Based in the heart of the community it serves Harlow Outdoors is an exciting and vibrant centre for outdoor learning. Set in beautiful Essex parkland beside the River Stort, the centre is just 10 minutes from the town of Harlow. With good river access, a climbing tower, high and low ropes challenge courses and a 60-acre lake Harlow Outdoors provides a variety of land and water-based opportunities.
OBJECTIVES
The centre is renowned for its work with schools, youth groups and colleges. Courses at Harlow are the ‘Adventure Alternative’ – bringing life and variety to the National Curriculum. Instructors use the natural challenge and excitement of outdoor activities in a structured, safe framework, for all young people.
ACCOMMODATION
Harlow operates mainly as a day centre – around 90% of courses are run on this basis. The centre also offers camping and canal boat accommodation (the latter comprises two traditional narrow boats and one wide beam canal barge, all modified to provide improved access). Another option is via the ‘wild country’ programmes, when participants stay at local campsites, bunkhouses, hostels or hotels.
VISITORS
The majority of visitors are from schools, youth groups and colleges. With its range of year-round and seasonal club activities – including fitness, canoeing and rock climbing – the centre is also popular with corporate groups and the community as a whole.
COURSES
Courses at Harlow are designed to help young people learn new skills, develop self-reliance and self-esteem and take on new responsibilities. Instructors – all experienced, qualified professionals – ensure the balance of learning, enjoyment and safety is always maintained. Programmes can be tailored to a group’s specific learning objectives, whether part of the National Curriculum, or ‘for fun’. As part of the Essex Youth Service, Harlow Outdoors is committed to providing activities that meet both educational and personal objectives. With its partner organisations Harlow is involved in drug education, personal, social and health education, peer support programmes, youth consultation, crime and disorder prevention, diversionary programmes, sport development and school “off the street” initiatives. Courses are run as weeklong residential programmes in Harlow/the French Pyrenees, or as a series of one day sessions.
Study options (as part of the National Curriculum): Physical Education _ Cross-curricular activities PSHE
Other activities: Team building Problem solving Canoeing Fitness (Sea) Kayaking Rock climbing (aged 13+) Duke of Edinburgh’s expeditions (Harlow is an accredited award centre) Multi-activity youth club (for 8-13 year olds) Networking/communication
Physical Education _ Cross-curricular activities