Off The Water - Episode 10- Outdoor Education Centres

In Off The Water this month our hosts Nikki Stewart and Jack Mitchell gain some real insights into the value of Outdoor Education Residential Centres as they have become under serious threat during restrictions brought in to combat Covid-19.

With sailing and boating being introduced to thousands each year through these centres we catch up with three voices within this sector and hear about some of their experience of the benefits these centres provide.

Jane Campbell Morrison, the chair of the Scottish Adventure Activity Forum has brought together many organisations to back the #SaveYourOutdoorCentres campaign and joins Liam Watson a RYA Senior Instructor with the Scouts Association at Lochgoilhead. We are also joined by our Youth Board member Jordan McNeilage, who has been the RYA Principal at Loch Insh Watersports Centre, near Aviemore.   

The opportunities available to experience the outdoors for Scotland’s young people are extremely important and the current campaign has really captivated generations of people from all walks of life who have benefits from understanding outdoor learning.

Our regional development officer Jack Mitchell and Coach Education Development Manager Nikki Stewart explore the topic asking:

Why are outdoors centres so important?

What do they offer children that other things such as clubs and schools don’t? 

What is so important about the residential element of what these centres can offer?  

Do you think lockdown has reminded or educated more people of the benefits of being outdoors especially with their children?

How do we see outdoor education centres adapting in the future?

Are there any new opportunities emerging for them to help make them sustainable and protect their future?    

During recording we received news of a package of support from the Scottish Government which is warmly welcome, however we recognise that much is still to be done to maximise the exposure for what this sector does for young people and in introducing so many to our sport.

Find out more about the campaign through #SaveYourOutdoorCentres

Finally you can stay in touch with all the latest news from RYA Scotland via our website, www.rya.org.uk/scotland and of course, across our social media channels @ryascotland