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Activities
Whilst attending Ancrum Outdoor Education Centre, young people will get the chance to take part in an Outdoor Education Programme. Below is a brief description of some of the more unusual activities on offer.

Blokarting
This is sometimes called land yachting ,using a vehicle that is like a go-cart with a sail as a means to provide the propulsion ,this activity takes place on local beaches and in local parks.Saftey equipment provided includes helmets,eyeware,gloves,boots.

Climbing/Abseiling
This can take place either outdoors or at special indoor climbing walls. Young people are given a harness, special boots and a helmet. Abseiling is the part of climbing where young people lower themselves down a rock-face. However, it must be stressed that there is a full safety system in place.

Coasteering
This activity involves a journey round a rocky coastline using swimming and jumping skills. This activity provides a diffrent view of looking at our coast as well as being very exiting experience. This activity is weather and tide dependant.All safety equipment is provided .this activity takes place between 1stApril and 31st October.

Elie-Chain Walk
This is an ancient route along the bottom of the cliffs at Elie in Fife. This activity involves some climbing (with ropes) and can be done two ways staying dry/ or as a wet walk (sometimes involving a little swimming). Young people are given equipment suitable for the activity e.g. wetsuit, boots, helmet, buoyancy aid, cagoule and climbing harness.

Gorge Walking
This involves walking/climbing either up or down a river. This means sliding down waterfalls, jumping into pools and some swimming in cold water. All young people are given a wetsuit, helmet, buoyancy aid, cagoule, boots and neoprene socks.  This takes place between 1 April and 31 October.

Kayaking/Canoeing
Similar activities that take place on rivers and lochs between 1 April and 31 October.

Kite flying
This is done at local parks or large open spaces; young people can start of with a small wing shaped kite and once they have mastered the basics can graduate up to larger "power" kites. The use of these kites are dependant on wind conditions and ability level.

Mountain Boarding
This activity involves riding a specialized "skateboard" down a hill. Locations used  depend on ability level and experience and vary from a local park to a purpose built track. Equipment includes helmet, protective guards, gloves and boots.

 


Mountain Biking
This involves off road cycling on a Mountain Bike, along tracks and trails and sometimes short sections on the road.  Young people are given a helmet and gloves and can sometimes get a little muddy.

Orienteering
This involves running through the forest with a map looking for markers that can be difficult to find. It usually takes place in a confined area such as a country park. No special equipment is needed, although you do get muddy sometimes.

Problem Solving
This is exactly what it says. Young people get the opportunity to use ropes, crates etc. to solve complex problems in teams or as individuals.

Power-Boating
This is an activity where the young people get the opportunity to see Dundee in a different light, i.e. from the river. This short activity allows the young people a trip in a fast powerboat up to the bridges and across to Fife. Young people are given a wetsuit, cagoule and buoyancy aid.

Rafting
This is a journey activity which involves the use of specialist inflatable rafts which are paddled by the young people on a fast flowing river. During this activity they must contribute as a team member both on and off the water. The location used depends on the weather, the group, the water level. All water sports safety equipment is provided including buoyancy aid, helmet. This activity takes place from 1st April to 31st October.

Residentials
These will require a separate consent form, which you would receive approximately 2-7 days before a residential. A residential consists of young people in groups staying away overnight, between 1 and 3 nights at an Outdoor Centre or sometimes a bothy in the hills.  In short, it gives them the chance to “put into practice” some of the aforementioned activities into a short space of time.  It also teaches them about living in a group, co-operation, sharing, working together and making decisions.  We find that it increases many of the young people's confidence and self esteem.  In short, it is very much an overall “experience” for the young people.

Ropes-Courses
Similar to problem solving, young people are asked to negotiate a ropes course which is a little like an assault course where success is much more important than speed.

Sailing
This involves the use of single handed boats and takes place on a small loch or reservoir, with a rescue craft in attendance, eqipment including buoyancy aids are provided. The activity takes place between 1st April and and 31st October.

Cross Country
Ski-ing

Here young people get the chance to use skis that are slightly different from downhill ones.  These skis allow them to travel up hill, along the flat as well as downhill. In summer they also get the chance to try special “roller skis” which can be used on tarmac.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact the Ancrum Team on 01382 435911

 

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