Last year, the BBC reported that 95% of all outdoor education
centres in England and Wales are losing their funding entirely, while a third of those think they will have to close. A dozen more have already closed with the closure of a further 60 centres cur- rently under discussion across the country. With little government support, the most troubling impact these
changes may potentially have for visitors is that outdoor activity cen- tres will gradually become elitist, open only to those that can afford to go. This will likely only push aside disadvantaged children, who are often the ones that the centres have the most profound impact on. Alistair Cook, National Chair of the Association of Heads of Out -
door Education Centres voiced his concerns at the impending bud- get cuts, ‘We (AHOEC) believe it should be an entitlement for young people to attend outdoor centres. We’re fearful that local authorities have no financial support in place for disadvantaged young people. ‘In many ways local authorities have their backs against the wall
and it’s more of the shame on the government for having no statu- tory requirements in place for local authorities to provide young people with outdoor activities’.
Positive impact ‘It’s startling the positive impact that these centres can have on
those who attend and it’s lovely to see the effects of those, which is why this issue is so important’. Robert Egelstaff, Head of Bewerley Park Centre for Outdoor
Education, has also previously expressed similar worries about the future of outdoor education, ‘The loss of inclusion is what con- cerns me the most. Having seen hundreds of young people, over the years, turn their lives around as a direct result of quality out- door education experiences, I do not believe that, as a society, we really want to lose this’. What the future holds for outdoor education providers and those
who attend them currently remains in an entirely transitional state therefore it is vital that the positive impact of activity centres on young people, which remains unquestionable, continues to be highlighted.
An Outdoor Experience you will Never Forget
Essex Outdoors believes passionately in the power of outdoor learning. They know that taking the classroom outdoors can broaden horizons, promote positive values, and develop confidence and self-esteem. They also believe that outdoor learning can also raise social and environ- mental awareness. Their centres across Essex offer a wide range of activities for children and
young people, from Forest Schools and team-building activity days, through to offshore sailing and multi-activity residentials. This year they have increased their commitment to outdoor education, by
investing in significant new facilities across their service, including:- Brand new log cabins and kitchen/dining facilities at Danbury, allowing guests to experience the excitement of the outdoors, without sacrificing comfort or security. Plus, a brand new residential unit, training suite and toilet and shower facilities at Mersea, expanding the learning opportunities available at this wonderful site. So, whatever your choice of outdoor activity, Essex Outdoors can meet your
needs!
Opportunities Essex Outdoors is Essex County Council’s Outdoor Education service, deliv-
ering a range of high-quality and high-impact outdoor learning programmes at its five centres across the county and beyond. In particular, Essex Outdoors provides outdoor learning opportunities to young people. Visitors to Essex Outdoors can choose from dozens of outdoor activities,
including canoeing, climbing, high ropes, mountain biking, sailing, and much more! Full camping and residential facilities are also available at its centres at Bradwell, Danbury, Harlow and Mersea in Essex; and at Maes y Lade in Wales. In addition Essex Outdoors offers a full Schools Expeditions service, with des-
tinations across the UK and overseas, including Cyprus, Dolomites, Morocco, Pyrenees and Slovenia. For more information on all the activities that Essex Outdoors offers across Essex and beyond, please visit their website at
www.essexoutdoors.org.
The Conway Centre (Anglesey,
y, North Wales)
High quality Arts and Outdoor Education provis Raise achievement, broaden horizons and enh
National Curricu ulum.
Experienced and qualified teaching staff. Residential and day course opportunities. Bespoke or pack
ance the sion.
kaged programme of activities. Please contact us to discover how we could meet your needs.
http://www.conwaycentre.co.uk (01248) 714501
enquiries@conwaycentre.co.uk
www.essexoutdoors.org actionetwork 25
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