Activities

A boulder field close to the activity centre provides a fantastic natural resource at our Old School centre. Together with their group leader, the children can scramble over the top of these boulders and then explore the many passageways beneath, squeezing through a few tight gaps on the way.

We now have specially designed indoor caving systems at both centres. They are constructed for maximum realism and adventure, but also to introduce the activity at a level that is just right for the 8 to 11 year old age group. The tunnel system has emergency exits at frequent intervals. The children all wear caving helmets with a caving torch, to guide them through the tunnel network, but additional emergency lighting is available if needed. As with many of our activities the instructors use lots of creativity to capture the imagination of the group, with cave exploration and rescue themes included for the later part of caving sessions.

Each of our activity centres are in magnificent hillside settings, with many picturesque walks and interesting features in the surrounding area. We always do a hill walk as the first activity session at both of the above centres. It is a great introduction and gives the children an opportunity to get to know their group leader who will look after them throughout their three-day course.

The children walk through a stream, in which the water is never more than knee deep and the route used is adapted according to weather conditions. There are small waterfalls on route, which can be negotiated under the watchful eye of two Robinwood instructors, with children roped on at all appropriate times. On the biggest waterfall a short zip wire adds to the excitement. Safety always comes first and therefore if weather conditions are particularly poor we would err on the side of caution, cancelling the stream walking and providing a suitable alternative.

Within wooded areas of both Barhaugh Hall and Dobroyd Castle Centre grounds we have constructed an obstacle course, which incorporates many different challenges for the group. We have tunnels to crawl through, walls and scramble netting to climb over, two rope bridges and various other obstacles for the group to overcome. The course blends into the woodland environment, making use of the natural resources available. In order to make their way round the group need to work together to overcome many of the obstacles they face.

This session involves different ‘crystal maze’ type challenges, going back and to across our “piranha pool”, without falling in. To achieve success the group must demonstrate skills in planning, communicating, evaluating and problem solving. We also ensure that the “piranhas”(?!) are unable to cause any injury should a child (or teacher) briefly join them in their pool.

Learning to survive in the outdoors. Another themed activity session, which includes learning about shelter building and other survival techniques. The group then put things into practice making a shelter of their own using the resources available.

Most of our activity sessions take place with one activity group together with their group leader, but for team challenge we get a number of activity groups together one evening for various inter-group challenges. This is an opportunity for the whole school group to share experiences. Teachers, children, group leaders and course leaders spend time together, taking part in stimulating and fun challenges.

A real thrill activity. The truly exhilarating zip wire is great for group support and encouragement, individual confidence and achievement. There are two zip wires, in order to reduce waiting time and maximize group involvement, each around 50 metres in length. Children wear a helmet and a full body safety harness, as they do for the trapeze session. They are roped on from the moment they leave the ground, with rigorous safety standards carefully enforced by our instructors throughout.