The Camp Hill Estate - Outdoor Outcome Led Experiences

We talk to Camp Hill about the activities they provide and how they work with each child to progressively develop their aims and objectives.

I would like to start by getting a little more information about The Camp Hill Estate and what you do?

The Camp Hill Estate is based in North Yorkshire and just 5 minutes off the A1 (Junction 50) owned by the Ropner family, it has been welcoming school groups for over 20 years to experience in delivering outdoor activities and residential stays for children of all ages and abilities. We work with you to build your own programmes that meet your learning outcomes, with a huge range of activities on offer & options for catering and accommodation.

One thing that seems to set you apart from other residential centres is that you focus on developing specific aims for each child. Could you explain a little about how you achieve this?

It is primarily important for us that your residential visit is not just a series of independent activity sessions, similar to that often offered by other outdoor activity providers. As an option we can supply every young person with a review diary to ensure they trip is beneficial and can reflect back on what they have learnt, additional to this it give your written review and evidence of the progress of your learning outcomes. We aim to create an all-encompassing programme whereby every young person goes on a journey of activities that progressively develops their aims and objectives.

You have a huge capacity for your residential visits, what type of accommodation is available?

Our accommodation options are really sets us apart from other providers.

The Bunk Barn Lodge accommodation located in the centre of the Estate, easily accessible, yet far enough away to feel totally isolated surrounded by woodland and parklands. Made up of 3 Bunk Barns with a Central Log Cabin, they can sleep a total of 40 people. With an outside covered terrace BBQ and fire pit to toast marshmallows on!

Or Our NEW Standing camp, Camp Kestrel! Your very own bell tent village! Glamping in style with a real community feel, with a campfire, stories and star gazing. Our standing camp accommodates up to 192 young people and 26 accompanying staff, and has fully accessible toilets and showers and a large group Safari tent and marquee, for group use and dining. Our contained yet spaces camp provides you with everything you will need in one area.

A visit to The Camp Hill Estate is very popular with teachers, what are some of the benefits to teachers and their learning objectives?

Here at Camp Hill we can not only entertain the group for the full duration of the day we can also provide educational beneficial programmes so that you can hit multiple outcomes in one trip.

See what Lee said about Gilberdyke Primary School Trip: 'All our the Gilberdyke staff were blown away by the facilities and activities. Everything was engaging and suited to the diverse needs of our children. The Camp Hill Estate staff were incredible! They adapted activities to the changing needs of the children, made the residential a truly fun and enjoyable experience for all. They went above and beyond to ensure that we had a great time.

You have a huge range of activities available. What are some of the most popular with the students and why?

At Camp Hill we offer more than just outdoor activities we offer the chance for young people to explore their imagination, develop their skills and find out more about themselves.

For example we have...

Crashed Plane Rescue Mission - Groups must think and adapt to their situation and surroundings, and work as a team to get the pilot back to safety from a REAL crashed plane, from the island and across the 12ft deep moat of water with the clock against you! A real crowd pleaser and team work experience.

Bob push - As unique as it sounds! Camp Hill's Bruce Ropner OBE and Olympian offers his dry training track on the Estate so young people can experience and learn how to bobsleigh push start in a 4 man bobsleigh start taking skill, coordination and a lot of fun.

Skywalk - Adrenaline filled walk of your life! A 40 feet climbing wall, one sky walk bridge and 575ft megazip, will your student be brave enough to take on the challenge with the support of their peers cheering them on!

The Camp Hill Estate seems to take the corporate social responsibility very seriously. What do you do behind the scenes to ensure environmental impact is minimised?

Throughout The Camp Hill Estate are ethos is to respect our environment and everything in it across our 300 acre Estate. For our Educational groups we teach respect and facts about the great outdoors to further developed the group. We have eco-friendly power systems in Camp Kestrel to educate the young people in sustainable energy. We promote our electrically fuelled Segway's rather than motorised activities. Take a look at our blog on our website to find out more.