We customise outdoor learning courses to meet the aims/desired outcomes of each individual group.
In order to design your course we will ask you to tell us what you want individual students to achieve as individuals, groups/teams and as a whole group. We will also ask about disabilities and particular needs of group members so that we can design as inclusive a course as possible.
Each course includes a range of outdoor activities, activity briefings and reviews, opportunities for discussion, time to complete written course logbooks and an awards ceremony to celebrate achievements.
Some activities are seasonal (e.g. water activities and skiing/snowboarding on snow), and some are very dependent on the prevailing weather, so it is almost impossible to guarantee in advance exactly what programme your group will follow however if we do need to make a change you can rest assured that the replacement that we deliver will be designed to meet your aims.
For Scottish educational groups - the Curriculum for Excellence is at the core of each course (click here to view Curriculum for Excellence links document) and work completed during a residential stay meets the adventure section requirements of The Junior Award Scheme Scotland (JASS) - indeed our reflective diary that students complete during their stay provides the evidence required (no need to keep a seperate diary) and can be submitted alongside the relevant JASS sheet.
Click on the links for examples of Monday to Friday Summer and Winter Programmes
Activities you may take part in:
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Archery: Target for individual success!
Archery: Target for individual success Archery is great for achieving a high success rate for students who normally find endurance activities a challenge. It is a wonderful opportunity for boosting self esteem and is easily adapted for people with disabilities.
View risk assessment |
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Canoeing: work together and explore by paddle!
Canoeing is a fun way to develop water confidence, experience working in a small team, be responsible for steering and keeping the boat upright and on longer trips effort and staying power is required.
View risk assessment
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Field Studies: Explore the natural environment!
The ideal opportunity for students to link what they are learning in the classroom/lab with the outdoor environment whilst enjoying and appreciating the unique scenery, fauna and flora of the fragile environment of the Cairngorms National Park and learning how to preserve and look after it. We can create a program that fits in with the your project syllabus and/or be linked into Scottish Access Code work.
Why not try our Art in the Environmentcourse, where students are encouraged to create something out of what is available in the locale. The only limit is their imagination!
View risk assessment for summer hill walking |
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Gorge Walking: experience the thrill and power of a natural gorge!
Gorge Walking is a fantastic, exciting and fun activity. Adrenaline flows as you are encouraged to plunge down slides and experience the thundering power of nature by standing under a waterfall.
Everyone is cold and wet but that does not dampen team spirit! This activity raises the self-esteem of participants through personal challenge (as they decide whether to 'take the plunge' or not) and achievement. It also facilitates team working, as individuals support and encourage each other to make it to the end of the gorge.
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John Muir Award: Environmental award promoting awareness and responsibility for wild places
The John Muir Award is an environmental award scheme available at 3 levels focused on wild places. It is designed to promote educational, social and personal development through exploration of wild places and involvement in conservation; Lagganlia Centre is able to host this award (with its clear links to the Curriculum for Excellence) to a very high standard.
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Kayaking: Water fun confidence builder!
Kayaking enables students to experience being self reliant and have fun whilst developing water confidence. They can also learn water etiquette and see the local wildlife (often including Ospreys).
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Mountain Biking: develop a passion for pedalling and expand your comfort zone!
Experience cycling amongst exquisite scenery without the dangers and noise of traffic. Mountain biking encourages students to persevere, expand their comfort zones and put into practice caring for the environment.
All the routes used are within the ability of the average young person. There is a local purpose built downhill track (Laggan Wolftrax), which is available to the more experienced mountain biker.
View risk assessment |
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Orienteering: Logical thinking - exhilarating teamwork!
Orienteering is now a very popular and exhilarating sport which encourages independent and logical thinking. Students work in a pair or trio so they can develop their team work and listening skills. It is quite competitive so groups can shine and boost their self confidence.
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Problem Solving: 'Out of the box' thinking!
Problem solving sessions are an excellent tool in encouraging students to think 'out of the box', work as part of a team and develop the strategies needed to solve problems. There are a variety of challenges that are used on the site, as well as a pool of knowledge and experience brought in each instructor who will aim to make the activity challenging but reachable and of course fun!
View risk assessments for ropes course & nightlines |
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Rock Climbing & Abseiling: with determination the sky's the limit!
A wonderful opportunity for students to experience the trills of vertical assent and decent, to develop trust while working in a team and where possible, with determination, conquer any fears of heights.
We have own indoor climbing wall and a 60ft climbing tree, for those more adventurous, there is a choice of local crags to experience real rock and a nearby cliff ideal for an exposed but safe abseil.
View risk assessments for indoor climbing, tree climb, rock climbing and tyrolean traverse. |
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Sailing: be a skipper for the day!
A brilliant opportunity for students to work in a team and be responsible for their own safety. Sailing encourages students to listen carefully and follow complex instructions as well as to plan ahead and to think tactically.
The sailing takes place on the stunningly scenic Loch Morlich at the Spey Valley Sailing Club.
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Skiing/Snowboarding (artificial slope):it's snow-less fun!
This is a brilliant activity that can be enjoyed year round. Students learn how to follow instructions carefully, gain determination and the joy of learning a new skill (and then helping a fellow student who is perhaps struggling a bit) whilst expanding their own comfort zone.
Our dry slope is friendly to beginners as well as those with disabilities but can also be more challenging to those who have the skill already.
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Snow Sports: Learn the skill - feel the thril!
Alpine skiing and Snow Boarding can take place at one of 2 local skiing resorts: Cairngorm Mountain or The Lecht - please note: groups will need to come prepared to pay for their own ski passes as this cost is not included in the price.
Alpine Skiing
This is classic downhill skiing. You can choose to use either traditional long skis or the shorter skis called blades. The activity will be set at the level of the group: beginner level or a wild black run with off piste!
Nordic Skiing
Also known as cross country skiing or telemarking. A very versatile sport as it can be used anywhere there is snow.
Snow Boarding
Snowboarding was derived from skateboarding and surfing. It takes a bit longer to get the hang of snowboarding than skiing but a great alternative and a lot of fun!
Snow Fun
It can be great for kids just to get the chance to have fun in the snow - go snowshoeing or work together to plan and build a snowman or more adventurous snow sculpture or winter art activities.
View risk assessments for snowshoeing and mountain snow sports |
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Summer Hill Walking & Mountaineering: high adventure!
Locally known as 'Mountain Adventure', this activity is known for resulting in an enormous sense of achievement and pride. Students experience the wilderness and unique beauty that is the Cairngorms National Park gaining knowledge of the local flora & fauna.
View risk assessment summer hill walking |
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Camping and Bothy Trips: nights in the wild!
The opportunity to experience the exhilaration of spending the night in the wild, to rely on what you have brought with you and to think creatively about how to do things that are normally taken for granted at home. Students find this experience to be one they will never forget.
Should an overnight trip not be possible, a visit to a bothy can be achieved in a day.
View risk assessments for camping and summer hill walking |
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White Water Rafting: excitement, adventure and exploration!
River Rafting on the river Spey is an exciting activity which instils a sense of adventure, encourages team work, good listening and determination.
Groups should be aware that the section of river that is used is an hour's drive away.
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Winter Mountaineering Skills: The summit of achievement!
An amazing opportunity to summit a mountain which is largely covered in snow whilst learning about the requirements for survival in these harsh conditions, developing determination and experiencing an enormous sense of achievement and pride.
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