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All of our On-site Activities provide excellent coverage of the Outdoor and Adventurous Activities section of the PE Curriculum. All activities are led by qualified staff, who provide instruction of the highest standard. Adequate safety systems have to be in place before the activity can start.  Please see our Safety Policy Statement for full details.

Archery...

This activity is about skill acquisition. It is possible to progress rapidly and by the end of the session to be able to hit the target with reasonable accuracy. It meets the requirement for the teaching of safe practice in sport established in the PE curriculum. The importance of listening to and following instructions and the need to follow safety procedures are key parts of this activity.

Map Reading and Orienteering...

Hindleap provides a controlled yet challenging environment to practice orienteering skills. Many children will already have done an amount of map work at school, some will not. We can provide a session suitable for whatever level they are at. The session normally lasts half a day. There is an indoor theory session and then some outside work directly supervised by the instructor and finally an opportunity for small groups to practice the skills in a controlled environment.

Forest Adventure...

This is a half-day session. The emphasis is on adventure and exploration. It takes the form of a mini expedition through Hindleap grounds during which the group has to travel through difficult terrain, such as streamways and thick undergrowth. This is often the most popular activity of the week.

Bushcraft

A basic session includes a discussion of the elements of survival, where to locate a shelter and then the building of a debris shelter. We then introduce the principals of fire-lighting including selection of a suitable site, how to build a fire and starting a fire using a variety of methods including the use of fire steels, bow drills and different types of tinder.

Team Exercises...

The aim of this activity is to develop an understanding of the importance of teamwork. The group is presented with a series of problem-solving exercises which are carefully selected by the instructor who ensures that everyone in the group plays a full part. Throughout the session the team is encouraged to discuss their own performance, with a view to improving their teamwork.

Pool Canoeing...

Pool canoeing is a chance to try something new and exciting in a safe setting. Under the careful supervision of a qualified instructor the group learn a variety of new kayak skills and have a great deal of fun in the process. This activity is subject to availability.

Climbing Wall...

At Hindleap Warren we have a purpose-built climbing wall. Originally conceived as a training aid for rock climbing, in recent years wall climbing has become a popular sport in its own right. This session provides the opportunity for individuals to challenge themselves as well as emphasising effective teamwork. Group members not only support and encourage their friends but may also be involved in helping with the rope-work. Click here to see a video of the climbing wall.

Obstacle Courses...

During this session the group will encounter a series of obstacles, which include a low rope course, tunnels, scramble nets, string trails and lots of mud! The obstacles chosen by the instructor depend very much on the group and, of course, the weather. Working individually, in pairs or as a team, the challenges are physical in nature and require determination, good teamwork, and a sense of fun. The degree of difficulty is matched carefully to the ability of the group.

High Adventure...

For this session the group is kitted out with helmets, harnesses and ropes, to undertake a variety of challenges up in the trees. Ranging from almost ground level to 50’, these professionally constructed elements (among the best in the country) offer something for everyone. The skill and experience of the instructor guides the group to the most appropriate element but ultimately it is the individual who sets his/her own challenge.

All of the high elements emphasise not only individual performance, but also the value of team support, and the importance of recognising differing strengths and weaknesses. At all times the safety rope is managed by the instructor, so the participant is completely safe, however, their perception of danger is a valuable learning experience. Being presented with such challenging situations and coping with them does create powerful learning opportunities. Tremendous for building confidence and self-esteem.

Abseiling and Zip Wire...

Due to the delicate nature of the sandstone outcrops near Hindleap Warren we do our abseiling from a specially constructed platform in a tree.  There is also an exciting zip wire - sheer exhilaration! These activities require individuals to commit to trusting the equipment and the instructor. They also build togetherness within the group as the young people encourage each other. Click here to see a video of the zip wire.

Team Challenge...

This is often the final session of the week and is a friendly competition between all groups. Planning is a key feature, as the group has a limited amount of time to select and complete a variety of problem-solving tasks; the harder the task, the higher their score. The Team Challenge is an excellent opportunity for the groups to consolidate the teamwork skills they have acquired throughout the week, and provides an exciting climax to the course.

Ashdown Forest slideshow

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