Opening Times

All

What makes this a great venue for School group Fun or Educational Visits?

Owned and run by The Scout Association, a charity and the UK’s largest mixed youth organisation, but available to use by all, we are the perfect people to deliver amazing outdoor experiences.

What are the Curriculum Topics or Benefit to the students from a visit?

Many schools use us simply use our activities as a fun day out for pupils, to build teamwork and confidence. However, all of our activities can be used as the basis for lessons on specific subject areas and there are a range of lesson plans available online to support this for both Key Stage 1 and 2. Our centres are particularly good for geography field trips – Hawkhirst is around 50 miles north west of Newcastle on the shore of Kielder Water. Hawkhirst is set in 70 acres of forest.

What are the activities?

Abseiling, Adventure Course, Archery, BCU Kayak and Canoe Courses, Bell Boats, Campcraft/Bushcraft, Canoeing, Climbing, Crate Stacking, Dinghy Sailing, Drascombe Long Boats, Environmental,Hike Routes, Jacob's Ladder, Kayaking, Launch Trips, Orienteering, Pioneering, Pole Climbing, Raft Building, Rowing Boats, RYA Dinghy Courses, Shelter Building, Team Building, Sensory Trail, Backwoods Cooking.

What is the age range of the activities?

6 years old and above (some activities only suitable for older pupils) – Primary and Secondary.

Sample programme of the activities:

Breakfast followed by canoeing and orienteering, lunch followed by sensory trail and backwoods cooking, dinner and evening games.

What materials to you provide or suggest groups bring to support the visit?

Pupils should wear casual clothing for activities - jeans and a T-shirt or sweatshirt depending on the weather, as well as trainers or other sports shoes. We have both indoor accommodation and camping onsite - we do supply bedding but you may want to bring extra blankets for particularly cold seasons.

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes and the free Teacher Ratio?

1:10

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

Risk assessments are provided - please contact us for copies. Our safety and policies are also viewable online on www.scouts.org.uk/sac

Do you offer Teacher familiarisation days?

Yes - we have a range of open days at each centre throughout the year but teachers and other members of the public are welcome to visit our centres to look around and learn more - just call the centre on +44(0)1434 250 217 to arrange an informal look around.

What facilities are there for school groups for food and drink, shop etc?

Self or full catering available. There is also a shop onsite with a range of drinks and snacks as well as souvenirs.

Is specific clothing required?

No, but casual clothing is advised! The acitvities are outdoor (and many on the water) so dress according to the season!

Do you have first aid on site?

Yes.

Are there any restrictions on photos, copyright etc?

No.

Additional information.

Hawkhirst Activity Centre is owned and run by The Scout Association but available to use by schools and other groups.