Peak District Outdoor Activities for kids: Dave Matthews – Aspire Adventure Activities
Life is full of challenges for young people and one of the best ways to help them prepare for these is by getting them active and taking part in outdoor activities.
There are so many activities for kids to do in the Peak District, I but have chosen the ‘Black Rocks Adventure Day‘ to show how this can benefit young people.
Black Rocks Adventure Day
The day is a mixture of all our outdoor activities. It’s a bit like an assault course with rock scrambling and Weasling where young people have to overcome different challenges including the SlipperySlab, the Wormhole, The Cheese Grater, the Mega Weasel, the Big Climb and then being lowered down the cliff. All these challenges introduce them to Climbing, Caving and Abseiling.
After all those outdoor challenges Half the day is complete, so what’s next?
The next challenge is a bigger abseil. The children have to lower themselves down the cliff. I find doing an abseil one of the most fulfilling outdoor challenges for young people to do. Perched high on the cliff the abseil is quite a challenge especially as they inch closer to the edge and finally down they go-what a sense of achievement.
The day is not quite finished. Next, we have an activity which is quite different and requires different skills. Orienteering. This is a bit like a treasure hunt where young people have to look for hidden markers in a forest area using a map and within a certain time.
The skills used are decision making, problem-solving, time management, concentration and teamwork-all important for their future development. At the end of the Orienteering, they receive a prize. A great way to finish the day.
From our own observations, feedback from teachers and parents we always see a change in young people on this day, and by the end, they are buzzing! They have increased focus, more confidence improved social skills, increased, reduced stress, they challenge themselves and their limitations and realise sense ‘I can do this‘ and they get a real sense of achievement.
That’s just one activity Aspire Adventure Activities has to offer young kids. There are so many more for them to do and benefit from and help them face the future ahead.
Book Your School Outdoor Activity Day
Get in touch to book your school or group in one of our courses. You can use the form to the right or Click the phone number on this website.
David Matthews is a qualified teacher having a BEd degree in Outdoor Education. Dave has been taking groups on outdoor activities in the Peak District for over 25 years.
Telephone No.01629 732445