunning

location

16 HAWKHIRST Tel: +44 (0)1434 250 217 Email: [email protected]

SURROUNDINGS

Rich in history and natural wonders, there is lots to do around the centre. Why not try a trip to Kielder Castle, a look at the history of the valley or a visit to Hadrian’s Wall or Kielder Observatory?

TO BOOK

And for more information contact the Hawkhirst team on 01434 250 217 or email [email protected]


I loved it when we got

out of our canoes and

sang some songs. It was

really brilliant.

Thanks a lot. Leah, 10

27 miles

of

shoreline

17HAWKHIRST Tel: +44 (0)1434 250 217 Email: [email protected] www.scouts.org.uk/sac

BELL BOATS

A cross between dragon

boating and canoeing, with up

to 12 people in each boat. A great

way to get moving on the water

and develop teamwork,

co-ordination and leadership.

POLE CLIMBING

Put on the climbing irons and see

if you can make it to the top of the

pole to ring the bell.


Example activities

3 LODGES SLEEPING 12–40 PEOPLE

CAMPING




Thanks for all the fun

activities and time spent

with us. I think everyone

has learnt a lot.

Jakub, 13

LOCATION

Only 7 miles from the centre of Oxford and about 10 minutes from the A34.

ABOUT YOULBURY

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

SURROUNDINGS

Oxford’s city centre with its rich history is close by. Science Oxford, Cogges Manor Farm and an RYA Sailing School are also within easy reach.

TO BOOK

And for more information contact the Youlbury team on 01865 326 264 or email [email protected]

18 YOULBURY Tel: +44 (0)1865 326 264 Email: [email protected]


19YOULBURY Tel: +44 (0)1865 326 264 Email: [email protected] www.scouts.org.uk/sac


CAMPING



CRATE STACKING

Balance, confidence and pushing

yourself to the limit are all key

to this activity. As the stack gets

higher with you perched on top,

holding your nerve becomes the

key to success.


Example activity


20

Over 100

years’

experience

Making a booking 1. CHOOSE A CENTRE Decide which centre meets your requirements.

2. ARRANGE A SITE VISITEither attend one of our regular open days throughout the year or contact the team to arrange a visit at a time that suits you.

3. DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT TO DOSelf Programme or Education and Adventure? Full catering or self catering?

4. CHECK AVAILABILITYContact our team to check availability – get in touch with the centre directly or email [email protected]

5. MAKE A PROVISIONAL BOOKINGThe centre will send you confirmation and request your deposit.

6. PAY DEPOSIT TO CONFIRMOnce you have paid your deposit our programme team will contact you to arrange your programme.

7. ARRIVE AT THE CENTRE...

Simply follow these steps...

...and have a great time! book your adventure today www.scouts.org.uk/sac


I enjoyed every single

part of it. Thank you for

all of it. I wish I

was still there. Luke, 12

21

Over 30

activities

and

growing!

Making a booking

...and have a great time!

MEET THE TEAM

We have a mixture of staff working on our centres from around the world and they are all selected for their passion and belief in what we do. Our staff undertake a comprehensive training programme before we let them loose on groups. Where appropriate, staff hold the relevant national governing body (NGB) qualification or have been assessed by a suitably qualified technical advisor.

We know that our staff are the one thing that will really make a difference to your experience so we work very hard to select the right people. All staff are put through an enhanced CRB check, trained and then we keep them happy so they keep you happy!



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FAQS WHY IS IT SO CHEAP?

The Scout Association is a charity. Our centres are run in line with the Association’s aim to promote the development of young people. This is also our primary aim so we can keep our prices down while still providing excellent service.

DO YOUR CENTRES HAVE AN AALA LICENCE?

Hawkhirst delivers activities that fall under the scope of this licensing scheme. The rest of our centres follow our safety system, which is formulated from our long experience in working with young people and several technical experts. Visit www.scouts.org.uk/sac/safety.html

DO WE HAVE TO STAY MON–FRI?

We are incredibly flexible. You tell us how long you want to stay and we’ll do our best to accommodate you. We understand that not everyone wants a generic outdoor experience so we’ll do all we can to make sure you get the most from your time outside the classroom.

ARE ALL THE STAFF CRB CHECKED?

Yes – everyone is checked through the enhanced CRB route.

IS IT SAFE?

Everything we do is fully risk assessed and necessary control measures are in place. Copies of all our risk assessments are available on request.

WHAT TRAINING DO INSTRUCTORS RECEIVE?

All our instructors complete a comprehensive training programme, including any relevant national governing body qualifications.

HOW DOES THIS LINK TO THE CURRICULUM AND EVERY CHILD MATTERS?

See page 4. There’s not enough room to fit everything in here but full details on how any of the activities or programmes relate are on our website. Can’t see what you want or have an idea for incorporating another subject area? Simply let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

WHAT SUPPORT DO WE GET ON SITE?

All our centres will have someone on duty 24 hours a day while you are there. In addition to this, groups taking up our Education and Adventure programme will be assigned a Programme Leader to support you through-out your stay.

CAN WE RUN SOME OF OUR OWN ACTIVITIES?

Because of how we operate we are truly flexible. If you want to run large parts of your programme while you are with us the Self Programme is the option for you. If you just want to do a small part then you can still book the Education and Adventure Programme – just let our team know how much time you have.

ARE THE CENTRES COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Yes, all our centres have comprehensive public liability insurance for up to £5m. Users of our activity centres should consider whether they wish to obtain other insurances, such as cancellation or personal accident insurance. Information on possible options can be provided on request.

SOMETHING WE’VE FORGOTTEN?

If you have a query that is not covered here, or would like more information on the topics mentioned, contact our centres directly.

book your adventure today www.scouts.org.uk/sacbook your adventure today www.scouts.org.uk/sac


book your adventure today www.scouts.org.uk/sacbook your adventure today www.scouts.org.uk/sac

Birmingham3 hrs 2.5 hrs 2 hrs 4.5 hrs 1.5 hrs

155 miles 155 miles 120 miles 236 miles 82 miles

Bristol3 hrs 2 hrs 2.5 hrs 6 hrs 1.5 hrs


Carlisle6 hrs 6 hrs 5 hrs 1.5 hrs 4. hrs


Edinburgh8 hrs 8 hrs 7 hrs 2 hrs 6.5 hrs


Leicester2.5 hrs 3 hrs 2 hrs 4.5 hrs 2 hrs


London1 hrs 2 hrs 1 hr 6 hrs 1.5 hrs


Newcastle5.5 hrs 6 hrs 5 hrs 1 hr 4.5 hrs


Norwich2.5 hrs 4 hrs 2 hrs 6 hrs 3 hrs


Oxford2 hrs 1.5 hrs 1.5 hrs 5.5 hrs 15min


Reading1.5 hrs 1.5 hrs 1.5 hrs 6 hrs 1 hr


Southampton2 hrs 0.5 hrs 2 hrs 7 hrs 1.5 hrs


Swindon2 hrs 1.5 hrs 2 hrs 6 hrs 1 hr


Travelling times to our centres

Scout Activity Centres are dotted around Britain. Look below to find your local centre.

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scouts.org.uk/sa c

tel: 0845 300 2549

‘Once we returned to class, all the k

ids could talk

about was the high ropes course.’’’’’

Daljit, teacher


activity centres schools brochure

Documents

us outeach centre

friendly centres

perfect people

development of young

ac schools brochure

years experience

small number of young

scout activity centres