Type: School Trip Destinations

WEBSITE LINK:  http://www.ackers-adventure.co.uk/

CONTACT:  0121 7725111

E MAIL:  info@ackers-adventure.co.uk

School Trip & Group Educational Information 

Introduction 

The Ackers Adventurous Activity Centre is situated only 2 miles from the centre of Birmingham, and is a well-established centre for adventurous activities.  The site, set
in 70 acres of semi-rural land has a wide range of facilities including a 100m dry ski slope suitable for skiing and snowboarding, toboggan slope, 2 climbing walls, jungle challenge course and an archery course. The Ackers also benefits from the Grand Union Canal, which runs straight though the site making it an ideal location for canoeing, kayaking and bellboating.

Because of the size of the site and the expertise of our staff, we are also able to provide tailor made activities to suit the needs and requirements of school groups. Popular activities include team building, team challenge, staff development, forest schools and citizenship. Groups can visit The Ackers and spend one session, a morning or a whole day taking part in activities such as climbing, archery, canoeing etc. Alternatively they can have a tailor made day of team building or team challenge sessions.

The Ackers is a charitable organisation that offers subsidised rates of up to 50% off, to schools and youth groups, who make up a large proportion of our client base.

Group Sizes
The Ackers has the capacity to take a group of up to 200 students, which works on a basis of 10 students per instructor, dependent on the groups needs. However the majority of school groups that visit us bring between 10 and 50 students at one time.

Risk Assessments
We provide risk assessments for all of our activities.

Cost
Costs vary but range from £40.00 to £100.00 per group of 10.

First Aid
All of our staff and instructors are qualified in first aid.

Clothing
Water based activities require long sleeves and long trousers plus a change of clothes and a towel. Skiing and snowboarding requires long sleeves, long trousers and gloves. All other activities require long sleeves and long trousers suitable for the outdoors and appropriate for all weather conditions.

Facilities
Snack and drinks machine, Picnic benches, Packed lunches are recommended. Disabled facilities – we are also able to offer activities for disabled children with advance warning.

New Developments
The Ackers is in the process of building The Ackers Base Camp. This will be a central hub for the whole site and will provide a meet and greet area for groups, indoor activity space for adverse weather conditions, eating area, training rooms, showers and administration offices.  The ABC is due to be completed in August 2008 and will enable The Ackers to open The Ackers Residential Centre (ARC).

The ARC is situated on site and will give Schools and youth groups the opportunity to come and experience all that the Ackers has to offer and stay on site in a purpose built residential centre. Not only does staying at the Ackers give School & youth groups the opportunity to take part in adventurous activities on site, but it is also an ideal base for exploring the delights and hidden treasures of Birmingham and surrounding areas. The ARC is scheduled to be open for October half term.

Also this year, The Ackers is having a new Adventurous Events Tower built on site. This tower will have a zip wire, fan decender and numerous climbing and abseiling routes. This will be a great addition to the already vast array of activities on offer.

Featured Listing: No

Age of Children / Pupils:

• 5 – 7 years
• 8 – 10 years
• 11 – 13 years
• 14 – 16 years
• College
• University

Region:

• West Midlands

Type of visit:

• Green Awareness & Environment Centres
• Outdoor Education
• Outdoor Pursuits
• Sports
• Water Sports
• Wildlife and Nature

Curriculum topics:

• Citizenship
• English
• Geography
• PE
• PSHE
• Science

Months Open:

• All Year Round
• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

Disabled Facilities: Yes