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The Epic Adventures programme comprises a range of safe, effective and exciting outdoor learning experiences designed to complement schools' onsite and local outdoor learning and support progression for experiences further afield. 

Hosted at Bonaly Scout Centre, situated in the Pentland Hills, the City based Outdoor Learning team will deliver 4 Epic programme types - School Day, Extended Day, 1 Night and 2 Night. These shorter, local mini adventures give schools a flavour of the full residential experience provided at Benmore and Lagganlia Outdoor Centre, support transition and provide local affordable adventurous experiences. 

Epic Adventures 2022 will take place during summer and autumn terms for targeted schools. 

EPIC PROGRAMMES

SCHOOL DAY

A day of activities within school hours. Supporting transition, team building, increasing confidence and self-esteem and connecting staff and pupils.

EXTENDED DAY

Extended day delivery beyond normal school hours, often into the evening. Adventurous activity day, with evening activity as a small step progression to prepare for an overnight residential experience.

ONE NIGHT

2 day, 1 night mini residential experience primarily as a progression to longer and further afield residential experiences.

TWO NIGHT

3 day, 2 night mini residential experience designed to accommodate a limited number of P7 classes who are unable to undertake the full residential experience at Benmore or Lagganlia.

DATE ALLOCATION & BOOKING

Targeted schools have been allocated a date and programme via email.

Please follow this link to formally accept or decline the offer:  Microsoft Form - Confirmation of Booking

HELP AND ADVICE

If you have any questions, please contact outdoorlearning@edinburgh.gov.uk

EPIC ADVENTURES TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Please view and read Epic Adventures Terms and Conditions here. 

FURTHER INFORMATION

  • The Sport and Outdoor Learning Unit operate The City of Edinburgh Council’s three outdoor centres – Bangholm (Edinburgh), Benmore (Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park) and Lagganlia (Cairngorms National Park);
  • Highly qualified and experienced to deliver outdoor learning provision-  including residential visits, overnight camping expeditions, and adventurous activities,
  • Manages the Council’s offsite/excursions policy, guidance and associated resources
  • Provide ongoing and robust COVID-19 mitigations based in line with national/Council guidance and utilising sector-leading experience

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How has the price been worked out for this event?

The basis for this programme is that it is self-funding, we developed a pricing model for all the expenditure factors required for the programme and set the price aimed at a neutral cost outcome. 

Are we able to use PEF money to support participation?

Yes, PEF can be used towards the cost of the programme.

Can we book additional / alternative outdoor learning provision with a third-party provider?

Current guidance on using third party providers can be found in CEC’s Excursion Toolbox [link].

Is transport included in the price and will use of private hire vehicles be permitted?

Transport isn’t included in the price. Latest guidance on transport is can be found in excursions Toolbox

How many school staff need to accompany the pupils, and what will be expected of them?

School staff must be present at a 1:15 ratio. More staff can attend as required to support pupils with identified needs. Staff will join activity groups and take part in the mini-expedition and may have the opportunity to take part in onsite adventurous activities. Staff will have responsibility for managing behaviour of their classes, especially during the evening when there will be one instructor leading activities. Overnight and breakfast school staff will have sole responsibility for their classes. Induction sessions will be offered and out of hours contact number available for emergencies.

Will waterproofs, boots etc be available for pupils that aren’t able to bring these?

We will be running a kit store on site. Whilst we ask that pupils and staff come dressed for the outdoors and the programme type, if staff or pupils require essential pieces of equipment, we will aim to have these available. 

Can we bring parent helpers or other volunteers to help with supervision?

Please follow the current SORT guidance on parent helpers and volunteers. 

What happens if the weather is really bad on the day of our visit?

We’ll send information asking that pupils and staff come prepared for being outdoors, and we’ll have equipment, such as waterproofs, available if anyone comes without any. Each class has an undercover area assigned just to them; this can be used for eating under, or just for a break from the weather. If warnings for severe weather are issued, we have plans in place to cancel and will endeavour to reschedule.

Any questions we’ve not covered? Get in touch with us at outdoorlearning@edinburgh.gov.uk