Learn the art of open canoeing in this exciting and challenging activity. As you paddle along a lake or river, we’ll guide you through the basics of paddling forwards, steering the boat in different directions, using different stroke, stopping, balancing the boat and getting in and out of the canoe safely. This is one for teamwork and overcoming fears, but we make sure you also have great fun playing games on the water.
Available at:
Frontier Centre
Carroty Wood
Whithaugh Park
Summit Centre
Learning Outcomes
New skills
Whatever the skill, be it learning how to kayak, lighting a fire using friction or skills on the bike track, learning something new can boost confidence in a young person. This shows them that learning can be fun and equips them with the drive and motivation to want to learn more.
Physical education
Outdoor adventure activities help to build fitness and promote physical well-being. They also help with concentration, improve teamwork and communication skills. Many activities allow for personal development too, helping children and young people realise their potential and building confidence. Getting active in the outdoors helps improve motivation and self-esteem.
Communication & Listening skills
Being able to hear something, process it and formulate a favourable response in a short space of time. We’ve developed a range of activities where groups have to learn to communicate and listen to one another to ensure tasks can be completed successfully.
Self-confidence
Children and young people really come on in leaps and bounds on our residentials. Being away from home in a different environment, having to rely on their peers, trying new activities and finding their place within their group, gives a real boost to their confidence. They find skills they didn’t know they had.
Dexterity/Control and balance
We have lots of open spaces and self-led activities that are great for developing dexterity, control and balance. We have poles to walk and balance on, sports pitches and fields to run around on and a range of instructed activities that are good for balance and hand eye co-ordination.
Team building
We have a range of instructed activities that are designed to get groups working together through challenging team dynamics, they will have to work together to achieve certain tasks and challenges, developing listening skills, communication and trust within the group. They get a better understanding of their colleagues or classmates which aids development.
Managing risk/Developing resilience
The ability to bounce back and thrive after disappointment or unmet expectations. Through our activities, we give children and young people a chance to view setbacks as learning opportunities. Evaluating and planning helps a young person to think calmly and positively about a setback and helps build their confidence to try again.
Concentration
Managing behaviour through outdoor activities. Getting active outdoors, running around and trying new activities not only helps let off steam, it can also aid concentration when back in the classroom or workplace.
Conquering personal challenges/overcoming fears
To think positively about tackling new challenges. The ability to take on challenges and overcome fears will help develop a “can do” approach to life. We give groups the chance to take on challenges in a safe affirming environment. It teaches life skills such as perseverance and resilience.
History
It may not be your typical history lesson but you could find out a little bit of history about fencing or archery before they became popular sports activities, the purpose of zip wires and how early canoes were hollowed out of tree trunks. Build lesson plans around activities to help with your learning objectives.
Environmental issues
Understanding the part an individual plays in their local and global community is becoming must in today’s world. Our spotlight sessions highlight many areas such as poverty, inequality, conflict and economical and environmental impact. We use real life examples to give a better understanding of what’s happening around the world.