Bolton School, along with its adventure learning centre Patterdale Hall in the Lake District, remains the only school in the UK to be partnered with Adventure Smart UK.
Tim Taylor, Patterdale Hall Manager, explains the link-up: ‘Our partnership with Adventure Smart UK is a way of demonstrating our commitment to spreading key safety messages in the use of the outdoors. Each year we introduce thousands of young people to outdoor adventure. Recognising that for many, this is just the start of their journey, the Adventure Smart UK message is shared at every opportunity and is woven throughout all that we do. We believe it enables young people to become responsible and competent outdoor users.
‘The #beadventuresmart hashtag is often shared on social media by those in the partnership and the Adventure Smart UK website is a fantastic resource to signpost.
'The key ingredients for a great day are to check the weather forecast, to know where you are going, to plan for the least able member of the group and to check your equipment - map, compass, mobile phone battery, a torch and whistle and it is important, of course, to stay warm and dry, and fed and hydrated.
‘Time spent in the great outdoors, alone or as part of a group, has proven health and well-being benefits, as well as allowing young people to develop the key characteristics necessary to flourish in other parts of life. Undertaking activities safely whilst maintaining a level of adventure underpins all that we do at Patterdale Hall and through Bolton School.
‘Our ongoing partnership with Adventure Smart UK reflects the key considerations we ask of all our students when we encourage them to undertake activity for themselves and without the close supervision of our professional staff. By consciously embedding these key considerations in people before they venture out, the probability is that they have safer and more enjoyable adventures.’
