Activities

Following an introduction and demonstration from their group leader, children receive individual coaching for their first arrows, until we are confident they have the skills needed to get arrows on target. Children use bows appropriate to their size and strength and everyone taking part in archery sessions must always follow the strict rules for the archery range. We take care to ensure that, after initial coaching, a good pace to the session is maintained ensuring the children get to shoot plenty of arrows. As the session develops, the skills learnt through expert coaching are put to use in tournaments and fun based archery challenges. Although always under cover, Archery sometimes does not take place within a building.

Canoeing takes place on very sheltered shallow water, with the children close to the bank at all times. The Canadian canoes used are very stable and accommodate up to 3 children in each canoe. A suitably qualified group leader will take charge of the group, assisting with individual coaching tips throughout. In the second half of the session we normally run canoe games, which enable children to practice their skills whilst also having great fun. Buoyancy aids, canoe helmets and other clothing appropriate to weather conditions are worn throughout.

We have purpose built indoor climbing walls at each activity centres, creating the safest possible environment for young people to be introduced to climbing. These sessions offer children a chance to challenge themselves on an individual level and to support each other as part of a team. Children have two safety ropes attached when they are climbing, doubling the safety provision. One rope is attached to an auto-belay and the other goes through a belay system operated by children, teacher(s) and the group leaders. As well as belaying, the children waiting for their turn to climb are kept busy providing encouragement to fellow climbers. We have extra challenges for those who choose to push themselves that bit further, as well as exciting climbing games to suit all levels of confidence and ability. Our instructors are skilled not only in the technical aspects of climbing, but also as motivators and confidence builders so that they can ensure every child leaves this session feeling proud of what they have achieved.

The group need to escape together from the Dungeon of Doom; a place full of cobwebs,spooky noises, skeletons and other horrors. They can only do this through excellent teamwork, with some problems to be solved in small groups and other challenges to be overcome with the whole group working together. Tunnels connect some of the dungeon areas. Typical problems include a sensored dungeon floor with only one safe route through, a cube cage with images of instructors trapped inside and a large tilt maze which needs total teamwork to solve. The stories group leaders tell to introduce the challenges to come help generate extra excitement and wonder, but whilst capturing the imagination, they remain conscious of the importance of not making it too frightening, particularly for the younger groups.

Moorland Challenge takes place at the start of the Robinwood course at the Old School and Barhaugh Hall and provides a great opportunity for children to get to know the group leader who will be looking after them throughout their three day course. Our activity centres are located within magnificent hillside settings, which we hope will provide a picturesque and memorable introduction to each group's stay at Robinwood. During the walk the children will have the opportunity to start working with one another and to face challenges in an outdoor environment.

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, rope bridges to cross 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.

There are a series of problems for each activity group to overcome and if they canmanage to do this the Quest is achieved. To find solutions they will need brain power and physical skills, but most of all teamwork. We have problems for the whole activity group together and problems for smaller groups, which ensure that every child is involved. The different centres often develop their own variations on this theme, including for example "Dragons Quest" and "Knights Quest".

Stream walk is a great outdoor adventure activity which runs at the Old School and Barhaugh Hall centres, set in beautiful countryside with small waterfalls adding real excitement to the session. Children walk through a stream, typically just less than knee deep in the water. Children on stream walk are supervised by two Robinwood instructors and the route used is adapted as required according to weather conditions. Safety is always paramount and therefore if weather conditions are particularly poor, at any time of year, we would err on the side of caution, cancelling the stream walk and providing a suitable alternative activity. Stream walk does not operate over winter months.

Climb up to stand on a platform around 5 metres above the ground, then leap off and catch a bar, which is dangling a short distance in front of you. That is the challenge that you face on our trapeze session, but you are of course roped on and therefore safe from falling throughout. The skill, patience, experience and all round personality of our instructors ensures every child is given the very best coaching and support to complete this challenge. The buzz of excitement created throughout makes this a very popular activity session.