Schools Brochure - Scout Activity Centres

tel: 0845 300 [email protected]

scouts.org.uk/sac

Brilliant

residentials

for primary

and secondary

schools.

Burst out

of the classroomSchool adventure experiences

3/ScoutActivityCentres /ScoutActivityCentres @ScoutCentres

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 timein 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 GryllsChief Scout of The Scout Association

Welcome to the UK's biggest classrooms…

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

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

Contents


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 EXPERIENCESWe 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.

■ 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

Adventure 50:50

Outdoor Adventure

Ultimate Outdoor Adventure

New tented

villages!

‘This residential

visit was the best

thing I’ve done

as a teacher.’

‘I never thought

I could do this….’

‘I’ve learnt skills I’ll

be able to use and

share…’

/ScoutActivityCentres /ScoutActivityCentres @ScoutCentres

Original Outdoor

Experience

■ 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 APPROACHThis 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.

WHAT’S INCLUDED ■ 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.

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.

■ 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

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

7

OPTION 1

‘I know I will

remember this

experience for

the rest of

my life…’


Outdoor adventure

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


■ Indoor accommodation in our purpose-built lodges

OR comfortable camping in our new tented village

■ Action-packed programme of activities


OUR APPROACHThis 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.



experience is 20. If you’ve got a smaller group, please do

get in touch and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

COSTWe’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.


OPTION 2

‘I think the

teachers had just

as much fun as

we did and we

actually got on

really well…’


adventure 50:50

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.

■ 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

■ 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 APPROACHBased 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.



experience is 20. If you’ve got a smaller group, please do get in

touch and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.


■ Indoor accommodation in our purpose-built lodges OR

comfortable camping in our new tented villages


COST We’re honest with our prices, everything you need is included –



Looking for even more flexibility? Get in touch to discuss other

options – including self-catering or accommodation only.


OPTION 3

‘The activities

were exhilarating

and the instructors

became friends…

can’t wait until

the next trip…’


Ultimate Outdoor adventure

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.

■ 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 APPROACHThis 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.


■ Indoor accommodation in our purpose built lodges OR

comfortable camping in our new tented village


COST We’re honest with our prices, everything you need is included –



WHERE: Great Tower

OPTION 4


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.

This sample programme highlights the breakdown of what one

of our experiences may look like in terms of activity sessions

and catering scheduling.

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.*

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

ORIGINAL OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE

*Backwoods cooking

‘When planned and

implemented well,

learning outside the

classroom contributed

significantly to raising

standards and improving

pupils’ personal, social and

emotional development.’

Ofsted,

LOtC: How far should

you go?, 2008

sample

residential stay

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?

YOUR TRAINING, CONFERENCE AND EVENT CENTRES

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

@BPHconferences /towntocountry /towntocountry

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

@GPconferences /towntocountry /towntocountry

Visit towntocountry.co.uk for more information.

CC advert.indd 1 09/12/2014 11:01


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.

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.

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.

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.

Working

collaboratively...

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:

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

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

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

‘The weather, the

tiredness, being with

each other all week –

they had to overcome

all these things and

learn to be resilient.’

Secondary staff

focus group.

TRIED, TESTED AND TRUSTED

All our centres continue to have an exceptional level of safety

standards and systems, which are at the core of what we do.

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.

SUPPORT AND RESOURCESLesson resourcesWe’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

VideosWhether 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.

In this activity, pupils use their creativity and imagination

to build a working model of a traditional canoe. The lesson

allows them to develop their skills and improve their control

of materials, tools and techniques. Pupils will explore and

develop their ideas, gaining confidence in using visual and

tactile elements and materials. Conclude the activity with an

evaluation exercise to embed the learning.

Float

your

boat

:

MAKE A MINI CANOE

What y

ou'll

need:

� 3 flexible green sticks, 30cm long and about 1cm thick

� broad, flat leaves

� thinner green sticks and twigs

� heavy duty scissors

� pencil sharpener

Links to:

Key Stage 2 Design and technology National Curriculum: 1bcd, 2ad, 3abc, 4ac, 5bc

activi

ty:

INtrODuCE…

What? Using natural materials to construct a canoe.

How? Introduce the concept by asking pupils if they have ever been canoeing, or by showing a modern canoeing video

– footage of the British Olympic team winning a gold medal would be good. As pupils watch the video, ask them

to identify and record the key features of a canoe. Alternatively, give pupils a research task to find out what a

canoe is. They could use ICT skills, or obtain information from written and visual resources that you provide.

DEMONStrAtE…

What? An example of what a handmade canoe looks like.

How? Show the pupils a pre-made canoe model of your own, but emphasise that this is just one example and that their

model might be very different. Highlight and identify different parts of the canoe before setting a brief design and

drawing task, in which pupils can plan their own canoe. Encourage them to think about what it should look like

and why.

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In this activity pupils will learn how to use a firesteel to

make a small fire and toast a marshmallow. They’ll have the

opportunity to play different roles while working in groups in

order to respond to the demands of a situation.

They will also learn to respond appropriately to others,

thinking about what has been said and the language used.

The activity encourages pupils to explore how language can

be used to express meaning in different ways. Finally, they

use the planning, drafting and editing process to improve

their work, creating a factual set of instructions.

Making spar

ks:

light a fire

What you'll

need:

� firesteels (these can be bought for around £5 each if

buying several)

� cotton wool (as tinder)

� marshmallows

� lots of thin sticks (as kindling)

� bottle of water (for safety)

activity:

introduce…

What? Fire is a tool that, if used carefully, can help us to perform lots of tasks – like cooking marshmallows.

how? This works well as a discussion or mind mapping exercise. Ask the class what they already know about fire. Is it

a good thing or a bad thing? What uses does it have? (eg cooking, light, heating houses, bonfire night etc). If we

wanted to use fire for cooking, what sort of rules would help ensure that we stayed safe? Use pupils’ ideas and

suggestions to produce a set of rules, which you can adopt for the following activity.

demonstrate…

What? How a firesteel can be used to light a fire.

how? In a suitable location, demonstrate how the firesteel is used to light a piece of cotton wool. This demonstration

should be visual, with no explanation at this stage. Use deliberate, careful movements to show exactly how to

make sparks.

links to:

Key stage 2 english national curriculum: EN1 – 2ABCE, 3ABDEF, 9AC, 10ABC, EN3 – 1ABCE, 2ABCDEF,

4CDEF, 5AB, 9B, 10, 11, 12



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Activity:

Introduce…What? Types of maps and their uses.

How? Ask pupils to come up with as many different types of maps as they can. Use the suggestions to create a mind

map, which might include atlases, weather maps, theme park maps, fire escape plans on doors and so on.

Introduce Ordnance Survey (OS) maps to the class.

.

demonstrate…What? What? That map symbols make it easier to understand the form or function of a landscape feature compared to

an aerial view.

How? Prior to the lesson, make a 3D landscape model. Show the class a prominent feature, such as a castle. Wouldn’t

it be difficult to work out what a castle was if you could only look down at it from above? Now introduce the

concept of map symbols as a way of understanding the function of something rather than simply showing its

physical appearance.

In this activity, pupils make links between the world

around them and its topographic representation. They

investigate mapping, using geographical skills to explore

the differences between the physical form of landscape

features and their representation in map symbols.

MAKiNG SENSE OF Maps:

BuILdInG a 3d LandscaPe

WhAt yOu'll NEEd:

FOR THE BOARD � large square pieces of

cardboard or hardboard

� coloured paints

� PVA glue

FOR MAP SYMBOLS � small pieces of polystyrene, cardboard

or balsa wood that can

be made into shapes

� paints and brushes

FOR MAP GRID LINES

� 1m long wooden battens

� thin blue string

� blue paint

� marker pen

� ruler

FOR MAP GRID LINES

� green modelling clay

� red string

� cardboard

� cocktail sticks

Links to: Key stage 2 Geography national curriculum: 1ABE, 2ACDEG, 3A (further work could include 4AB, 5AB, 6CDE, 7A)


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In this activity pupils use simple scientific theories to explain

things they observe in the natural world. They apply their

knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas to predict

where minibeasts live, before testing a hypothesis using

specialist equipment and working with others to carry

out systematic investigations. They talk about their work

and its significance, and communicate ideas using

scientific language.

Discovering minibeasts: make a pooter

What you'll neeD:FOR THE POOTER � jam jar with lid � 2 pieces of plastic tubing (approximately 20cm and 15cm long)

� piece of gauze or fine mesh � elastic band � 2 lumps of Plasticine or Blu-Tack

TOOls � hand drill � drill bit (same diameter as the plastic tubing) � hammer

� hole punch (make this from a handle with a nail in one end) � clamp � scrap wood

Links to: key Stage 2 Science National Curriculum: sC1 – 1AB, 2ABCDEFHJKlM sC2 – 1AC, 4ABC, 5ABCD

key Stage 2 Design and technology National Curriculum: 1CD, 2AD, 5BC

activity:INtroDuCe…What? Many species of minibeasts live all around us.

How? Introduce the concepts of species, and habitats with a sorting activity. Print out

pictures of different minibeasts and write the names of each species on Post-it notes.

Then ask pupils to match the names to the pictures. Alternatively, ask them to create

a visual food web of ‘what eats what’. You could also produce cards identifying various

habitats. Then ask pupils to predict where they think specific minibeasts are likely to be

found, match the Post-it notes to the habitats. Record these predictions, which will form the

basis of the activity.DemoNStrate…What? What a pooter is, why it is used and how it is used.

How? Think about a ‘bug hunters’ code’. Minibeasts are living creatures and while it’s fine for us to

disturb their lives occasionally we should be responsible about how we do so. The group should

come up with a set of common sense rules that reflect this. Then show the class a pooter. Ask

them why they think we use a pooter instead of picking up the minibeasts. In general they cause

the minibeasts less stress, keep us safe from bites, stings or allergies, stop winged insects flying

away and protect squishy creatures from damage. sometimes salt on the skin of our hands can

dry bugs out too, which is another reason for us to avoid touching them.


Where are

our centres?

Crawfordsburn20 Bridge Road SouthHelen’s BayBangor, BT19 1JT028 9185 [email protected]

downeBirdhouse Lane, Downe Orpington, Kent, BR6 7LJ 01959 572121 [email protected]

ferny croftsBeaulieu, Brockenhurst Hampshire, SO42 7YQ 023 8084 [email protected]

gilwell parkBury Road, Chingford, London, E4 7QW020 8498 [email protected]

Great towerBirks Road, Newby Bridge Cumbria, LA23 3PQ01539 531279 [email protected]

hawkhirstKielder Water, Hexham Northumberland, NE48 1QZ01434 [email protected]

woodhouse parkFernhill, AlmondsburySouth Gloucestershire, BS32 4LX01454 [email protected]

HAWKHIRST

GILWELL PARKYOULBURY

YR HAFOD

CRAWFORDSBURN

GREAT TOWER

WOODHOUSE PARK

DOWNE

FERNY CROFTS

youlburyBoars Hill, Oxford, OX1 5HD01865 [email protected]

Yr HafodNant FfranconBethesda, BangorGwynedd, LL57 3LZ0845 519 61140845 519 6113 (accommodation only) [email protected]


Crawfordsburn

On the North

Down coastline,

10 miles from

Belfast, three

miles from Bangor

and eight miles

from George Best

Airport...

SCHOOL EXPERIENCESEmail [email protected] for details.

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

■ Abseiling

■ Adventure course

■ Backwoods cooking

■ Canoeing

■ Crate stacking

■ Fire lighting

■ Kayaking

■ Orienteering

■ Picture trail

ABOUT CRAWFORDSBURNSituated 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.

SURROUNDING AREASHelen’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.

We had a fabulous time with you at

Crawfordsburn and so are keen to get booked

in nice and early for next year. Our objectives

were met and the class enjoyed the programme,

everyone was encouraged to try new things.

Londonderry Primary School

(Newtownards)

■ Pond dipping

■ Raft building

■ Sailing

■ Shelter building


A massive thank you to both you and your

instructors, caterers and site team. Our students

and staff had a fantastic time.

As always the personal experience was felt by

all of those who came into contact, with you

and your team. Some of our principals and

vice principals visited us during the week and

they were blown away by how magical the site

was. They loved the activities and the way our

students were fully engaged.

I am sure that Terry-Ann who arranges this trip

will continue to be pleased with the service that

they receive before, during and after their trip!’

Alastair,

Longfield Academy

ABOUT DOWNEDowne 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.

SURROUNDING AREASDowne 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.

Only eight miles

from Junction 4

of the M25, just

outside Orpington...

Downe

SCHOOL EXPERIENCES ■ Original Outdoor Experience – see page 7

■ Outdoor Adventure – see page 9

■ Adventure 50:50 – see page 11


■ Abseiling


■ Aerial trek

■ All aboard

■ Archery


■ Climbing

■ 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

■ Rifle shooting

■ Sensory trail


■ Team building

■ Tunnel trail

■ Volleyball

■ Zip wire


Ferny Crofts

On behalf of our 100+ Year 7 pupils from Kennet

School, and the teachers too, who visited you for

four days back in June, I am writing to offer our

thanks and gratitude. Your site is an amazing

place and our children learnt a great deal from

being there. My staff are very complimentary

about your instructors and the passion with

which they do their work. Our young pupils

are still talking about their experiences there,

positively.

Many thanks, keep up the good work and

we hope to see you next year and many times

in the future. A super place staffed by

brilliant people.

Kennet School, leading the Kennet School

Academies Trust

Ten miles from

the centre of

Southampton

and five miles

from Lyndhurst...

ABOUT FERNY CROFTSSituated 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.

SURROUNDING AREASThe 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.





■ Abseiling


■ All aboard

■ Archery


■ Bouldering

■ Climbing

■ Conservation

■ Frisbee golf

■ Gladiator challenge

■ Hike routes


■ Leap of faith

■ Medium ropes


■ Mountain biking

■ Nature trail

■ Orienteering

■ Pedal go karts

■ Picture trail

■ Pioneering

■ Pond dipping

■ Raft building

■ Rifle shooting

■ Sensory trail


■ Team building

■ Tomahawk throwing

■ Tree climbing

■ Volleyball

■ Zip wire






■ 3G swing

■ Abseiling

■ Aerial trek (indoors)

■ Aeroball

■ All aboard

■ Archery


■ Climbing

■ Conservation

■ Crate stacking

■ Fire lighting

■ Freefall

■ Gauntlet

■ Grass sledging

■ Hike routes


■ Jump mats

■ Kayaking

■ Ladder climb

■ Leap of faith

■ Low ropes

We thoroughly enjoyed last week at Gilwell

and are grateful to all of your team for a

fantastic experience. Special mentions to

Tommy, who was an excellent leader and to

your catering staff who looked after us so well.

Daniel Tinder, Gorseland School

I just wanted to say that the children really

loved the residential. The school’s first ever!

If I am at the school next year I will book

another residential there in the Summer when

we can do swimming and other water activities.

Muslack Ali, (Acting) Head Teacher

Noor Ul Islam Primary

ABOUT GILWELL PARKSet 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.

SURROUNDING AREASEpping 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.

■ Medium ropes


■ Nature trail

■ Orienteering

■ Pedal go karts

■ Picture trail

■ Pioneering

■ Pond dipping

■ Raft building

■ Revolving climbing wall

■ Rifle shooting

■ Swimming

■ Sensory trail


■ Team building

■ Wobbly pole

■ Zip wire

Gilwell Park

Around 10 minutes

from Junction 26

of the M25 and

only 25 minutes

on the train from

central London...




■ All aboard

■ Archery


■ Bell boats

■ Canoeing

■ Caving

■ Conservation

■ Crag climbing

■ Crate stacking

■ Fire lighting

■ Geocaching

■ Ghyll scrambling


■ Hike routes

■ Hillwalking


■ Kayaking

■ Leap of faith

■ Low ropes


■ Nature trail

■ Orienteering

We have had such an amazingly awesome week

and I just wanted to thank all of you for making

it so great. Every activity has been led with a

balance of professionalism and fun and we

have all thoroughly enjoyed it. None of the kids

wanted to go home today and I know will be

nagging for us to make this become an annual

event rather than every two years as it has been

in the past.

Sue and all at Christian Covenant School

ABOUT GREAT TOWERGreat 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.

SURROUNDING AREASWith 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.




■ Ultimate Outdoor Adventure – see page 13

GREAT TOWER

Great Tower is

situated close to

the eastern shore of

Lake Windermere,

midway between

Bowness and

Newby Bridge...

■ Picture trail

■ Pioneering

■ Pond dipping

■ Raft building

■ Rifle shooting

■ Sailing

■ Sensory trail


■ Team building

■ Tree climbing







■ All aboard

■ Archery


■ Bell boats

■ Canoeing

■ Conservation

■ Climbing

■ Crate stacking

■ Fire lighting

■ Geocaching

■ Ghyll scrambling


■ Hike routes

■ Hillwalking


■ Kayaking

■ Low ropes


Yet again you have allowed us to build and

shape a trip that is in keeping with the character

of our school, weaving our needs into a

programme wholly challenging and suitable for

the needs of our pupils. Around the activities

you also enable us to make Hawkhirst our home

from home, encouraging us to be at ease and

free in our surroundings.

Over these recent years our relationship

continues to grow and the trust we are able

to place in you speaks volumes for the quality

of provision. You constantly seek to improve,

which I believe to be your defining quality and

the essence and reason behind why you are as

effective a provider as you are.

Year 6 - Woodlesford Primary School 2014

ABOUT HAWKHIRSTNestled 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.

SURROUNDING AREASRich 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.

hawkhirst

Approximately

50 miles north

west of Newcastle,

on the shore of

Kielder Water.

■ Nature trail

■ Orienteering

■ Picture trail

■ Pioneering

■ Pond dipping

■ Raft building

■ Rifle shooting

■ Sailing

■ Sensory trail


■ Team building


All the instructors were fantastic, especially

Ben who was always very helpful and amazing

with the children. All staff had a warm nature

and the children felt safe with them. Food

was amazing and the children loved it. A good

variety and it was good to be able to choose the

menu as I know what the children like. As it was

all homemade I felt the children ate well. Thank

you for a fantastic week, the children really

enjoyed themselves. Even the teachers achieved

challenges set by the instructors! Not forgetting

the water fight, awesome!

Fonthill Primary School

ABOUT WOODHOUSE PARKWoodhouse 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.

SURROUNDING AREASA 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.

WOODHOUSE PARK





■ Abseiling


■ Aerial trek

■ All aboard

■ Archery


■ Climbing

■ Conservation

■ Crate stacking

■ Fire lighting

■ Hike routes


■ Leap of faith

■ Low ropes


■ Nature trail

■ Orienteering

■ Pedal go karts

■ Picture trail

■ Pioneering

■ Radio communications

■ Rifle shooting

■ Sensory trail


■ Team building

Only eight

miles north of

Bristol and close

to the M4/M5

interchange...


Our Year 4 residential at Youlbury was a

pleasure from start to finish. The staff were

friendly and efficient, explaining the booking

process and helping book the correct activities

for our children. The activities themselves were

well-led and fun! The accommodation was

superb. The children couldn’t quite believe they

had their own en-suites! The staff loved the

kitchen and the classroom area, both of which

were well-resourced. A great time was had by

all and lots of great memories were made.We

have already booked for next year.

Thank you Youlbury!

Hagbourne CE Primary School





■ 3G swing

■ Abseiling


■ Aerial trek

■ All aboard

■ Archery


■ Bat detectors

■ Climbing

■ Conservation

■ Crate stacking

■ Fire lighting

■ Geocaching

■ Hike routes


■ Leap of faith

■ Low ropes


■ Nature trail

■ Orienteering

ABOUT YOULBURYYoulbury 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.

SURROUNDING AREASOxford city centre, with its famous ‘dreaming spires’ is a

must visit. Science Oxford and Manor Farm are also within

easy reach of Youlbury.

YOULBURY

■ Pedal go karts

■ Picture trail

■ Pioneering

■ Rifle shooting

■ Sensory trail


■ Team building

■ Zip wire

Only seven

miles from the

centre of Oxford

and about ten

minutes from

the A34...


Yr hafod

SCHOOL EXPERIENCESEmail [email protected] for details.

Yr Hafod offers one of

the best placed mountain

huts in North Wales.

Standing at the head of

Nantffrancon Valley, Yr

Hafod is an ideal location

from which to explore

the biggest and boldest

mountains in Wales

within the Snowdonia

National Park...

The facilities at Yr Hafod are exactly what

we are looking for as a FE college group. The

location is superb as it allows us the flexibility

to initiate a wide variety of mountain walking

from the doorstep. This allows the students

to experience the outdoors in a way which

is relevant to the appropriate standards and

the different levels of the groups. The indoor

facilities allow the students to take ownership

of the environment and learn self-reliance and

practice teamwork. The course residential visit

to Yr Hafod is often quoted by students as the

highlight of the academic year (staff think so

also!). We hope to enjoy Yr Hafod for many

years to come. Many thanks to you all.

Scott Carthy, Wiltshire College

ABOUT YR HAFODYr 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.

SURROUNDING AREASCwm 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.

© 2015 The Scout Association. Registered charity numbers: 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland)

tel: 0845 300 [email protected]

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.

Documents

Schools Brochure - Scout Activity Centres