YMCA Outdoor Education is a tailored programme that uses outdoor challenge to help young people grow in confidence, communication, teamwork and wellbeing. Delivered through The Zone Youth Project
and underpinned by YMCA Robin Hood’s Developmental Relationships Pathway, it’s more than a one-off trip – it’s a structured, small-group programme that builds belonging and engagement over time.
What the Programme Offers
- Commissioned 4–6 week programmes for small groups of up to 8 young people
- Taster days / enrichment days (including the mobile climbing wall option)
- Outdoor challenge used to build confidence, resilience, communication and teamwork
- Relationship-led delivery underpinned by YMCA’s Developmental Relationships Pathway
- Transport and equipment provided, delivered by qualified staff with robust safeguarding and quality assurance
- A practical, school-ready programme designed around the needs of each cohort
How we help young people thrive
- Helps young people feel more confident, connected and capable
- Supports belonging, positive behaviour and stronger relationships
- Builds life skills that transfer back into school life: communication, teamwork, accountability and resilience
- Broadens horizons through new places, new experiences and new possibilities
- At risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) without additional support, positive relationships and opportunities to engage
Underpinned by Developmental Relationships
Young people thrive when they experience a strong web of trusted relationships in their lives. That’s why Outdoor Education is intentionally delivered through the five elements of YMCA’s Developmental Relationships Pathway:
- Express Care: young people feel known, valued and encouraged
- Challenge Growth: they are stretched safely and supported to learn from setbacks
- Provide Support: clear structure, boundaries and coaching help them succeed
- Share Power: young people have voice, choice and opportunities to lead
- Expand Possibilities: new experiences, places and positive role models broaden horizons
Outdoor challenge is the vehicle; relationships are the method; wellbeing outcomes are the goal and can be particularly effective for young people who do not respond well to traditional interventions.
Through trusted relationships, consistent adult support and shared challenge, young people develop a stronger sense of belonging, increased engagement and greater confidence in their future possibilities. This can be especially valuable for young people who may be at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) and would benefit from opportunities to reconnect, develop aspiration and build positive support networks.
How it Works
- Connection & planning: a first session builds trust, agrees group values and sets personal goals
- Weekly outdoor sessions: challenge and reflection develop confidence, teamwork and communication
- Trusted adult support: clear structure, encouragement and consistent routines help young people feel safe and capable
- Celebration & next steps: the final session recognises progress and suggests progression options
Why Schools Choose Our Outdoor Education Programmes
Small Groups
Tailored for groups of up to 8, helping each young person feel known, supported and able to take part.
Challenge with Care
Outdoor experiences that stretch young people in a safe, structured and supportive way – building confidence without leaving anyone behind.
Progression Over Time
A term-based programme that builds confidence, relationships and wellbeing week by week, not a one-off high adrenaline day.
Supporting Young People at Risk of Becoming NEET
Outdoor Education provides an effective early intervention for young people who are becoming disconnected from school, struggling with attendance, losing confidence or finding it difficult to see positive future pathways. Through small-group experiences, trusted adult relationships and achievable challenge, young people develop greater confidence, engagement, belonging and aspiration, helping them stay connected to education, training and future opportunities.
Commissioning Options for Schools & Services
Whether you’re looking for a one-off enrichment experience or a longer-term programme, we can tailor outdoor education to meet the needs of your young people and the outcomes you want to achieve.
Commissioned Term Programme
Our core offer. A 4–6 week programme for small groups of up to 8 young people, including transport, equipment and a final celebration session.
Taster & Enrichment Days
A one-off outdoor experience designed around your group’s needs, helping young people try something new and build confidence.
Progression Programmes
A next-step opportunity for young people ready to build leadership skills, independence and wider aspirations through outdoor learning.
Targeted Intervention Cohorts
Ideal for young people who may be disengaged from learning, at risk of exclusion, experiencing poor attendance, or requiring support with confidence, behaviour, belonging and positive relationships. Programmes can also support young people who may be at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
Could this support young people in your school?
This can be particularly effective for young people at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), helping them develop confidence, resilience, aspirations and stronger connections with trusted adults and future opportunities.
Safety & Quality Assurance
Our outdoor education team works to robust safeguarding and risk management standards. Staff are appropriately trained for the activities delivered and hold enhanced DBS checks. We also hold a valid AALA licence, ensuring our policies align with industry best practice.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Harry’s story
Harry is 17 and lives in YMCA Supported Housing. When he first joined Outdoor Education, he was quiet, withdrawn and found it hard to engage. The team started with relationship first – a relaxed introductory day, time to get to know each other, and real ownership so Harry could help shape what came next.
Through consistent support, shared activities and opportunities to lead, Harry began to open up and connect with others. Over time, he built confidence, communication skills and healthier routines.
“I didn’t think I’d enjoy it, but it felt good to be listened to. I actually had a laugh – and I’d do it again.”
Our current projects
Carers Federation
We are currently supporting young carers from Nottinghamshire with outdoor opportunities on Saturdays. Our aim is to build confidence and introduce young people to new sports and clubs where they can continue to engage in the outdoor environment.
‘Reach’ project
We partner with this local organisation to deliver programmes including Archery and Canoeing programmes for disabled adults in Nottinghamshire County.
Access to Nature
Funded by the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund, Access to Nature is an outdoor education developmental programme designed to progress participants and help them onto the next stage of education/training/employment.
To enquire about commissioned programmes, taster days and targeted cohorts,
please visit The Zone Youth Project – our primary site for Outdoor Education
information and enquiries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Is transport provided?
Yes. We can pick up from and drop off at your location at the beginning and end of each session.
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How many young people can attend?
Up to 8 young people per group, so everyone is known, supported and actively involved.
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What does a day look like?
We typically arrive at your location for around 10:00 am, run a short briefing (plans, expectations and safety), head out for the activity day, then return for a short debrief. On the final session, the debrief includes a celebration and certificates.
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How long is a programme?
We work term-by-term, typically 4–6 weeks, depending on the length of the school term and your cohort’s needs.
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Who can take part?
Typically ages 11–25, tailored to your cohort. Mixing ages within a couple of years can work well, and both established groups and new groups are welcome.
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Do you provide all necessary equipment?
Yes. We provide the kit needed for the activity, including items such as waterproofs, helmets, harnesses and hiking boots. We ask young people to arrive in appropriate clothing for the weather, and we carry a small number of spare layers just in case.
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Do you provide food and water?
Not as standard. Schools/groups should ensure young people bring a packed lunch and water suitable for a full day outdoors. For certain activities, we can discuss options.
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What will young people get out of it?
Each session is designed to develop skills such as teamwork, communication, positive communication, discipline, mental resilience, physical literacy and empathy, underpinned by YMCA’s Developmental Relationships approach.
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What is your qualified status?
All team members are up to date with the training required to deliver the activities offered. We hold a valid AALA licence, and all staff hold enhanced DBS checks.
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Which young people is the programme most suitable for?
- While Outdoor Education can be enjoyed by a wide range of young people, schools often commission programmes for small groups who may be struggling with engagement, attendance, confidence, behaviour, belonging or relationships.
- It can also be particularly beneficial for young people at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), providing a supportive, relationship-led environment where they can experience success, build resilience, develop positive relationships and reconnect with learning and future possibilities.
Outdoor Education is delivered through The Zone Youth Project (Registered Charity No. 1091750), working in partnership with YMCA Robin Hood.
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