Activities - Arthog Wales
Overview
One of the best ways to begin a programme of activities at Arthog is to spend a couple of hours experiencing a series of team building challenges which establish the basics of successful teamwork and set the scene for the adventures which lie ahead. These introductory sessions are also a great way for instructors to get to know everyone within their group. A clear understanding of the capabilities and needs of a group are key to the delivery of a successful programme.
Your options
Within our grounds we have a variety of team challenges, and the design of each has a bearing on the outcomes. Some of the challenges like 'The Wall' and 'Jacobs Ladder' are physically challenging and encourage physical contact and team support. The 'Mushroom Maze' and 'Tyre retrieval' have more of a problem solving emphasis, while others, like the 'Rope Swing' and 'Spiders Web' serve as 'ice breakers' and begin to break down the barriers within the group.
Throughout the Team Challenge session, your instructor is free to 'pick and mix' the menu of challenges to suit the abilities and needs of the group. This approach ensures that we make optimum use of the session and focus on the aspects of the group which require most development.
Trail Quest
Takes team challenges and incorporates them into a journey of discovery. Successful completion of each challenge provides the team with information which will enable them to complete the next stage of the journey. It is a themed adventure day involving a series of challenges spread along the length of a scenic woodland walk and just happening to include a lake or two.
Raft building
Presents an even more adventurous opportunity to develop the team and it is a great project for developing cooperative working and practical skills. Barrels, planks, ropes - and an appropriate body of water, are the main ingredients of this dynamic session with an aim of designing and assembling a raft big enough and strong enough to enable the whole team to take to the water. Your instructor will be there to guide, but not lead the activity, and give a bit of coaching if required. When the construction process is finished, on go the buoyancy aids and helmets - and the raft is prepared for launch... This can be a wet one!
Overview
This activity has something for everyone and is consistently rated as one of the highlights of an Arthog visit. As well as being lots of fun, this is a superb activity for encouraging team effort and team support.
Your options
For younger children 'wetting their feet' for the first time, we use several local streams which provide a healthy balance of challenge and fun. The activity is managed to encourage interaction within the team - lots of 'helping hands'- and also develops leadership, shared responsibility and team spirit.
For those with higher aspirations and a desire to jump into plunge pools and swim through canyons, it's 'on' with the wetsuit and 'off' to one of the river gorges in the locality. The geography and climate here combine to make this 'gorge country' and we have access to several stunning locations which enable us to provide you with a fantastic adventure in a beautiful location.
Overview
At Arthog we are keen for everyone to 'have a try' at a variety of new experiences. We know that dangling off a rope may not be everyone's idea of fun, but we also know that having a go, overcoming fears and achieving success is a great way to build self confidence and self esteem. Of all of our activities, this is the one where you are most likely to hear the self satisfied exclamation ''I did it!''
Your options
We are very fortunate to have a variety of venues to chose from to suit age, ability and the weather!
- A short drive gives us access to the beach and several small sea cliffs.
- Across the bridge to Barmouth takes us to the superb 'Barmouth slabs'.
And finally, for adults keen to develop their skills under the watchful eye of Arthog instructors we occasionally organise sport climbing trips further afield.
Overview
The mountains of Snowdonia have been exploited for their rock and mineral wealth for centuries. The legacy of this historical exploration is mountains laced with tunnels and chambers.
Your options
We are very lucky to have private access to a local slate mine, where we can take you on an underground adventure. As we explore the network of tunnels and chambers we will tell you about the rock and the life and work of the Welsh slate miners in Victorian times.
This adventure blends the challenges of underground exploration with an insight into the industrial heritage of Wales, adding both a historical and cultural dimension to the experience.
For more experienced explorers there are plenty of fascinating systems to choose from and occasionally we host guided mine exploration weekends for the enthusiast. For more information please contact info@athorg.co.uk.
Overview
The mountain environment of Snowdonia is a stunning, magical landscape. Journeying in the mountains sees the physical challenge rewarded with a wilderness experience combining rugged terrain, changing weather patterns and breathtaking beauty.
Your options
For younger children, we are fortunate to have some 'mini-mountains' on our doorstep. These walks encapsulate all aspects of the mountain experience and even the most reluctant 'mountaineers' can usually be coaxed to the top.
As an alternative to reaching a summit, groups can explore the uplands using one of our photo walks. The information provided enables the children to navigate their journey using instructions, maps and photographs. And what better place to bring to life lessons from the classroom - mountain features, rivers, land use, conservation or the more mysterious world of Celtic myths and legends
For the more adventurous it's a short step from the Centre to the grandeur of the Cader Idris range or the wildness of the Rhinogedd . The classic glaciated features of Cader Idris are a focal point for geography field study groups as well as mountaineers.
Overview
As summer approaches and the sea begins to warm up, it's time to dust off the surf boards and head for the beach.
Surfing is an exhilarating sport and a fantastic way to boost water confidence -persuading the group to leave the sea and head back to the Centre is sometimes the toughest part of the session!
Barmouth Bay is a sea area rich in wildlife and to top off the surfing experience you might find something of interest washed up on the shore or be lucky enough to see porpoise or dolphin passing by.
Your options
After a short introduction to either the body boards or the surf boards, we would expect to see most novices catching waves and experiencing the thrill of surfing towards the beach. The local beach at Fairbourne is a favourite choice with younger groups, and is only five minutes drive from the Centre. If the conditions are favourable we'll take you along the coast to Tywyn.
Throughout the session participants work in pairs - the 'buddy system'. This approach encourages the participants to support, encourage and look after each other - all under the watchful eye of their instructor.
Overview
Another new experience and another set of skills. Orienteering develops an understanding of maps and map reading in a practical and fun way. Typically younger participants work in pairs and are given the freedom to explore the orienteering area and find their own way. This encourages their independence, self reliance and cooperative skills.
Your options
As an evening option you can introduce the activity using our on-site course.
Or we can take you to our larger woodland course for more of a challenge. Many programme organisers chose to use this activity on their final morning - a great finale with everyone getting involved.
Overview
There is something very special about being in control of your own small boat !
At Arthog we are very lucky to have a range of craft of different styles and access to variety of fantastic venues including small sheltered lakes, estuaries and the sea.
Your options
For novices acquiring new skills and building confidence we can use open canoes (Canadian canoes) on one of our small lakes for a fun and games session. Sharing a boat with a partner who also has a paddle can present some interesting problems, so this is a great activity for developing communication skills and cooperative working.
For the more adventurous and in the spirit of early travellers, we can take canoes to the local rivers and estuaries for a journey of exploration ! The Mawddach estuary is an awe inspiring journey, weaving along the valley flanked by mountain ranges on either side.
For even greater independence take kayaks. Coastal trips take you past the local cliffs where you can see the colonies of seabirds nesting and may even get a glimpse of seals, porpoise or dolphin.
Occasionally we organise longer trips further afield for anyone interested in journeying by canoe. Get in touch if you are interested.
Many schools visiting Arthog choose to incorporate the John Muir Conservation Award into their adventure activity programme. The Award requires participants to discover and explore wild places but then do something positive to contribute towards their conservation. The main focus for our conservation work has been the removal of rubbish - especially plastics - washed onto the local beaches.
In 2012 more schools visiting Arthog took part in the John Muir Award than ever before.1431 primary and secondary school pupils achieved the Discovery Award from the John Muir Trust, making Arthog the largest provider of the award in Wales. The Centre was recognised for its important contribution to conservation and was shortlisted for the final of the prestigious Keep Wale'sTidy Awards.
A key factor in the success of the project is learning about the harm plastics can cause to wildlife in the marine environment. Once everyone understands the importance of the job we are undertaking they tackle the task with enthusiasm and commitment and collectively remove hundreds of bin bags of debris each year.
Stepping into an adventure at Arthog is a lot more than simply experiencing a challenging activity. To take part in the activity you have to journey into wild places and that's when the discovery and learning really has an impact. There is no substitute for learning from first hand experience and putting in the effort to improve the marine habitat is a powerful way of engaging young people in conservation and developing positive attitudes towards looking after the environment.