New Experiences....A Dartmoor Adventure!

Not only do a large number of our staff team teach outdoor activities, but it’s something many are passionate about. The team try to get out as often as possible, especially with our apprentices as it really helps with their training, to immerse themselves in the outdoors, build individual and team interpersonal skills, enjoy some of our local beauty hotspots and remind themselves of the challenges guests face as they enter new and just as challenging environments.

Our latest adventure was a Climbing trip to Dartmoor...

With the kit stacked in the minibus and everyone ready to go, a team of 9 hit the road to make the 4 hour journey to Princetown, heading to a pre-booked bunkhouse called Fox Tor Cafe, the perfect venue for getting out and about. Mainly drawn to it because of its underfloor heating in the bathroom, which as strange as that sounds, for anyone who has spent the day out on the moors or climbing, and has come back with cold feet - there is no warmer feeling than stepping on to toasty flagstones.

Saturday morning dawned and it was clear, although being shone on by a winter sun, there was still a chill in the wind. A production line was put in place to create a mountain of sandwiches and checks made on the walking and climbing kit intended to use that day. Everyone headed out of the door to the parked minibus, only to discover that one of the tyres was as flat as a pancake! 

Not deterred the team went out for a walk until it was fixed and after lunch headed out to a Hound Tor, a few miles away. It was bitterly cold and ferociously windy when the team arrived, but as hardy outdoor people, they wrapped up and headed on. Led by our chief instructor, the team enjoyed a climbing session and luckily the tor was sheltered from most of the wind.

For some of our new apprentices this was their first outdoor climbing experience, and with only a handful of hours until dark, time was well used. It is breaks like this that they really have to take advantage of, as it provides new opportunities to experience, learn and develop - 3 words that brilliantly summarise what we do for young people at Avon Tyrrell. In between climbs there was opportunity to explore the natural surroundings, play with the dog and of course take photos to share with our followers on Facebook! 

After a social evening, the more ‘mature’ ones went to bed, while the ‘young’ ones did whatever it is that young people do when away on an adventure trip with their friends. Unsurprisingly, Sunday morning resulted in a few more slow risers, but yet again they kitted up and headed out, and this time the minibus was OK (Phew!)

They went to Hay Tor - far more popular with the Sunday walkers, and as the weather was actually clear, warm and bright people were out in their masses, often stopping to chat or ask questions about the climbing taking place. Being on top of the tor (as you might expect) made some fantastic photo opportunities! 

By late afternoon, the light was fading and the team were ready for the journey home. Everyone was pleased with the day’s achievements and the new experience they had enjoyed and shared.

Including minibus travel, bunk house accommodation and food, the cost of the weekend was just £45 per person. We hope it has opened the apprentices eyes to some of the opportunities that are out there, and that others realise just what is on our doorstep and how accessible this is. It doesn’t have to be something as technical as climbing, or even the beautiful but rugged terrain of Dartmoor, it can be something near you – a shared experience with friends or colleagues getting back to nature and enjoying the great outdoors – there are so many ways in which you can get out and experience something brilliant on a relatively small budget. 

What's so great is the team are already thinking about their next trip - Perhaps they’ll go paddling, or biking, or maybe up some mountains...

To find out more about becoming an Avon Tyrrell team member, or joining the apprenticeship programme please contact us.

‘Make the Most of Your Environment. Get Back to Nature and Get Camping’

Modern camping as a recreational activity has been around for over 100 years, ever growing in popularity with around 1.2 million people in the UK alone camping each year.

Over recent years we have seen camping numbers increase, in part as a result of the financial crisis, but as we move to a more financially secure time for many at least, large numbers of people are still getting out and developing a passion for nature, exploring the delights of their local area and camping all across the UK. 

How did it all start - A brief history of camping:

Thomas Hiram Holding was once of the first to go the distance, travelling around 1200 miles across America on the first Camping experience. 

In 1908 he wrote a book about the experience and everything he had learned so that people today had a better experience. His book ‘Cycle and Camp in Connemara’ led to the formation of the Camping and Caravanning Club still going today. 

With past heads being Captain Robert Falcon-Scott  who later became known as 'Scott of the Antarctic,' Sir Robert Baden-Powell who went on to form the scouting movement and Dr David Bellamy OBE the famous Naturalist it is notable to see that without the discovery of Camping, the development of outdoor adventure may not be where it is today. 

So how can you get the most out of camping?

What you take when you go camping will depend on if you are staying in a campsite or camping in the wild. Either way it always best to be prepared, so we have put together a list for you to ensure you have the best experience.

First things first, following the scout motto ‘Be Prepared’…Write a kit list….

• Number 1 item – A tent
• Have a good sleeping bag
• Roll mat or Inflatable bed
• Camp chairs if you aren’t comfortable sitting cross legged on the ground
• Flip flops – A good idea for the showers
• A utility knife, can & bottle opener
• A cooking stove, with an extra gas canister and cooking utensils (including pots/pans)
• A first aid kit (plasters, bandages, safety pins, mosquito cream/repellant, aspirin, hand sanitizer.)
• Waterproof your bag (line it with something waterproof to protect the contents.)
• If you are staying in campsite…Book one & check it has the facilities you want
• Spare toilet paper – campsites do run out.
• If it’s Summer or really hot…Sun block, a hat & sunglasses.
• Bring tick removers - If you are in the forest it is a possibility you could get them
• A head torch (finding somewhere to go to the bathroom in the night is hard enough without tripping over your tent pegs as well.)
• Entertainment (Games, cards, books, sports equipment) – It is unlikely you will have Wi-Fi so ‘be prepared’

Camping Safely

• Don’t cook in your tent – it may sound obvious but don’t be tempted even if it gets cold outside.
• Don’t leave any disposable BBQ’s in the tent/caravan whilst they burn out – this can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Don’t smoke or light candles in or near your tent – make sure any cigarettes are properly put out.
• Always camp in a campsite unless you have authorized permission to camp – especially in the New Forest as there are wild animals and it may be unsafe. 
• Keep your tent well away from any campfires – they do sometimes spit out and it may cause your tent to catch fire. 

Research has shown that camping is also great for kids - They learn to slow down, move away from electronic devices and appreciate their environment. They gain skills around self-sufficiency and according to Prof Wright it might even help their body clocks reset?

What do you think? 

Based on your experience do children sleep better under canvas?

Has your child developed a love for the outdoors as a result of your last camping trip ?

Not been camping yet and keen to give it a try - come visit us or find a campsite near you.

The Avon Tyrrell Girls Can

“It is inspiring to see women taking on challenges and outdoor adventures and really embracing the outdoors.”

With so much focus today being on the way women look, it is no wonder really why many young girls feel as though they have to look, act and behave a certain way. ‘This Girl Can’ is a campaign that highlights how women see themselves in despite of the way they look - A bit of sweat, no makeup, old clothes, it doesn't matter.

As a youth charity, we want to support this campaign and actively promote how girls can choose more.

Outdoor adventure is challenging, it is different, but it is fun and it does open up new experiences, learning and opportunities.  

At Avon Tyrrell we teach young people (and adults) every day how to get the most out of their sessions with us, developing their life skills, boosting self-esteem, character and increasing confidence, we encourage people to try new things and believe in what they can do. 

The outdoors isn't just about being outside, there is so much you can get from it on a physical and emotional level.  It is a well-known fact girls (and boys) are vulnerable to judgement, many girls will actively choose to not participate in something for fear of further judgement. Yes, with outdoor activities you may get helmet hair, or you most likely will get water in your face, but girls can and do these activities in spite of this. 

You don’t have to go to the Gym, you don’t have to sweat through a circuits class or Bootcamp session, you don’t have to do Zumba or go swimming.  There are so many other ways to stay active in ways that you will enjoy. If you don’t enjoy it, don’t do it, but don’t not try it. 
Outdoor fitness is a crucial part of having an active lifestyle so go Climbing, go Kayaking, have a go at Archery or go out riding, being in the New Forest National Park, we are lucky to have so many options surrounding us, so make this year one to try something new and see just how much you can do. 

We are supporting this campaign to help young women see that there are so many more opportunities when they are not staring judgement in the face. These Girls Can.

Meet the Avon Tyrrell Activity Girls...

Tansi (22)

Best Tyrrell Activity: Climbing, High Ropes and kayaking

Hobbies/Interests: I love all kinds of sports, most of all snowboarding and climbing, which I thoroughly enjoy and wish to spend more time improving my skills on. Travelling and photography are my greatest passions. Wherever I go I try to experience and learn as much of the language, culture and about the people as possible. I like to bring forward my own ideas and use my joy to plan and organize.

Quote: “The outdoors and sports are like a physical and mental therapy to me and in combination they are just the perfect balance I need.”

Beca (18)

Best Tyrrell Activity: High Ropes and/or Climbing

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, climbing and listening to music.

Quote: "I love the outdoors because I find it’s great to go outside and relax as it’s full of adventure and never boring."

Natalie (32)

Best Tyrrell Activity: Kayaking & High Ropes

Hobbies/Interests: Kayaking – white water & sea, Canoeing, Climbing, Rowing, Reading, Films, Spending time with friends & family

Quote:"I love working and playing in the outdoors because it is an environment that offers the same challenges to everyone regardless of background, ability, age or gender. The questions of how you are going to get up that mountain/cliff/tree or across/down that body of water etc. are the universal to all, it is simply a matter of the right attitude and technique! My job enables me to teach people some of these outdoor skills & activity techniques but the right attitude comes entirely from them and I feel very privileged to work in an environment that rewards anyone with determination so richly." 

Please feel free to comment with your views :)

Banishing Boredom - Adventures with the Kids

What can we say? This half term has been a massive success at Avon Tyrrell. Banishing boredom with loads of outdoor adventure and activities for young people and their families.

Fundays were fully booked giving children the opportunity to let loose and enjoy being active outdoors, whilst also making new friends and becoming more open to new and exciting challenges.

Although not everyone wanted to abseil down the climbing tower, or take the leap of faith on the high ropes, it was important that everyone had the opportunity to challenge themselves and give something a try.

All in all it’s been a great week and we’ve had some pretty great adventures.

We have seen….

• Pizza covered faces
• Bags of marshmallows toasted
• Lots of warm hot chocolate
• Family Events
• Many packed lunches consumed
• Challenges faced
• Targets hit
• Shelters built
• First aid dummies resuscitated
• Trails Explored
• Towers climbed
• Games played
• Teamwork
• Bike Tracks cycled
• Excitement
• Fun in the rain
• Fun in the sun
• Balloons given out
• Adventure courses taken on
• Great feedback
• New bookings made

A Day Out with the Kids

Our NEW range of Family Events planned for 2015 kicked off with our Exploration Trail being a huge success. We understand that keeping your kids entertained during the holidays can become costly, so our family events are ideal to get your kids doing something active for a few hours. Families spent the day discovering new things around the site and searching for clues before finishing the trail with hot drinks and marshmallows around the campfire. They had a blast with the kids exploring the site. Feedback has been extremely positive and as something different they all had a great time and are looking forward to more opportunities with us over the next few months.

If we are being honest, our open sessions could have done better regarding attendance but everyone that did join in had a fantastic time and it just means more opportunities for new people to give Avon Tyrrell a try in the future.

As well as some pretty awesome Fundays and family activities, we have also had in Prince’s Trust Groups from Brighton and Hove staying in the Lodges doing developmental learning in an outdoor environment. They have come a long way in the 4 days they have been with us, exactly what they hoped to achieve and we are here to provide so thumbs up to them and the team leading them for all of their hard work.

Avon Tyrrell is perfect no matter what the weather, so even if the British weather plays its normal tricks and starts raining seconds after beaming sunshine, activities will still run. Give us a try! We’re confident that we have something to offer all age groups.

Follow us on Facebook too and stay updated with events and offers for special days out with kids, plus you can share ideas easily with us and your friends. 

Book Fundays, Events, Open Sessions and more online here.

There may not be Wi-Fi in the forest, but you will find a better connection.

Being online today means being able to connect with the world 24 hours a day and with a whole world out there to explore, many believe that they can do it virtually by experiencing what others do. But does that compare to being able to explore and experience these things yourselves with real hands on experience?

We’re saying no, and it doesn’t have to be one or the other, you can actively do both in equal measure to ensure you are experiencing these things yourself and then you yourself can share them with the world.

Instead of taking virtual tours,  reading someone else’s blogs about travel and watching someone else’s adventure on YouTube, create your own! Come to Avon Tyrrell and try it first-hand. In the New Year you probably made resolutions to be more active, get your kids more active and try different and exciting things. Well, now’s your chance. “There may not be Wi-Fi in the forest, but we promise you will find a better connection.”

‘Let’s create a better internet together’.

With Internet Awareness Day taking place on Tuesday 10th Feb and with coordination across the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre, hundreds of organizations will get involved to promote safe and responsible use of digital technology for children and young people.

Whilst Avon Tyrrell is an outdoor activity centre, last year we ran a number of Surf and Turf Camps aimed at giving young people the opportunities to experience technology, yet combining it with the outdoors, to show that these two things can interlink to develop creativity online and showcase how the outdoors can interact with different online platforms in new and exciting ways.

Online safety today is just as important as being safe when you are outdoors and today children are just as vulnerable when they log on to their computer. By offering opportunities and highlighting positive uses of technology, and exploring the roles we play in helping to create a better and safer online community, we are doing our bit to ensure we are actively involved with different elements influencing the lives of young people. A better internet is ultimately up to us all, and as a young person’s charity, it is our duty to ensure they are aware of the issues when uploading their content online.

Keeping your kids safe online

• Restrict access to all over 18 sites
• Restrict access to social media networks and chatrooms
• Put time restrictions on online usage
• Limit internet access for homework
• Check internet history after use
• Talk to them about the dangers online

Get them off their computers, get them outdoors and get them reconnecting with nature and experiencing the wilderness. With fields, forests, parks, beaches, outdoor centres and even gardens, it is important to help improve fitness, mental alertness and general wellbeing.

Encouraging your child to go outdoors with their friends by not giving them access to social media and not giving them unlimited access to the internet will also help protect them and give them better experiences and help develop life skills and better awareness of life.

Check out Google Maps to see virtually what Avon Tyrrell has to offer or even better, come to the centre and choose to check it out yourself!

Avon Tyrrell

The Quality of an Avon Tyrrell Apprenticeship

Many businesses today see Apprenticeships as an economically driven opportunity to expand their business. 

We at Avon Tyrrell, as part of the National Charity UK Youth, place huge value on Apprenticeships as a way to provide training to assist young people with hands on experience in a sector of interest; helping young people experience, learn and develop.

Learn to work as a team in the outdoor environment.

Our aim is to equip our apprentices not only with work based experience and a formal NVQ, but with high quality awards and qualifications from governing bodies that they can then take away and use in their future career. Suffice to say in our experience not all outdoor centres feel or do the same.

As a youth charity, we want to make a difference to the lives of young people.  All of our apprentices are 18-25 and are either on a Level 2 (Intermediate) or Level 3 (Advanced) Apprenticeship.  As part of our selection process we select apprentices from a variety of backgrounds who, we believe, will benefit most from the opportunity and who have a passion to work in our sector.  Our aim is to increase engagement with education and training, reducing the number of young people who are not in employment, education or training.

Our outdoor apprentices, much like many others, are not always the strongest academically, but have a keen interest to further invest in learning through practical training and hands on experience, so they can work and demonstrate their strengths and ‘earn whilst they learn’.

Take part in discussions.

From our experience the quality of outdoor apprenticeships varies considerably, lacking continuity with the worst on offer simply drawing down the funding and only providing the national minimum apprenticeship wage with no additional benefits.  As a result of this they then get tied into an organisation as they don’t hold nationally recognised qualifications and are only trained in house. Their ‘qualifications’ don’t mean anything elsewhere, making it harder for them to leave and further their careers.

Despite guidelines regarding the qualifications that should be provided as part of an outdoor apprenticeship a number of centres take advantage of this and substitute top quality national qualifications with the cheapest most cost effective option, often not related to the outdoors such as a Food Hygiene Certificate, or specialised qualifications such as powerboat qualifications which are not widely used across all centres.

This then has a detrimental effect on their ability to pursue a career in the outdoor industry because:

•  Once you have done an apprenticeship at a certain level, you cannot do it again leaving them with very limited options.
• They cannot get a seasonal or advanced apprenticeship as they don’t hold the expected level of industry qualifications.
• They can’t re-do their year as it won’t be government funded any more
• Self - Funding qualifications, can be expensive and time consuming

Present work from your portfolio.

Although the cost for us to train our apprentices is more than the income from the government, we believe in investing into the young people and providing them with a solid career path.

  

On top of this we know that we are then delivery a high quality of service to the groups and young people that visit us at Avon Tyrrell.

So, what do they do…?

NVQ 2’s are typically in their first year in the industry with little to no experience and their 12 months with us is spent attending NGB (National Governing Body) Courses, in house training, developing their college portfolio and shadowing sessions until they are ready for sign offs, to then lead and deliver sessions alone to a high standard.

The foundation skills developed in year one enables the intermediate apprentices to only work with certain youth groups, primary school visits, friends and family groups and children visiting on fundays/parties. In and around sessions, the apprentices are working around site doing safety checks, repairs and upgrades to equipment and assisting maintenance where needed. We also put our apprentices into PODS’ with senior instructors so that we can offer additional support, training and mentoring where needed.

  

Lead on outdoor sessions providing learning outcomes.

Many of our first year apprentices have the opportunity to stay on and complete an NVQ 3 with further training and development in areas of individual interest and opportunities to work with more demanding groups such as Princes Trust and NCS. Whilst we are not always able to provide this to everyone, the qualifications gained during their NVQ2 gives them strong opportunities for employment elsewhere.

We are extremely proud to say that the apprentices who have completed their programmes with us, have successfully moved on to some very respectable jobs within the industry, including; Senior instructors, managers and trainers, experts in selling outdoor equipment, establishing their own outdoor businesses, working with challenging young people and being school teachers - the list goes on! The point is that apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity to establish a future career path and the quality of the apprenticeship schemes that we provide really holds our employees in high regard within the outdoor industry and demonstrates the work that we do for young people as part of the National Charity UK Youth.

What they get from their apprenticeships with us.

NVQ 2			NVQ 3
NGB Qualifications	In House Qualifications	College Portfolio	NGB Qualifications	In House Training	College Portfolio	Additional Responsibilities
First Aid at Work	Raft Building/Pioneering	Functional skills Level 1 in English and Maths	ERCA Rescue	Abseiling	Functional skills Level 2 in English and Maths	Take on overseeing an activity base
ERCA High and Low Ropes Instructor	Environmental Activities – Night Walks, Bushcraft, Shelter Building	Level 2 award in employment awareness in active leisure and learning	ERCA Zip Wire	Advanced Soft Skills	Level 3 award employment awareness in active leisure and learning	Become positive role models for new staff
BCU 2 Star	Safety Checks	Level 2 NVQ in active leisure learning and wellbeing operational services	Outdoor Leader		Level 3 BTEC in skills and activities for sport and leisure (outdoor education)	Provide assistance with additional training and support for new staff.
BCU Foundation Safety and Rescue	Fundays	Level 2 certificate in leisure operations	*CWA (Climbing Wall Award)		Level 3 NVQ diploma in outdoor programmes- outdoor recreation
BCU UKCC Level 1 Paddle sport Coach	Child Protection and Safeguarding		*BCU 3 Star/s
RLSS National Pool Lifeguard (NPLQ)	Pool Water Testing		* BCU UKCC Level 2 Paddlesport Coach
NICAS Level 1 and 2 Climbing Awards	Adventure Challenge Course		* British Cycling Level 1 (or 2) Mountain Bike Leader
	Inclusion and Disability Awareness		* Bushcraft and Forest Schools Qualifications
	Soft Skills

We also offer additional apprenticeships across the centre as we believe young people should sit at the heart of what we do.

To find out more about a day in the life of an apprentice please watch this short YouTube clip written, directed and acted by one of our learning pods earlier this month.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AegBevxkgeo 

If you have any thoughts on the subject, please feel free to comment.

Thanks

Avon Tyrrell