The inclusive outdoor education centre in Cheshire, part of the Petty Pool Trust, can now deliver Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, as well as Gold Residential experiences.
The approval marks a new chapter for the inclusive outdoor education centre, which aims to help young people of different ages and abilities discover what they can achieve through outdoor learning and adventure.
Set within 40 acres of woodland in the heart of Cheshire, Venturewood at Petty Pool runs activities designed to encourage young people to step outside their comfort zones, try new experiences and develop confidence, independence and teamwork in a supportive environment.
“We’re passionate about making outdoor education accessible and giving every young person the opportunity to build confidence, develop independence and take pride in their achievements.”
Alan Cameron, outdoor education manager at Venturewood
Through its DofE programmes, participants will have the opportunity to develop practical outdoor skills, including navigation, route planning, first aid, campcraft and cooking, while learning to work together, overcome challenges and build resilience.
Strengthening a reputation for outdoor learning
The team at Venturewood have over 20 years’ combined experience in delivering outdoor education, with 6,500 children and young people visiting the centre over the past three years.
The new accreditation is hoped to build on this experience and reputation, and the centre has already supported Petty Pool College learners to complete Bronze and Silver DofE expeditions.
Alan Cameron, outdoor education manager at Venturewood, said: “Becoming a DofE Approved Activity Provider is a fantastic achievement for Venturewood and a really exciting opportunity for the young people we work with.
“We’ve seen first-hand the difference these experiences can make. For some young people, completing an expedition means trying something completely new, overcoming challenges they never thought possible and discovering just how much they can achieve.
“We’re passionate about making outdoor education accessible and giving every young person the opportunity to build confidence, develop independence and take pride in their achievements.”
Creating new opportunities
As an Approved Activity Provider, Venturewood Petty Pool can now support school groups looking to complete the Expedition section of their DofE Award, as well as offering Gold Residential experiences.
The new programmes will work alongside Venturewood’s existing outdoor education provision, including activity days, school residentials and holiday programmes delivered at its Petty Pool (Cheshire) and Delamere Forest (Norfolk) sites.
Venturewood is part of The Petty Pool Trust, a Cheshire charity dedicated to creating opportunities for young people and adults with learning disabilities and difficulties to develop skills, build independence and achieve their potential.
To find out more about DofE expeditions go to venturewood.org.uk.
