YMCA DIGITAL - OUTDOOR

We live in an urban jungle, so we give young people the opportunity to take a leap (sometimes literally) into the great outdoors. Our qualified instructors will go far and wide in search of adventure.

We travel to the Peak District and North Wales to go rock climbing, weaselling, hiking and mountaineering, while closer to home we go to the National Water Sports Centre, Colwick Park, Sherwood Pines, Rufford Park and Pleasley Vale for kayaking, orienteering, rafting and biking.

We think it’s important for young people to challenge themselves and outdoor education gives everyone the chance to push their limits, set goals and work as a team. It’s the perfect way of seeing just what you’re capable of.

Licences & Activities

Alternative Provision

Qualifications

The Outdoor Education department has fully qualified staff in outdoor activities and youth work and is licensed by AALA to provide the following activities:

Kayaking
Open Canoeing
Improvised Rafting
Hill Walking
Mountaineering

We work in partnership with schools and colleges to offer their students an alternative curriculum which focuses less on academic achievement and more on practical and social skills and personal development.

We believe young people learn through experience, and with our support we help them to achieve more than they thought possible.

Our outdoor education programmes promote inclusivity and provide a supportive environment in which young people can experience working as part of a successful team.

We encourage young people to set goals and take responsibility for their own personal development through diaries and achievement records. We find this approach build the motivation and confidence needed for them to achieve their potential.

While attending YMCA Outdoor Education courses young people can obtain numerous different qualifications:

AQA’s in Outdoor Activities.
St John Ambulance Young First Aider Certificate.
Sectional Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.
BCU Canoe and Kayak Awards.
YMCA completion and attendance certificate.

Young People Involved

Gavin Barker

Hi, I'm the Outdoor Education Youth programme Manager, a long title i know but i didn't make it up! I've been working with young people and delivering outdoor education programmes for over 10 years now. I really enjoy introducing young people to new sports and activities such as kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, archery and mountain biking, and then seeing them progress and achieve certificates...

April Derbyshire

Hiya I work in the Outdoor Education department and I've been working in the outdoor industry for 10 years. I teach kayaking and canoeing and various other activities. The best thing that I would love to do, is jump out of a plane to raise money for charity!...

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