Are you ready to take learning to new heights? Say goodbye to traditional classroom walls and hello to the great outdoors with Active Outdoor Pursuits at the Craigower Lodge Outdoor Centre!
Nestled in the heart of Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes, our centre offers an unparalleled setting for school activity weeks and educational adventures that will ignite curiosity, foster teamwork, and create memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Why Choose Outdoor Education?
In today’s fast-paced world, where screens often dominate our attention, outdoor education provides a refreshing break. It’s an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in nature, engage in hands-on learning, and develop vital life skills.
Outdoor education offers a holistic approach to children’s development, benefiting both their physical and mental well-being. Through activities like Gorge Scrambling, canoeing, and rock climbing, children are encouraged to lead active lifestyles, addressing concerns about physical inactivity highlighted by the Scottish Government. Research shows that exposure to natural environments reduces stress and anxiety, promoting mental well-being. Additionally, outdoor education fosters teamwork, communication, and environmental awareness, laying the foundation for lifelong skills and a deeper connection with nature. At Active Outdoor Pursuits, our tailored activities nurture these skills, creating meaningful experiences for children and their peers.
Adventure Outside the Classroom
Our school trips are far from ordinary. From navigating Hill tracks to conquering rock faces, our range of activities is designed to inspire and excite students of all ages. Whether it’s building confidence on rock faces, developing resilience through river and mountain based challenges, or discovering the wonders of nature on our River Explore days, every moment at Craigower Lodge is an opportunity for growth and discovery.
Tailored School Trip Experiences
We understand that every school is unique, so we offer bespoke programmes tailored to your group’s interests and learning objectives. Our experienced team work with schools to design activities that complement the curriculum and provide meaningful learning experiences, and we cater to all ages and abilities. Whether you’re studying geography, biology, teamwork, or leadership, we’ll create a programme that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
Based in the Cairngorms, the landscape surrounding Craigower Lodge offers the perfect location for several outdoor adventures for school programmes. A typical school’s outdoor residential week includes a range of different land and water-based activities all year – with activities dependent on the season. So, what can you expect?
Water Sports with Active Outdoor Pursuits
There are a range of water sports schools can choose to take part in while on an adventure with Active Outdoor Pursuits. Pupils will experience the rush of adrenaline as they navigate and bounce along Highland waters with our exhilarating white water rafting adventures. Alternatively, explore the serene beauty of the Scottish water with our canoeing excursions or take on the challenge of navigating inflatable kayaks known as duckies. For schools seeking a more rugged adventure, pupils immerse themselves in the stunning natural landscapes with our canyoning and gorge walking experiences, where they’ll traverse through narrow gorges and cascade down waterfalls, forging unforgettable memories along the way.
Land-Based Activities
Would pupils rather stay dry? They will ascend to new heights as they conquer a number of our land-based activities such as the vertical challenges of climbing and abseiling against the dramatic backdrop of the Cairngorms. Delve into the heart of the Scottish wilderness with our hill walking expeditions, where students will witness breathtaking panoramic views and learn more about the rich flora and fauna that call this region home. Foster teamwork and camaraderie amongst your school group with our specially designed team-building activities, ranging from problem-solving challenges to trust exercises, all set within the stunning natural environment near Craigower Lodge.
Snowsports for Schools
We offer school residential trips all year round, and the area is a perfect setting for students to learn how to ski and snowboard. Embrace the winter wonderland of the Cairngorms with our thrilling skiing and snowboarding experiences taught at the renowned Lecht Ski Centre. Whether pupils are seasoned pros or hitting the slopes for the first time, our expert instructors will guide them through the basics or help them refine technique, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure on the snow-covered peaks.
Other Options for Schools: John Muir and DofE
We provide schools and groups with the opportunity to participate in the John Muir Award at the Discovery Level as part of the school’s outdoor education residential week. The John Muir Award Scheme is an environmental accolade aimed at encouraging and fostering a love for the outdoors among all. There is no extra cost or workload for teachers, but we do encourage them to join in and complete the award alongside the students.
Each pupil receives a vibrant and engaging booklet, and after each day’s activities, they write about their discoveries related to nature, wildlife, and the great outdoors. On the final day of the residential break, those who complete the award prepare a brief presentation about their week and what they have learned about the great outdoors. All participants receive a certificate at the end of the week. We urge schools to take the knowledge they have gained and share it within their school and across different year groups. This is particularly beneficial if the school aims to progress to the Conserve Level.
Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme
Active Outdoor Pursuits boasts over 25 years of experience in guiding and facilitating the expedition section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Annually, we engage with and support around 200 young individuals across all levels of the award, providing comprehensive training, supervision, and assessment.
As a recognised Approved Activity Provider, our dedicated team is equipped to deliver top-tier training, supervision, and assessment for the expedition segment of the DofE programme. Moreover, we extend our expertise to encompass training in essential skills and physical activities, covering a range of pursuits such as canoeing, sea kayaking, SUP, walking, and ski touring.
Our collaborative approach sees us working closely with schools throughout Scotland and Great Britain. By offering both standard and bespoke training programmes, we tailor our services to meet the unique needs and objectives of each participating school. From initial training sessions to final assessment expeditions, we are committed to delivering quality, exciting, and adventurous experiences that enrich the journey of every participant towards achieving their Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Accommodation for Schools: Craigower Lodge Outdoor Centre
After a day of adventure, relax in our cosy and well-appointed accommodation facilities. With lodging spread across two floors, Craigower Lodge can accommodate up to 80 guests. The centre features a spacious dining room, perfect for serving students and groups. Additionally, it offers inviting communal lounges, ideal for debriefings, unwinding, and moments of introspection against the backdrop of this breathtaking natural setting.
On a school residential trip with Active Outdoor Pursuits, we also supply equipment for various activities and provide meals throughout students’ stay with us. From packed lunches featuring their favourite sandwiches to delicious curries for dinner – we’ve got it all covered. Take a look at our brochure for further details.
Book a School Trip with Active Outdoor Pursuits
At Active Outdoor Pursuits, safety is our top priority. We are proud to be accredited by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA), ensuring our centre meets the most rigorous safety standards and best practices. Our team of qualified instructors undergoes regular training and certification to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Whether you’re planning a week-long residential visit, or a day trip filled with outdoor activities, we’ll work with you to create an unforgettable experience for your students. Step outside the classroom and into the wild with Active Outdoor Pursuits at Craigower Lodge. Download our brochure for more information and get in touch for any booking questions.
