Outdoor adventuring

When it comes to Summer School courses, Outdoor Adventures has become something of an icon. We chatted to instructor, Rikki Crossley to discover why it continues to be such a popular choice for young people and what skills and memories they will be taking away from their summer holiday. 
 

MCSS: Rikki, we're really excited to welcome you and the H5 Adventure team back to Marlborough College this summer to lead Outdoor Adventurers (for 9 to 12-year olds) and Teenage Outdoor Adventures (for 13 to 17-year olds). What can young people look forward to?

RC: A fun filled week of enjoyable activities. We have a brand-new inflatable obstacle course, which is bigger, better, taller and faster than the previous one. We have been dusting off the holds in the Climbing Wall. We have better splashing paddles on the Water Sports Activities and more ropes to make the perfect Raft. We have also been shipping in more mud for the famous Swamp Challenge! 

MCSS: How long have H5 Adventure been running Outdoor Adventures at Summer School?

RC: We have been running the OA course at Marlborough College for around 16 years, and each year we try to bring something new to the Summer School for the young people to do and enjoy.

MCSS: Why do you think it continues to be such a popular choice of activity?

RC: It is a chance to enjoy yourself whilst learning some valuable life skills, whether that is climbing or paddling. It's also great to get wet and muddy without being told off by your parents! Doing all this with your friends, family or meeting new people that you can stay friends with and meet year after year.

MCSS: What skills can young people gain from spending time outdoors?

RC: Beyond the well-known health benefits of outdoor activities, young people can gain self-confidence in climbing, creativity when raft building, problem solving skills in the swamp challenge and motor skills when canoeing and kayaking.

MCSS: Besides the physical health benefits, are there any emotional and social benefits?

RC: Some of the activities will edge the Young Adventures or Teenagers slightly out of their comfort zone, which will not only give them a great experience but help them learn what they can do and what they can push themselves to do. Whether that is reaching the top of the climbing wall for the first time or paddling a canoe without the fear of falling in the water.

MCSS: What would you say to any young people who are perhaps coming to Summer School for the first time or feeling a bit nervous about whether Outdoor Adventures is the right course for them?

RC: If you like having fun with lots of likeminded people, this will be the course for you. Our instructors have years of experience and will tailor each session to individuals as well as the whole team, so if you are a little nervous about a certain activity that you may not have done before, they will help you do as much or as little as you like.

MCSS: What do you personally enjoy most about Summer School?

RC: There are two things I enjoy the most about Summer School. Firstly, seeing the young people have fun and enjoy the activities we are providing and them wanting to do more and more. And secondly, getting wet and muddy in The Swamp Challenge!

MCSS: Finally, how would you describe your course in three words?

RC: Best Week Ever