Adventurous Activities Sector Partnership
Chaired by Randall Williams of the English Outdoor Council, the Adventurous Activities Sector Partnership has seen excellent involvement and commitment from its members in promotion of a wide variety of LOtC projects.
The coming months see further activity, the most prominent of which is Outdoor Adventure Week. Running from 24 to 31 May, it has three aims:
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To achieve a greater understanding among the general public of the scope of outdoor provision and the benefits of participation, with the aim of increasing demand.
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To promote the value of the outdoors as a venue for healthy exercise; fresh air, recreation and appreciation of the rural and natural environment.
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To contribute to achieving a balanced view of risks and benefits and to promote an adventurous approach to life.
Many members of the sector are contributing to the 'Out and About' package. Ian Park, Tony Thomas and Randall Williams are on the NAG sub-group that is developing the quality-badge criteria, and a number of OEAP members, including Bill Taylor, Paul Airey and Steve Lenartowicz, are helping to write to the guidance and CPD modules.
Steve Lenartowicz has also drawn together proof point research material held by the Institute of Outdoor Learning into a document that will be circulated to Directors of Children's Services (to support the Communications Campaign).
The sector has undertaken two specific projects in support of the Manifesto. Using its Manifesto funding from the DCSF, the sector gave £1,000 grants to eight diverse and distinct pilot projects across the country, each of which provided interesting examples of the nature of the sector. From a family low ropes course organised by Birmingham City Council to using youth leaders to help schools deliver Manifesto aims, the sector has demonstrated the advantages to incorporating adventurous activities into the school curriculum.
There has been much interest in the LOtC Manifesto from providers, in particular it is great to see such a variety and range of provision. This is one excellent example:
The Woodcraft School is now offering a Modern Woodland Apprenticeship, working with a group of of 14— to 16-year-olds on the verge of exclusion who are currently suffering in the classroom environment. The award was inspired by their teacher Lita Angell, who had discovered positive changes in their behaviour as a result of being taught outdoors and wanted to offer her students an alternative qualification in practical skills (which will also be followed up by a new qualification in bushcraft later this year). The students will gain a level 2 certificate from the NCFE, a basic guide to setting up a business, financial gain from the project which goes to a charity of their choice and a good knowledge of practical skills. Also included in this 12-day course is work towards key skills together with a good introduction to woodland management and nature-based education, and as part of the programme the group will produce charcoal, besom brooms, hurdles and a project for their school garden. For more information on the Modern Woodland Apprentice visit the Woodcraft School website.
The Ordnance Survey Outdoor Show will be held again at the NEC in Birmingham between 14 and 16 March 2008. Providers from across the Adventurous Activities sector will be at the show making sure that the wider general public, particularly parents, understand about the fantastic benefits offered by their approach to experiential learning. This is a great opportunity to encourage people from all walks of life to come along. For more information visit the Outdoor Show website.
