Residential programme plans for 2022 and beyond

We are talking to Sam Thompson, Managing Director of Cumulus Outdoors about how they met the challenge of 2021 and their residential programme plans for 2022 and beyond.
Hi Sam, 2021 was a challenging year for the outdoor industry, how was it for Cumulus Outdoors?
We were able to adapt to meet the challenge through our ability to tailor programmes to adhere to the class structures and the operational guidelines in place at the time, enabling us to plan and deliver fun and safe residential experiences both at our residential centre and tented villages. Young people were so keen to get back outdoors once the lockdown ended and restrictions were eased, they had clearly missed having the opportunity to participate in outdoor adventure activities and socialise with classmates and friends. The positive effects of outdoor play were clear to see and it was so pleasing to see so many young people returning home with renewed energy and zest for life.

What do you have planned for this year and beyond?
We are continually working to enhance and improve the accommodation and experiences we can offer. The residential centre now has an expanded range of outdoor facilities including a forest school, adventure trail, playing fields and a target sport range, there is also ample room inside for recreational activities and facilities for the expanded field study programmes. For many of our outdoor adventure activities, such as coasteering, kayaking and sea fishing, we continue to move off site to locations along Dorset's fabulous Jurassic Coastline.
In addition to the existing and new adventure activities, are there other areas where you can further support schools?
We have provided instructor training to enable our team to deliver field work sessions for schools covering beach studies including sand dune formation and coastal erosion, geology and fossils and river studies for example. In addition, as well as KS4 and KS5 level field work, we are now looking towards provision of field work for KS2 and KS3 pupils with topics covered including Geography & Geology, Environmental Studies, History and PE. These sessions are half day or full day and can be combined with a complementary adventure activity so they can let their hair down!

Are you further developing your residential centre in Swanage?
Yes, indeed we are! Even though the timing certainly wasn't ideal when we acquired the centre in late 2019 we have worked very hard to make the centre the envy of the area and I'm proud when I look around the centre today. We've been busy for the past few months renovating and updating our kitchen and servery area as well as finalising the LED lighting across the site while also ensuring that all the dormitories and common rooms look the best they can, ready to welcome our young people back this year.

Are you optimistic looking ahead?
Yes I'm really excited when I look at the experiences we will be able to deliver to schools this year and beyond. In 2021 we were privileged to run a number of residential school trips from our hard top residential centres and exclusive tented villages, school children from all over the country enjoyed a multi-day break on the stunning Jurassic coast in Dorset, enjoying a range of fun adventure activities and learning experiences, and it's so good to see so many returning this year.
If you are interested in hearing a bit more about how Cumulus Outdoors can help you with planning your next school visit then why not get in touch here.
Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre - Swanage
Tailored adventure residentials on the Dorset coast at our residential centre in Swanage, can include activities such as Coasteering, Climbing, Mackerel Fishing, Field Studies, and Bushcraft, delivered by our highly qualified instructors.
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Cumulus Outdoors Activity Camps at your School
If you are looking for an alternative to your usual school residential because of Covid-19 concerns or any other reason, why not consider a school trip experience on your own school grounds, right on your doorstep!?
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Cumulus Outdoors Curriculum Day Trips
We run exciting and fun filled Adventure Activity Days on the Jurassic Coast for schools and youth groups. These outdoor activities are designed to improve self esteem, confidence and support learning outside the classroom.
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Cumulus Outdoors Tented Village - Corfe Castle
Our exciting range of land and water based outdoor adventure activities take place at some of Dorset’s most iconic coastal locations and offer the unique opportunity to explore the stunning Jurassic Coastline whilst trying something new.
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New Accommodation at Cumulus Outdoors
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You’re in good hands with Cumulus Outdoors
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