Off site caving takes groups on a journey underground the hills and mountains of the South Wales Valleys. This unique experience will develop teamwork and communication as the group explore tight squeezes, large caverns and water features running underground. Our qualified instructors will teach your group about the formations, wildlife, fossils and navigation whilst setting a range of challenges and tasks to push the group and ensure they have a great time. Off site caving can also be incorporated as part of Summit Centres Adventure Days
Available at:
Summit Centre
Learning Outcomes
History
It may not be your typical history lesson but you could find out a little bit of history about fencing or archery before they became popular sports activities, the purpose of zip wires and how early canoes were hollowed out of tree trunks. Build lesson plans around activities to help with your learning objectives.
Sciences
All THE SWIFT CENTRE centres are set in rural locations with a wealth of natural resources on our doorstep. Many adventure activities use natural sciences such as physics and chemistry for bushcraft or geography orienteering. You can carry out a whole lesson sitting by the river bank or strolling through the grounds.
New skills
Whatever the skill, be it learning how to kayak, lighting a fire using friction or skills on the bike track, learning something new can boost confidence in a young person. This shows them that learning can be fun and equips them with the drive and motivation to want to learn more.
Physical education
Outdoor adventure activities help to build fitness and promote physical well-being. They also help with concentration, improve teamwork and communication skills. Many activities allow for personal development too, helping children and young people realise their potential and building confidence. Getting active in the outdoors helps improve motivation and self-esteem.
Communication & Listening skills
Being able to hear something, process it and formulate a favourable response in a short space of time. We’ve developed a range of activities where groups have to learn to communicate and listen to one another to ensure tasks can be completed successfully.
Self-confidence
Children and young people really come on in leaps and bounds on our residentials. Being away from home in a different environment, having to rely on their peers, trying new activities and finding their place within their group, gives a real boost to their confidence. They find skills they didn’t know they had.
Dexterity/Control and balance
We have lots of open spaces and self-led activities that are great for developing dexterity, control and balance. We have poles to walk and balance on, sports pitches and fields to run around on and a range of instructed activities that are good for balance and hand eye co-ordination.
Team building
We have a range of instructed activities that are designed to get groups working together through challenging team dynamics, they will have to work together to achieve certain tasks and challenges, developing listening skills, communication and trust within the group. They get a better understanding of their colleagues or classmates which aids development.
Conquering personal challenges/Overcoming fears
To think positively about tackling new challenges. The ability to take on challenges and overcome fears will help develop a “can do” approach to life. We give groups the chance to take on challenges in a safe affirming environment. It teaches life skills such as perseverance and resilience.
Decision Making
Having the ability to make the right decision under pressure is an important life skill. Many of our adventure activities involve working as a team and making collective decisions to impact the outcome of a task. Groups review what went well or what they may need to work on.
Environmental impact
Understanding the part an individual plays in their local and global community is becoming must in today’s world. Our spotlight sessions highlight many areas such as poverty, inequality, conflict and economical and environmental impact. We use real life examples to give a better understanding of what’s happening around the world.
Leadership skills
The ability to lead and support others through effective communication. Being a good leader isn’t about taking control and telling people what to do. Through our activity sessions groups learn it’s about good listening skills, clearly communicating with others and supporting team members when necessary.