Woodrow High House

At Woodrow we work with over 7,000 young people every year, therefore we understand what makes a brilliant residential.

We use learning and evaluation tools to establish the value of the work we do with the young people that visit us, supporting and challenging them to become the best they can be. Regularly receiving positive feedback on the memorable experiences we have helped to create.

“The staff and instructors go above and beyond the call of duty in caring for their visitors – I always leave impressed” St. Stephen’s CE Primary School

“Woodrow has a ‘family’ feel to it, especially meal times. The environment allows the children to be independent. They get to know their group leaders and take inspiration and enthusiasm from them” St Mary’s Primary School

- 87% of children felt coming to Woodrow helped them try new things.
- 82% of children felt coming to Woodrow helped them not give up.
- 80% of children felt coming to Woodrow helped them to listen

Wildlife

We offer three instructor-led sessions relating to this subject - Woodland Walk, Offsite Expedition and Mini-beast Hunt.

Woodland Walk covers: Explore the surrounding area with our team. We follow a route through local woodland spotting interesting flora and fauna along the way. Our Instructors encourage observation skills and prompt participants to consider our impact on the natural environment.

Offsite Expedition covers: A chance to explore deeper into the beautiful Chilterns countryside and woodland. Test navigation skills whilst improving knowledge of the local natural environment and try to find our own Woodrow geocaches. The walk is approximately 10km (6miles) over 4.5hrs (including a packed lunch provided by Woodrow).

Mini-beast Hunt covers: Explore the habitats and eco-systems for minibeasts on-site. Instructor facilitates scientific observation and learning as well as the importance of respect and sharing roles.

Bushcraft

We offer three instructor-led sessions relating to this subject - Bushcraft, Extended Bushcraft, and Shelterbuild.

Bushcraft covers: An introduction to basic survival techniques including traditional fire lighting, plant recognition and basic cooking. Instructors frame the task ahead, define the goal, and encourage reflection on the importance of perseverance. If your team make a fire, you might even get some popcorn!

Extended Buschraft covers: This extended introduction to survival techniques means that additionally to our standard session you will have time to try some additional activities, which may include bow drill friction fire lighting, preparing and cooking bread over your fires or even having a go at string making. This is a great opportunity to spend time doing practical and fun tasks requiring teamwork and perseverance.

Sheter Build covers: Groups construct a natural bushcraft style shelter focusing on creative thinking and types of construction. This session teaches the importance of reasoning within problem solving and promotes effective teamwork.

Sports Centre

We have a sports hall (23m x 11m) with markings for: netball, basketball, badminton and volleyball. We also have a floodlit 5-a-side 3G Astroturf pitch, as well as a swimming pool and mountain bike skills circuit track.

We have a wide range of exciting activities including: high ropes; archery; low-ropes; nightline; pioneering; orienteering; challenge course; team exercise; raft-building; swimming; bushcraft; shelter building; mini beast hunt; scavenger hunt; woodland walk; rocket build; drop-it pop-it; wacky races; sports games; wide games; parachute games; ghost story; quiz; campfire; manor mysteries; and disco.

Did you know... we also run Level 1 OCN accredited youth leadership residentials. The course takes place over three days and includes learning about the theory of leadership, different leadership styles and effective styles of communication. We combine this with a number of our outdoor activities where the young people get to put their learning into practice. The training is delivered using interactive and engaging methods, including group work and practical activities that will support the young people to develop their understanding of leadership. This all feeds into a workbook that young people complete individually, with support from Woodrow staff, over the course of the training.

We cater for a variety of group sizes, with 113 beds spread across 23 bedrooms, and extra space for campers! The house is divided into “zones”, with each group having their own private accommodation areas. Alternatively you may wish to book for exclusive house use. For the majority of our session delivery, we operate on a ratio of one instructor to fifteen young people.

We have three classroom facilities available. Each can be set be set up with tables, chairs, a projector and screen to suit the needs of your group. We can also provide your group with flip-chart stands if required.

All of our instructors are first aid qualified. Our Duty Managers are on call twenty-four hours a day for peace of mind. We also have a Duty Instructor who stays in the house overnight in case of emergencies. The centre also has an AED.

We have a number of rooms with wider doors to ensure they are wheelchair accessible. These rooms come equipped with an en-suite/in-room shower with shower seating. These rooms also have an en-suite, shared toileting area with emergency pull cords and rails for assistance. We can also provide our visitors with an in-shower chair and manual hoist if required. Guests will need to bring their own slings. We have an outdoor all-terrain buggy which can be used for getting around the site to various activities.

We encourage and include all members of the group and are flexible in our programme design ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate. As a charity we work with children of all ages, backgrounds and learning abilities.