Winter warmer offering from UKSA

UKSA

More than a School Trip

While we are all enjoying this glorious sunshine, Isle of Wight based watersports and sailing centre, UKSA, is already looking ahead to the end of Summer with the launch of its new budget friendly ‘Winter Warmer’ offering. This secondary school residential programme was put together in response to increased demand for experiences in the maritime industry and outdoor learning.

“We are offering this residential experience from autumn through to spring, as we know that young people are spending less time outdoors during these months and are less likely to engage in beneficial activity programmes.” explains UKSA’s Schools and Group Co-ordinator, Charlie Fairclough. “The ‘Winter Warmer’ programme will no doubt be an adventure to remember and give our students a taste of independence and sense of achievement, creating memories to last a lifetime.”

The maritime youth charity has taken its popular residential programme and adapted it to cater specifically for older children and the time of year. It ensures that the activities still focus on maritime but include more shoreside and indoor activities.

“The programme will provide impact in terms of encouraging resilience and teamwork, along with problem solving, which will benefit the students when they return to the classroom environment and in their own communities and social groups” says Charlie

“And importantly, the course will be significantly discounted to enable schools and parents who cannot afford the peak season, to have the opportunity to experience the programme.”

Depending on the length of the trip, the Winter Warmer programme will see UKSA’s expert instructors teach students the techniques required for survival at sea and ashore, keel and deck work such as learning knots, lashings, rigging and boat controls as well as how to use radio and communications techniques such as Mayday calls.

Students will also learn basic plotting with navigation charts and maps, engage in team building exercises and take part in a beach clean or maritime walk in Cowes.

It’s not all learning, with students getting the opportunity to try their hand at climbing, archery, canoeing and volleyball as well as den building, water polo, movie nights and crabbing..

“I had so much fun; I even conquered my fear of open water thanks to the fantastic instructors. I learnt the sea isn’t as scary as it seems and actually how to sail. I can now do anything I put my mind to” Schools and Groups residential participant.

Full programme details here - https://uksa.org/course/schools-and-groups/school-trips/winter-residential/

Building better futures with Sea.Change

Students will also be given an introduction to UKSA’s Sea.Change Foundation Programme which is specifically for 14-17-year-olds and gives teenagers the opportunity to learn about training and careers in the maritime sector through a five-day residential trip in the school holidays with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds also offered the opportunity to build crucial life skills and make new friends through the programme.

UKSA offers the opportunity to adapt the programme to meet the individual needs of each school where required and has the potential for funding options to help young people who otherwise could not afford to access these life-changing experiences.

Full details of the Sea.Change programme - https://uksa.org/course/professional-training/further-education/sea-change-foundation-programme/

Explore the beautiful Isle of Wight from UKSA

Alternatively, you can simply use UKSA as a base camp to explore the Island. The waterfront accommodation and facilities are perfect for a variety of different groups. Cyclists and hikers enjoy the many stunning trails that the Isle of Wight has to offer while watersports enthusiasts get to play with the activity centre’s wide range of kit.

You can stay at UKSA for a full week or visit for a day, there are options for B&B and for full board. Flexible watersports and sailing activities are ideal for both corporate team building and breaks with family and friends. There is also the ability to hire out the indoor pool, sports hall or classrooms.

A home by the sea on the Isle of Wight - https://uksa.org/course/schools-and-groups/base-camp/

Discounted dates from July to October at UKSA

3-day/2-night multi-activity residential trips:
• 3-5 July: from £230 per person
• 19-21 July: from £250 per person
• 4-6 September: from £250 per person
• 9-11 October: from £220 per person

5-day/4-night multi-activity residential trips:
• 7-11 August: from £250 per person
• 2-6 October: from 270 per person
• 16-20 October: from 215 per person

Limited availability so book asap to benefit from discounted rate.

What’s included?
Residential watersports programmes offer the perfect solution for year 6 transition breaks, year 7 and 8 team teambuilding trips and career insights for 14-17-year-olds.

Activities include dinghy sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, team building and raft building. Evening activities can include swimming, archery, crabbing, park games and indoor football.

All-inclusive packages include return ferry to the Isle of Wight, day and evening programmes, tuition and equipment, full board, and sole occupancy of dormitory-style rooms with separate leader rooms within the block. For every 10 students, there is a leaders place free of charge.

If you are interested in hearing a bit more about how UKSA can help you with planning your next school visit then why not get in touch here.