Developing an appreciation for the great outdoors and our environment
For some of our students, a trip to the beach, woodland or countryside is a completely new experience. On our trips students are encouraged to look around them and apricate natures natural beauty, and here in Dorset there is plenty of it!
When you see the glistening sea, sandy beaches and wonderful greenery you will have an instant connection and desire to protect it. On our trips students will be encouraged to take sustainable actions that will help protect our planet for future generations.
Setting students up for the future
Many of our students have such an amazing experience on a residential trip that it opens their eyes to a whole world of opportunity they might not know about. Going abroad away from home can inspire travel, cultural appreciation or even develop aspirations to become a leader, team player and outdoor instructor.
Combatting child obesity
“Adventure activity and sports skills can form the foundation of life-long interests, as well as address the health and obesity agendas.” This quote from The Guardian highlights the ever-increasing issue of health and obesity issues among children. With child obesity on the rise, it is more important than ever for schools to offer children plenty of opportunities to engage with the outdoors and try sports that not only get them active for the duration of the school residential trip, but also inspire a love of adventure that will stay with them and help them develop into fit, active and healthy adults.
Building self esteem
As well as the physical health benefits that a school residential trip brings, they have been proven to have a positive effect on children’s self-esteem and confidence levels, thereby improving their emotional health and well-being. The importance of allowing children to explore their environment, take responsibility for their independence, with minimal assistance from adults helps to build their strength of character.
Build and develop relationships with peers and teachers
The pressure on children to achieve higher results academically grows year on year, and parents are often the first to admit today’s curriculum demands much more than it did when they were at school. With so much to cover and the pressure to achieve, the classroom can be an intense and claustrophobic place.
So, residential trips for schools are not just beneficial but vital to providing balance and a renewed enthusiasm for learning. There is no better reward for a teacher than a pupil’s beaming face glowing with pride having built their own raft, controlled a sail boat, or mastered a new paddle stroke. Being outdoors unites people and encourages kindness and teamwork.
