Action Packed Residential Trips
Woodlands Adventure School Trips
Why book 'Action Packed Residential Trips' with Woodlands Adventure for Residential School Trips and Educational Visits?
At Woodlands Adventure every member of our team loves the outdoors and adventurous activities, they take great pride in making every young person's experience the best it can be, encouraging resilience, team bonding, overcoming challenges, gaining confidence and personal development which ensures that they have a positive learning experience as well as having fun.Benefits
Our school trips provide the perfect opportunity for your pupils to grow and develop individually as well as together as a team. Education outside the classroom is key to developing well-rounded young people and creating a balanced curriculum, which is both self-evident and supported by OFSTED. By leaving the classroom and learning in an environment that is a complete contrast to their usual setting, pupils will gain practical skills and experience.
We have a range of activities which are ideal for teaching:
Teamwork
Social skills
Determination
Motivation
Resilience
Controlled and safe environment
Immersion into the outdoors provides the setting for self-discovery and improvement, boosting self-confidence. Our activities will challenge your pupils allowing them to learn about risk taking, self-motivation and resilience in a controlled and safe environment. Successfully tackling challenging activities will greatly increase their self-esteem.
Get to know your pupils
Whilst at Woodlands Adventure, your pupils may discover hidden talents and passions and will also develop transferable skills that will stay with them as they develop through their education and life. Our outdoor setting creates the perfect opportunity for you, as a teacher, to get to know your students better, building up their trust and respect.
Team building and school trips
Our trips provide an excellent start of year team building experience for Years 7 and 12. Joining a new school can be daunting and our bespoke programmes can be tailored to focus on team activities designed to encourage integration, communication and trust. Your pupils will develop their emotional and social skills by learning to rely on themselves and work as a team.
These school trips would also be ideal for an end of year experience, especially for those soon to be moving on to new schools or colleges or even leaving full-time education.
Supporting your curriculum
Our staff are fully qualified instructors for the NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme). In addition, GCSE PE students following the Edexcel syllabus can have their scores accredited towards their GCSE attainment. For students registered under different exam boards or working towards other qualifications, such as BTECs or A Levels, we can provide the facilities and training for the practical elements of the course. This can include canoeing, kayaking, climbing or archery.
Inclusion
We take great pride in having the ability and facilities to work with anyone with any additional requirements or special educational needs. Our staff are well trained and have extensive experience in this area. We believe that everyone deserves the same treatment and opportunities. If you have pupils with additional needs, please get in touch and we will be more than happy to discuss any requirements with you.
Each visiting group has sole use of their own dedicated building, our facilities are not shared by multiple groups in accordance with our child protection regulations.
Welcoming, warm, modern, fully equipped, self catering residential facilities with a choice of adventurous activities to choose from. Every visit is tailor made to suit your groups needs. We even supply all of the relevant risk assessments, kit list, copy of our public liability insurance and we can also supply information to help with any additional forms that you may need to complete for your visit.
Duty Instructors reside on site 24 hours during the duration of your visit and CCTV covers the entrance to Woodlands Adventure and Outdoor Learning, giving you peace of mind.
Our activities are all based on site, set in 32 acres of beautiful natural woodland hidden away in the West Midlands. Our location provides local links to nearby motorway networks and we are only 30 minutes from Birmingham city center.
Whats included in your visit:
Overnight stay includes 4 fully instructed activities.
Half week or weekend stays include 6 fully instructed activities and a full week includes a total of 12 fully instructed activities. All residential and camping visits also include a camp fire on an evening to suit you, a visit to our souvenir shop, circus skills and urban Frisbee golf on the morning of your departure.
We also have a dedicated camping area which incorporates a camping cabin equipped with microwave, kettle, fridge freezer, electric sockets, tables, chairs and a work top. A stretch tent covered picnic area with tables and benches and a modern day block comprising of changing areas, showers and toilets with a separate disabled toilet and wet room facility.
Off peak half week residential visits and full day visits at discounted prices 22nd October 2024 to 29th February 2025
Current School Trip Offer
Special offers with discounted prices for bookings during off peak periods, please contact us for dates.
Choose from:
Half week self-catering residential visits for a minimum of 24 pupils to a maximum of 64 pupils with 6 fully instructed activities. Facilities include a central heated residential building, use of a heated sports hall and WI-FI, projector and screen. Up to 6 leaders free of charge with every group booking.
Or:
Full day visits with 4 fully instructed activities, minimum groups of 12 pupils with free supervising teacher places.
Teacher Checklist
Risk Assessments Inspection Visits Resource Packs LOtC Quality Badge Institute of Outdoor Learning Adventure Mark Adventure Activity Associates BCU Centre
What activities are available during group visits?
Every visit is tailor made to suit your requirements, we offer a choice of 2 zip lines, assault course, high ropes course, bouldering wall, climbing, abseiling, monkey tree climbing, tomahawk throwing, circus skills, Frisbee golf, archery, canoeing, raft building, kayaking, vines and bridges, mini beasts, pond dipping, nature days, bush craft, shelter building, fire lighting, artificial caving and more. If you have a particular theme or something specific in mind, please call us to discuss your requirements in further detail.
Evening facilities and self led activities: Camp fire, BBQ, picnic tables and benches, woodlands walk, night line, mushroom trail, selection of games in the main building which include pool, table football and table tennis. Projector and screen, free WiFi and the use of our heated sports hall.
Our staff are fully qualified instructors for the NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme). In addition, GCSE PE students following the Edexcel syllabus can have their scores accredited towards their GCSE attainment. For students registered under different exam boards or working towards other qualifications, such as BTECs or A Levels, we can provide the facilities and training for the practical elements of the course. This can include canoeing, kayaking, raft building, climbing or archery for example.
Evening facilities and self led activities: Camp fire, BBQ, picnic tables and benches, woodlands walk, night line, mushroom trail, selection of games in the main building which include pool, table football and table tennis. Projector and screen, free WiFi and the use of our heated sports hall.
Our staff are fully qualified instructors for the NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme). In addition, GCSE PE students following the Edexcel syllabus can have their scores accredited towards their GCSE attainment. For students registered under different exam boards or working towards other qualifications, such as BTECs or A Levels, we can provide the facilities and training for the practical elements of the course. This can include canoeing, kayaking, raft building, climbing or archery for example.
Which Curriculum Subjects do you cater for?
Curriculum topics available: Personal development and resilience, Team building, Diversity and Inclusion.
Outdoor learning is experienced by every visitor here at Woodlands Adventure. As well as acquiring new skills whilst participating in activities, our visitors learn about themselves, each other and the outdoors.Learning in an outdoor learning environment contrasts greatly with the classroom. It is an approach to teaching and learning through the many varied activities and experiences we offer. In high quality outdoor education, young people are engaged at a level that matches their own abilities and development, whilst providing them and their group with stretch and challenge opportunities.
The invaluable transferable skills learned when participating in outdoor education include:
Outdoor learning skills include:
• Communication
• Problem solving
• Resilience
• Challenge and risk-taking
• Self confidence
• Motivation
• Teamwork – leading and supporting
• Learning skills
• Environmental awareness
Leaving the classroom and participating in a more active and practical approach to acquiring new skills also nurtures enquiry, experimentation, feedback, reflection, review and co-operative outdoor learning. Visits also offer the chance to find inspirational new ways to learn new skills, absorb information and put it all into practice. All these skills are therefore invaluable to young people as they develop through their education and life.
Curriculum topics available: Climbing, Canoeing, Orienteering, Archery, Kayaking, High Ropes, Circus Skills, Caving.
We can provide the facilities and training for the practical elements of the course. This can include canoeing, kayaking, raft building, assault course, high ropes, climbing or archery. Each key stage curriculum requirement is different, so please provide us with the subject that you require and we can tailor make your visit to incorporate this if required.Curriculum topics available: Healthy Living, Teamwork and resilience, Mental health and awareness, Diversity and Inclusion.
CommunicationCommunication is perhaps the most important skill for a developing young person. At Woodlands Adventure, the chance to exercise communication skills and to build relationships, whilst achieving team goals and ensuring personal and others’ safety, is at the forefront of all activities.
Problem solving
Nurturing cognitive ability is a necessary part of any person’s self-development – and we put those skills, used for problem solving, to the test. Through orienteering, raft building and many of our other outdoor activities, we present our visitors with many varied challenges to overcome.
Resilience
Participating in activities in a new environment, outside one’s usual comfort zone, offers a challenging but controlled experience. Opportunities to help overcome stress or adversity are offered to our visitors in a way that is rewarding, fulfilling and well-managed. In addition,
We can offer new challenges to those who have an interest or basic experience in a particular activity. Pushing boundaries and expectations is something we are very passionate about!
Challenge & risk-taking
Our activities at Woodlands will provide many opportunities for stretch, challenge and risk-taking in a well-managed and controlled environment. Visitors overcome their apprehensions to take part in challenging activities, want a second go at things they find challenging the first time, succeed, where before they felt they could not succeed – and feel proud of what they have achieved before wanting to move on to the next challenge!
Self confidence
Learning a new skill and meeting a new challenge are great tools for building self-esteem and self-confidence, essential in life today. With the many varied activities on offer here at Woodlands, everyone can find a sense of satisfaction in achieving a new goal.
Motivation
Educating young people in an outdoor setting, such as Woodlands Adventure, can often present a first-time opportunity. The desire to motivate oneself and each other in such a different environment when facing new challenges is something we see day in, day out. Most visitors find new experiences which they enjoy, motivating themselves and their group to achieve and to succeed.
Teamwork – leading and supporting
The activities which we offer enable our visitors to understand how teams work. They can take on a leadership role where appropriate or take a step back, allowing others to lead. As such, they are able to help their group arrive at a team decision and implement it.
Learning skills
In the time that they spend with us, be it a half day or a week, our visitors will try many activities for the first time. This encourages an active, learning mind. Basic new skills are acquired, rules have to be followed and techniques are learned. Being able to absorb new information and apply it is an excellent mental, as well as a physical, exercise.
This can be incorporated into many elements that we offer such as whittling, fire lighting, shelter building, tree and plant identification, navigation by nature, cordage, water purification, wild food from trees, handling saws and knifes, woodland nature art and preparing and cooking outdoors, such as popcorn, smores, hot chocolate, Banach, twisters, bread sticks, jacket potatoes, marshmallows and more.
Curriculum topics available: Kayaking, Canoeing, Raft Building, Kata Kanuing.
As an approved British Canoeing Union Center, we can provide the facilities and training for the practical elements of the course. This can include canoeing, kayaking or raft building.Kayaking
Kayaking is one of the oldest forms of water travel, started by the Inuits in the Arctic Circle using boats covered in animal skins, it is both an educational and intriguing activity, giving you an insight into how it was used by our ancestors as a means of travel, whilst working on your co-ordination, balance and self confidence.
Kayaks are a single-person craft so you are completely in charge of your boat. However, our qualified kayaking instructors won’t be too far out of reach. We will teach you the basics, from paddling forward, to using your paddle to either stop, slow down or turn with the minimum of fuss. Before you know it, you to will be gliding around the island on our lake.
Although kayaking is a solo activity, we do incorporate team building exercises into the sessions. Whether it’s mini races, or getting you to stand up and walk across the boats, the sessions are filled with challenges that really are fun, educational and challenging. We can also tailor sessions suit the needs of the group.
Canoeing
Woodlands Adventure has a gentle lake for you to learn and practice basic canoeing skills. You to work together in twos or threes, moving fluidly across the lake. We will help you master the basics of paddling, turning and picking up pace in the boats, but also involves some team games, races and plenty of opportunities to get each other wet! The sessions are all taught by our qualified instructors and can be tailored and adjusted to suit your group’s needs.
You will need to communicate within your boat so as to not clash paddles, and to ensure that you don’t all paddle on one side of the canoe and end up paddling in circles!
Catamaran
A derivative of canoeing, we connect two canoes together to enable teams of up to six participants to work together. Catamaran gives additional stability and support to the group, catering for all needs.
Safety
All participants are issued with the relevant safety equipment comprising of a buoyancy aid and helmet
At Woodlands Adventure we have an abundance of wildlife living among the woodland environment as well as our resident Birds of Prey. Set in 32 acres of natural woodland, we carefully maintain and manage this area in order to create a environment for wildlife to thrive.
This subject is delivered through activities such as mini beasts, pond dipping, nature themed days and activities such as River-lands or Woodlands explorer . River-lands and Woodlands explorer sessions incorporate team work using GPS to promote navigation skills and hand held radios for communication.
Environmental awareness is important to us all, both on a local and global scale. Our visitors are expected to respect the site and are educated on how to treat the great outdoors. We stress the importance of looking after the trees, plants and wildlife and of being as non-disruptive as possible, minimising our carbon footprint.
This subject is delivered through activities such as mini beasts, pond dipping, nature themed days and activities such as River-lands or Woodlands explorer . River-lands and Woodlands explorer sessions incorporate team work using GPS to promote navigation skills and hand held radios for communication.
Environmental awareness is important to us all, both on a local and global scale. Our visitors are expected to respect the site and are educated on how to treat the great outdoors. We stress the importance of looking after the trees, plants and wildlife and of being as non-disruptive as possible, minimising our carbon footprint.
Our team building sessions have been tailored to teach the importance of working together and supporting each other, whilst aiming to build confidence and communication skills.
These exercises take the form of various initiative tasks some of which are set in our designated team building area with others incorporated into our assault course. They will challenge you physically and mentally, working together as a team.
Specific tasks are introduced to enable each individual within the group to take the role of team leader.
Some of our tasks are called:
The spiders web – negotiate the spiders web without being caught!
The crocodile swamp – find your way through without being eaten!
The cauldron – move the cauldron with disturbing the witches’ brew!
The toxic barrel – retrieve the barrel without spilling the toxic contents!
The instructor will issue the team with instructions and the boundaries within which the team must work.
The team will be debriefed by the instructor on its performance, both as a team and as individuals.
These exercises take the form of various initiative tasks some of which are set in our designated team building area with others incorporated into our assault course. They will challenge you physically and mentally, working together as a team.
Specific tasks are introduced to enable each individual within the group to take the role of team leader.
Some of our tasks are called:
The spiders web – negotiate the spiders web without being caught!
The crocodile swamp – find your way through without being eaten!
The cauldron – move the cauldron with disturbing the witches’ brew!
The toxic barrel – retrieve the barrel without spilling the toxic contents!
The instructor will issue the team with instructions and the boundaries within which the team must work.
The team will be debriefed by the instructor on its performance, both as a team and as individuals.
We offer accommodation only during the off peak season. It is a self-catering facility with everything that you will need to cook and provide meals with dormitory facility to sleep up to 64 pupils and 8 leaders.
You can use either the main hall or sports hall for class rooms, both buildings are heated and the use of the projector and screen with WI-FI is included
You can use either the main hall or sports hall for class rooms, both buildings are heated and the use of the projector and screen with WI-FI is included
What size groups do you cater for?
Residential visits, minimum of 30 to a maximum of 64 plus 6 leaders
Camping, minimum of 15 to a 100 young people and leaders
Day Visits, minimum of 12 to a 120 young people
Camping, minimum of 15 to a 100 young people and leaders
Day Visits, minimum of 12 to a 120 young people
Do you offer on-site classroom facilities?
We have a large central heated light and airy main hall located in the residential facility which is equipped with everything that you will need from tables, chairs, projector screen and free WiFi. There is also table tennis and pool for free time, as well as a heated sports hall for games in the evening, it is a great facility for use in inclement weather. Both buildings can be used as a class room if needed.
Is there first aid on site?
Our staff team are first aid trained, have radios with them on the activities and access to a telephone should an ambulance be required. First aid kits are checked regularly and are located at various first aid stations around the site. In addition we also have a defibrillator located in the main office.
We do recommend that residential and camping groups have a first aid trained member of staff and their own first aid kit with them for when the young people are not on activities with our Instructors.
We do recommend that residential and camping groups have a first aid trained member of staff and their own first aid kit with them for when the young people are not on activities with our Instructors.
Do you offer access for visitors with disabilities?
Our staff have received the necessary training needed to provide the appropriate level of care and assistance to any visitor with disabilities. We want all participants to have the same opportunities and experiences at Woodlands Adventure disabled activity center.
We work with many charitable organisations to provide tailored visits to Woodlands Adventure. We liaise with group leaders about additional requirements of the group, ensuring that the appropriate disabled friendly equipment, staff numbers and skill levels of our staff are all in place on the day. There is no barrier to the use of any of our facilities.
We have a dedicated hoist as well as slide boards to enable your group member to fully participate in our activities.
Disabled toilets and wet rooms are available and we have a selection of hoists and slings available on request
Please get in touch with us to discuss your specific requirements regarding disabilities. We will be delighted to see you at Woodlands Adventure.
We work with many charitable organisations to provide tailored visits to Woodlands Adventure. We liaise with group leaders about additional requirements of the group, ensuring that the appropriate disabled friendly equipment, staff numbers and skill levels of our staff are all in place on the day. There is no barrier to the use of any of our facilities.
We have a dedicated hoist as well as slide boards to enable your group member to fully participate in our activities.
Disabled toilets and wet rooms are available and we have a selection of hoists and slings available on request
Please get in touch with us to discuss your specific requirements regarding disabilities. We will be delighted to see you at Woodlands Adventure.
Do you cater for visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
Our staff have received the necessary training needed to provide the appropriate level of care and assistance to any special educational needs visitor. We want all participants to have the same opportunities and experiences at Woodlands Adventure. We work with many charitable organisations to provide tailored visits to Woodlands Adventure. We liaise with group leaders about additional requirements and educational needs of the group, ensuring that the appropriate equipment, staff numbers and skill levels of our staff are all in place on the day. There is no barrier to the use of any of our facilities. Please get in touch with us to discuss your specific requirements. We will be delighted to see you at Woodlands Adventure outdoor activity center for special educational needs.
Anything else?
Accreditation's and Awards
LOtC Quality Badge
NICAS
BAYC Affiliation
British Canoe Union Approved Center
Adventuremark
Association of Mountaineering Instructors
LOtC Quality Badge
NICAS
BAYC Affiliation
British Canoe Union Approved Center
Adventuremark
Association of Mountaineering Instructors
Who are Woodlands Adventure?
Woodlands Adventure & Outdoor Learning is owned by the Birmingham Boys and Girls Union, who are one of the oldest children's charities in Birmingham, founded in 1906. (Charity no: 1120499).
We offer self catering residential visits for up to 64 young people and 8 leaders, camping visits, full day and half day visits to all groups from all backgrounds. Our Instructors are experienced in instructing activities for groups of young people with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that our facilities and fantastic activities are open to everyone to experience and enjoy in a natural woodland environment.
Our staff team are experienced, fully qualified, first aid trained and hold an enhanced DBS. Their training is regularly updated and assessments are carried out on a regular basis, both in house and by independent technical advisers.
Special rates for schools
outside of peak season
Day visits from £31.50 per pupil to £89.50 per pupil for a half week residential on selected dates
Special offers with discounted prices for bookings during off peak periods, please contact us for dates.
Choose from:
Half week self-catering residential visits for a minimum of 24 pupils to a maximum of 64 pupils with 6 fully instructed activities. Facilities include a central heated residential building, use of a heated sports hall and WI-FI, projector and screen. Up to 6 leaders free of charge with every group booking.
Or:
Full day visits with 4 fully instructed activities, minimum groups of 12 pupils with free supervising teacher places.
Teacher Checklist
Risk Assessments Inspection Visits Resource Packs LOtC Quality Badge Institute of Outdoor Learning Adventure Mark Adventure Activity Associates BCU Centre
@Woodlands_BBGU
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