Boots N Paddles regularly caters for school and youth groups, and tailors programmes to suit the needs of the group whether it is simply a fun day out, skills and confidence development or if working towards youth achievement awards.

We take the activities to our clients, so wherever they are staying in the Highlands we can organise activities to suit their needs and bring them to a location nearby, whether it’s at their accommodation or a venue within easy travelling distance.

Why Boots N Paddles is great for School Trips and Educational Visits?

We regularly cater for school and youth groups so have a significant amount of experience in providing activity programmes that meet the needs of our clients.  We pride ourselves in providing a bespoke service tailoring programmes to their needs rather than trying to fit clients to our products and services.

The quality of our service is reflected in the amount of repeat business we get from school and youth groups, whether they are small groups of children working towards youth achievement awards or large groups seeking to develop particular skill sets and confidence, while learning more about their environment along the way.  One thing we always ensure is that everyone has a great time.

We also support the Leave No Trace programme and will take any opportunity we can to pass on our knowledge and raise awareness amongst children who will be users of the great outdoors for recreational and commercial purposes in years to come.

"We have used Boots N Paddles for several years and have always been impressed by their enthusiasm, helpfulness and local knowledge.  Being taken round the islands of Loch Maree and watching the sea eagles swooping above will be remembered for a long time by our pupils."

[Graham Gibb, teacher at George Watson's College]

What does a typical activity package include?

We don’t offer ‘typical’ visits; rather we would tailor a day’s activities or week-long programme to meet the needs of the group.  Some examples might include the following:

• Youth achievement awards – a programme of progressive mountain bike or canoe skills development starting with basic techniques and building up to and ending with a more technical challenge to help the children improve their self-confidence, encourage them to take responsibility for learning and get on and work well with others.

• School group activity programmes – designed to challenge the children by exposing them to activities that they may not have tried (or even heard of before) in a fun and entertaining way.  These programmes are tailored to different age groups and abilities.  Great for building confidence and communication skills.

• Nature-based activities – whether it’s a low-level nature walk, a more challenging hill-walk in a National Park or a canoe expedition in the Great Glen, our guides will make sure that in addition to improving their chosen activity skills, the children will also become more aware of their surroundings, appreciate what nature has to offer and do so with minimum impact to the environment.

We can put together a single activity day or a multi-day programme or events, whatever you need.

“We had a fantastic couple of days – the children thoroughly enjoyed the activities, as did the staff!  A great team!!”

[Aberlour House Junior School, Gordonstoun]

What size of groups do we cater for?   From groups of 5 upwards.  No maximum limit, e.g. we run a residential activity week every year at Carbisdale Castle for 150 children and staff.

What can Boots N Paddles provide you with to support your school trip or educational visit?

We don’t produce anything specific to or linked to the curriculum.  However, as a matter of course in the planning stages of any booking we take, we ensure that if there are specific needs to be met through the activities we provide, then these are addressed and agreed with the organiser prior to the event.  Full details of the activity programme are documented.

Can you take photos, video or audio? Are there any copyright restrictions?

We are more than happy to allow this and would actively encourage this as long as it doesn’t compromise safety.  All we ask is that if there are any great photos taken of the groups having fun that we can perhaps get copies for our photo gallery or flickr web-page.

How do we arrange risk assessments?

We conduct comprehensive risk assessments for all our activity venues and these are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date.  These are available to clients.  If we need to go to a new location or venue we would go through the same process of identifying risks and documenting these potential issues.  We have an excellent safety record.

What does it cost?

We quote on the basis of each group’s requirements taking into account the size of the group, the location and the activities required – We don’t have set prices for bespoke group activities.  We would quote on the basis of the entire number participating in the activity, so if there are accompanying adults that are simply observing then they won’t be charged.

Is specific clothing required?

We will inform the group organiser of any specific clothing requirements prior to the activity booking date.

Do we have first aid on site?

All of our instructors are first aid qualified and will have any necessary equipment on hand should it be required.

What facilities do provide for school trips and educational visits?

We don’t provide these facilities given that we are a mobile service provider, however we can organise packed lunches, for example, and would quote on the basis of each group’s catering needs.  We would also take into account things like toilet and changing facilities when choosing venues for you.

What next?

Why not give us a call to discuss your plans and objectives and let us help put together an activity package the the children won't forget ... for all the right reasons!

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