Outdoor Learning in the New Forest

Overview

Residential trips are a powerful way to immerse young people in a natural learning environment. As leaders in outdoor learning, our skilled team has a vast range of knowledge, expertise and experience bringing learning to life through a range of tailor-made programmes.

This fully-funded programme aims to give disadvantaged young people from London an unforgettable weekend of outdoor learning.

We use an ‘experience, learn, develop’ approach where young people learn through what they do, what they encounter and what they discover. Delivered by our experienced outdoor learning practitioners the experience is holistic and the value comes from looking at an individual’s whole self, their individual capabilities and outcomes and is a valuable part of the ecosystem that equips young people to thrive and empowers them to contribute at every stage of their lives.

How are we going to achieve this?

Experience - Our programme will offer a selection of adventure activities and will engage young people in the programme to bring the learning to life.

Learn - Our experienced facilitators will deliver a progressive programme with plenty of touchpoints to check and embed understanding. The outdoor adventure sessions will be focused on creating opportunities for:

Improved mental health and wellbeing
Helping young people realise their potential, identifying core strengths and development areas
Increasing confidence, resilience and leadership skills

Develop - The programme will support the development of essential life skills, especially around character, teamwork and resilience helping empower individuals to develop their leadership skills so that they can use their insights to become leaders within their community and supporting them to thrive.

Sample Residential Programme

Arrival: After a late afternoon arrival, you will have the opportunity to settle into your accommodation and get orientated across the site. Subject to arrival time there may able be the opportunity to participate in some team initiatives designed to get to know the group. Followed by a two-course dinner adapted to dietary requirements and allergies.

Night Walk: Located in a dark skies location our night walk provides a unique sensory opportunity to explore Avon Tyrrell during dusk or in total darkness and test our comfort around the darkness. As well as discovering the nocturnal creatures that live here, on a clear night it is a beautiful place to stargaze and listen to stories connected with the heritage of our manor house, helping create some powerful shared memories and experiences.

A focus on personal development

After a full cooked breakfast individuals will have the chance to focus on some personal development activities.

Options will include challenges at height, on the after, or around specific skill development so that the experience is personalised to their specific needs and individuals will be encouraged to set their own comfort stretch goals.

Facilitation will focus not only on recognising individual success but will draw out the role group support can play in achieving this.

A focus on Team

Through a scenario-based activity individuals will be broken into teams where they will take part in a variety of activities with the aim of gaining points to use in a final challenge

This approach ensures that all individuals are able to take the opportunity in a safe and supportive environment to lead an activity and gain feedback from the group about the effectiveness of their communication. This ensures they leave with transferable knowledge and information, but also guarantees that individuals participate in a range of challenges that will test their knowledge and may uncover skills or a passion they previously were not aware of.

A focus on self

After dinner individuals will have the opportunity to participate in a campfire, enjoy some self-guided time on our sports courts or simply decompress and reflect on their achievements during the day.

Revisiting personal achievement

After breakfast the final morning will again focus on developing personal goals and encouraging individuals to set stretch targets, this could relate to participation in the chosen activities or could relate to their role within the group stepping forwards or backwards to realise their own potential and celebrate the role they all play in helping others achieve their goals.

Drawing to a conclusion...

The final session usually takes place after lunch and focuses on drawing together all the achievements and magic moments that the group and individuals within it will have experienced. It will highlight principles, and insights and draw out changes specifically around self-confidence, self-esteem, interpersonal skills, and leadership skills to create action places for future development. The outcomes may vary for each individual but will enable all individuals to explore new ways of thinking and leadership in a safe environment.

Programme Dates

The following dates are currently available, but all are subject to change, so we would recommend choosing more than one date when applying.

9th - 11th September 2022
7th - 9th October 2022
4th - 6th November 2022
11th - 13th November 2022

If you want to find out more information, please contact our Customer Experience team on info@ukyouth.org or call them on 01425 672347.

How to apply?

If you are interested in taking part in the programme, you can easily sign up here.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 20 July 2022.

Groups

Team building, group and personal development opportunities bringing out the best in your group.

Find out more

LOtC

As a Learning Outside the Classroom badge holder, we provide a platform to outdoor learning and our highly qualified staff provide the support you need to meet and exceed the expectations of your students.

Find out more

If you have an enquiry or are looking to make a booking, please contact our Guest Services and Bookings Team who will be happy to help you. You can also book a site visit so you can look around the facilities.

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Outdoor learning & youth work

Outdoor Learning in the New Forest

Overview

How are we going to achieve this?

Sample Residential Programme