Tuesday 28 - Thursday 30 May 2024

Year four, five and six children from Buttercup and Oak Tree Primary School combined forces and took part in an immersive action packed residential adventure trip at Gilwell Park Scouts Adventures- a first time for both schools!

The entire trip resulted in a fulfilling learning experience outside the classroom, it captivated children, and provided meaningful experience that not only engaged them but also created unforgettable long lasting memories.

During this amazing adventure, children had to share rooms, eat without a fuss, wash up, tidy up, take part in team challenges, pray their salah in Jamaa'h, learn map reading, hike in muddy conditions, absorb beautiful surroundings, build a raft and float it, do a free fall jump in a leap of faith, share stories and experiences around a camp fire and take part in amazing archery.

A residential school trip for children aids individual development by boosting confidence and promoting team bonding.

As well as the physical health benefits, school residential trips have been proven to have a unique positive effect on children's self esteem and confidence levels, thereby improving their emotional health and well being. The importance of allowing children to explore their environment, take responsibility and make new friends.

Even the free time of a school residential where children can relax, play and take stock is hugely important in allowing children to make their own decisions and discover who they are.

So Residential trips for schools are not just beneficial but vital to providing balance and a renewed enthusiasm for learning.

Undoubtedly, a school residential trip can bring about positive, long term change for pupils and teachers both in and out of the classroom.

Read below the actual words of the children that took part in our first residential school trip this year:

"I had a lovely time and learnt to do lots of things. Even though the hike was really muddy and there were surprises. This was my favourite trip of all time here!"

"I liked the raft building and liked when I went into the lake, got wet and had to swim!"

"It was good, but my next door neighbours, were annoying"

"It was so fun! I would do it again, but not the hike! I liked sharing the rooms with E and I."

"The camping trip was really fun, especially the raft building when everyone jumped in!"

"I especially loved the activities, also I liked being around my friends"

"The camping trip was sooo fun, I loved the leap of faith and the muddy hike. It was messy but fun and I'll remember it forever!"

"The camping trip was so fun! Although the hike was messy, but the view was worth it and we laughed about it later on. Insha Allaah I go next year!"

"The camping trip was amazing. My top three things were the leap of faith, camp fire, and the capture the flag team game".

"The camping trip was fun because of the campfire and the leap of faith activity"

"The leap of faith was the most overwhelming situation due to all of my adrenaline boost. Everyone was cheering me on but looking down must of been the worst decision of my life. The mud was tragic but also fun to experience and see all that Allaah (s.w.t) has created."

We aim to run more residential trips in the future Insha Allaah!