UKSA News

UKSA partners with Inspiring Learning to launch new 'Woodland and Waves' residential programme

Published 19/08/2022

UKSA has announced a new partnership with Inspiring Learning, a leading provider of outdoor learning programmes for all ages, which sees it launch a new residential programme called ‘Woodland and Waves’.

Inspiring Learning provides unique, educational, and fun-filled adventure programmes and is one of the UK’s largest providers of adventure camps under its Kingswood brand, with residential centres across the country. UKSA, the world’s largest RYA centre, is a UK maritime charity which believes passionately in inspiring and supporting children and young people to broaden their horizons through life-enhancing water-based adventures.

The new ‘Woodland and Waves’ residential programme is a dual centre experience, located on the Isle of Wight at both Inspiring Learning and UKSA’s centres. Children will be able to experience a wide variety of both land and water-based activities across the two centres, helping them to build confidence, work as part of a team and develop resilience.

Ben Willows, CEO at UKSA said: “I am delighted to partner with Inspiring Learning to launch this exciting new programme which showcases the best of the Isle of Wight from coast to country. From our initial discussions, I was very impressed with the organisation, which shares our values, vision, and commitment to providing life-changing adventures that have a measurable impact back in school.

“We are offering this residential during autumn and early spring, as we know that young people are spending less time outdoors during these months and are less likely to engage in beneficial activity programmes. The ‘Woodland and Waves’ programme will no doubt be an adventure to remember, a taste of independence, a sense of achievement and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Alex Williamson, CEO of Inspiring Learning, said: “We know that outdoors adventures are incredibly powerful for delivering real learning outcomes and that our Kingswood programmes can make a really positive contribution to wellbeing in children as well as boosting confidence, and communication, teamwork and so much more. We’re delighted to be partnering with UKSA on this unique new offering which will give children even more options to enjoy, developing resilience and resourcefulness whilst having fun. The Isle of Wight is a stunning location and we look forward to welcoming more young people to our camps.”

Available during autumn and spring months, the ‘Woodland and Waves’ programme is completely customisable and offers five-day, four-night stays. Activities include water-based options such as dinghy sailing, keelboating, stand up paddleboarding and kayaking alongside shore-based choices of climbing, abseiling, zip wire, aero ball, high and low ropes, buggy building, and bushcraft.

The UKSA and Kingswood teams will support in all aspects of the trip, from home-cooked breakfasts to evening entertainment as well as the chance to try the Change Foundation Programme that teaches about careers at sea.

More  information on the Woodland and Waves programme