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One of our most popular options for groups is our team challenge event that works well both inside and outside. Herm is a fabulous outdoor venue, Le Guet at Cobo and Grandes Rocques, Portelet or the Farmhouse hotel are great venues in Guernsey, while Les Maingys activity centre is a great option for when the weather is un-reliable. Team challenges are also available in Sark
Your group will be split into a number of smaller teams of 8 to 12 and compete against each other in a number of fun group tasks and puzzles.
The activities selected will be appropriate to your group but will be suitable for all abilities as each activity is designed to encourage participation on many different levels.
All events are scored and we will declare a winning team at the end of the event.
This events generally lasts 2 or 3 hours and costs £28 to £38 per person.
We have other options available and can custom design your event for you, if you would like to more information on the available options please email: bookings@outdoorguernsey.co.uk or call Ant on 07781 130403
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Winter can be a long slog. Going to work as it gets light and going home in the dark. One of the antidotes to this is to do something active and outdoors at the weekends. It refreshes, can be exhilarating and lifts the soul…the best part of the week.
It is a quiet time for us, but we are still going out (Check out our facebook page for pictures). When conditions are suitable we would like to encourage you to join us, so we have decided that all our regular activities will be available as normal but you can bring someone along for free! Effectively half price activities if you share the cost. There is no restriction on quantity so if you book for 4 people you get 4 free places.
The winter days are colder but all we need to do is wear the proper kit. We will advise you what to bring and we have lots of kit available. For the kayaking we use the sit in kayaks which keep you warm and dry. A great opportunity for sit 0n top paddlers to try it out. For the coasteering we have thermal layers and use helmet liners and gloves..simple.
Our open sessions will only go ahead in conditions appropriate to the groups experience. There are some beautiful winter days ahead and what better way to get some exercise, fresh air and experience the beauty and wilderness of Guernsey in the winter..I am feeling better already.
The ‘Bring a friend’ deal runs for over 16’s till April. Our regular sessions run on Saturdays and Sundays but if you have time during the week and would like to go out just give us a call (01481 267627, face book or email) Any excuse!
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04/10/2011 - Sark coasteering-First trip of the Autumn season
Our Autumn coasteering trips kicked off with a cracking weather day on Saturday! We were joined by Liz and Martin from the UK who flew in especially for this trip and arrived at the Sark ferry just as we were boarding! Introductions to the Guernsey contingent were completed on the pleasant ‘cruise’ over to Sark on the Sark Belle.
We were met by Leah and the Sark adventurers Sheila, Graham, Chris and Mark as we got off the ‘toast rack’ at the top of the hill. First job was to put our order for food in with Kristina at the Petit Poule. She was just taking delivery of two huge Seabass caught that morning so it was an easy decision!
After kitting up in 5mm wetsuits and after finishing the introductions and briefings, we chose the Derrible head cavern route as our days adventure. After a quick stop at the shop to load up with snickers and bottles of water in our buoyancy aids and then a very warm walk to Derrible bay, The guys were ready to get straight into the water.
The next hour was spent in Derrible bay exploring the Geo’s and playing in the swell in some of the cave’s filled with water. We timed our approach to the Derrible head cavern entrance so that we would be there as it opened. Always great fun and a little scary as you pop under the water to reappear into a previously unseen chamber.
We explored the Caverns and tested our nerve on some fantastic jumps around the headland. Everyone eventually tried the jumps, even those with shaking legs! then continued our journey on to Petit Derrible and eventually to Creux harbour with everyone now confident to pick their own routes over the rocks and gullies. Our good humoured group finished the trip passing through the harbour mouth much to the bewilderment of a few folk.
The walk up the hill soon had us looking forward to our meal at Petit Poule so a quick change was in order and we were soon reliving some of the highlights of the day around the courtyard table with a cold beer and fresh seabass, heaven!
Outdoor Guernsey will be running weekly coasteering trips to Sark on Saturdays until December. We will normally catch the 10am ferry out from Guernsey and return on the 5pm from Sark. Cost per person £80 includes ferry, harbour transport, meal at Petit Poule and a 3-4 hours coasteering according to the route.
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03/10/2011 - Around Guernsey kayakers have raised £20,000
Mark, Andy A and Craig supported by Ant and Phil from Outdoor Guernsey successfully completed the “round island” challenge” Sunday 2 October in an excellent time of 6 hours 58 mins stopping just once at Bordeaux. [but they missed out on the fog !]
Trip stats: Start 7:45 from Portelet harbour wind SE F 2-3 and slight swell. Good conditions all the way, The South coast was completed in 2hrs 39 minutes, East coast St Martins point to Bordeaux in 60 minutes. After a short lunch stop the final 11.3 miles of the North and West coast were completed in just under 3 hours. Our top speed was 5.6 mph with tide and wind assistance in the little Russel just before passing St Sampsons harbour. We managed to cross Lihou causeway with 10 minutes to spare which enabled us to break the 7 hour time. 24.2 miles in total.
That means that 24 of us (excl the Outdoor Guernsey team) conquered this challenge in total with commitment, determination and……………patience !
Whilst we have raised the profile of Crimestoppers and its confidential telephone No 0800 555 111, the primary motive of this challenge was to raise money for charity.
I am delighted to confirm that the total sum raised will be £20,000
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This from the Uk Department of Education: A breath of fresh air. Outdoor Guernsey hope that Guernsey Education will follow this lead.
- Ministers dispel health and safety school trip myths
Teachers must no longer be discouraged from taking children on school trips because of misplaced health and safety concerns, Education Secretary Michael Gove and Employment Minister Chris Grayling have said.
A myth-busting statement, prepared by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), has been published for schools and local authorities – explaining what teachers should consider when organising trips. The statement dispels myths about legal action and encourages all schools to ditch unnecessary paperwork, ensuring that precautions are proportionate to the risks involved.
Newly revised health and safety guidance for schools has also been published by the Department for Education, summarising how the existing health and safety law affects schools, local authorities, governing bodies, and staff – particularly in relation to school trips. This advice has been slashed from 150 pages of unduly complex information to just eight pages.
At the moment, many wrongly schools believe that:
- written risk assessments - some totalling up to 100 pages – must be completed for every activity that takes place outside of school, such as visits to museums
- teachers must ask parents to complete written consent forms for every school trip or visit.
The new guidance clarifies these myths and urges a common sense approach, making it easier for schools to give pupils more opportunities to learn outside of the classroom.
Education Secretary Michael Gove said:
Children should be able to go on exciting school trips that broaden their horizons. That is why we are cutting unnecessary red tape in schools and putting teachers back in charge.
This new, slimmer advice means a more common sense approach to health and safety. It will make it easier for schools to make lessons more inspiring and fun.
Employment Minister Chris Grayling said:
Memories of our school trips stay with us. Learning outside the classroom brings the curriculum to life and is essential to our children’s development. We cannot let confusion over health and safety requirements deprive them of the opportunities we had.
I want to dispel the myths and remind schools, teachers and local authorities that a disproportionate fear of prosecution should not get in the way of common sense.
The revised guidance:
- summarises the legal duties of head teachers, governing bodies and local authorities on health and safety, and covers activities that take place on and off school premises
- makes clear that a written risk assessment does not need to be carried out every time a school takes pupils on a regular, routine local visit, for example to a swimming pool or museum.
- tackles myths and teachers’ fears about being prosecuted by making the law clearer
- clarifies that parental consent is not necessary for pupils to take part in the majority of off-site activities organised by a school, as most of these activities take place during school hours and are a normal part of a child’s education.
The fear of prosecution is often cited as an obstacle to arranging school trips, but action is rare. In the past five years, only two cases have been brought by the HSE for breaches of health and safety law in relation to school visits and this was where there was evidence of recklessness or a clear failure to follow sensible precautions.
To help schools further, the Department for Education has also developed a ‘one-off’ parental consent form, which covers activities outside the normal school day. These include residential visits in school holidays and at weekends, adventure activities, off-site sporting fixtures outside the school day, and all off-site activities for nursery schools which take place at any time. The consent form will cover all activities and will only need to be signed once, when a child enrols at the school.
Schools will then only need to inform parents in advance of each activity and give them the opportunity to withdraw their child from the activity if they wish, rather than conducting bureaucratic form-filling exercises for every school trip.
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02/05/2011 - Puffin patrols are back-wildlife watching by kayak.
Trips to catch glimpses of Herms iconic visitors have always been popular and travel trident for many years provided a service to watch the puffins from the trident ferries. Since the service was stopped it has been difficult to get to see the puffins unless you own your own boat and have good knowledge of the difficult waters around Herm.
Outdoor Guernsey now offer puffin watching trips by kayak, we have called them puffin patrols in memory of the old trident trips, but these trips give a totally new perspective to bird watching!
Led by Ant Ford Parker, Outdoor Guernsey’s expert on kayaking in Herm and utilising his experience and knowledge of the puffins habits and and the local waters, these trips will take you quietly and unobtrusively to the nesting areas and feeding grounds to see the puffins behaving totally naturally.
In the two years since starting these trips we have seen puffins on every single visit during April to July, the most we have seen is 16 together on the water, we have even been lucky enough on one trip to watch a young puffin take it’s first flight from the burrow! Other birds that we regularly see are fulmars, razorbills, shags, oyster catchers and the occasional guilimot. Seals are also regular visitors and sometimes will follow kayaks to find out what is going on.
The trips run from Shell beach and last approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours. No experience of kayaking is necessary as we will give you instruction and time to get settled with the easy to use and very stable sit on top kayaks. We have double kayaks available so if you are unsure you can go along with someone else and let them do most of the work! Trips will only go ahead in suitable weather. These trips are a great one off experience and a memorable day is guaranteed.
To book, call Outdoor Guernsey 01481 267627 or our check our online calendar to find out when trips are available.
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16/04/2011 - Teambuilding at The Farmhouse
Outdoor Guernsey’s latest venue for teambuilding and team challenges is The Farmhouse hotel in
Guernsey. The Farmhouse has large outdoor areas suitable for small and medium sized groups. Our building better teams programme can be hosted in superb indoor conference rooms with the outdoor tasks taking place in the beautiful gardens. There is plenty of space for our energetic Team challenges and the excellent facilities at the hotel for dining and entertaining complement the day and will enhance the experience for your staff or clients.
We will be delighted to meet you onsite or come and see you to discuss your exact needs and explain how we can deliver an event that will meet all your requirements.
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14/04/2011 - The Saints Bay Hotel: Exclusive activity packages
Outdoor Guernsey and Saints bay hotel have teamed up to offer exclusive adventure activity packages to Saints Bay residents. The area of St Martins around the hotel boasts some of the most exciting and beautiful coastline and is an adventure enthusiasts playground.
Outdoor Guernsey will help you make the most of the thrills and beauty on the doorstep. The Islands longest established and most experienced activities provider have put together a package of activities to showcase the best of the Saints bay area.
The activities include kayaking at Petit Bot or Saints bay, two of the most beautiful bays in Guernsey and both within walking distance. Climbing at Icart, where you are guaranteed breathtaking views as you climb. Coasteering, one of Guernsey’s newest and most exciting activities can take place at Jahonnet or Saints. Outdoor Archery is also an available option.
Saints Bay residents can choose any 3 activity sessions for just £60 per person. Choose either 1 session each of different activities or 3 sessions of the same activity. These 2 hour sessions can be all be taken on one day or spread throughout your stay. You may book as many of these packages as you like for the duration of your stay. Adventure unlimited!!
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25/03/2011 - New venue for Outdoor Guernsey archery activities
We a really pleased to announce a great new venue for outdoor archery activities on Guernsey. We have installed a new outdoor range at The Farmhouse Hotel in St Saviour and are now able to offer archery activities on any day of the week with the Farmhouse offering great facilities for a post activity meal or drinks.
Archery is a very sociable and competitive activity and is a great activity for parties, sports and social events, hen and stag parties, corporate entertaining or just a social get together. Our instructors will give full instruction and look after safety, then run lots of fun competitions and games. The Farmhouse Hotel offers a choice of dining options, beautiful gardens, a pool and conference facilities.
The range can be booked by groups of 4 or more by the half hour. 1 hrs of archery costs just £10 per person, 90 minutes £15 and 2 hours £20. Great value and a great venue. For enquiries call 1481 267627 or email bookings@outdoorguernsey.co.uk
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Outdoor Guernsey were pleased to be chosen once again by the Guernsey Police to provide a three day team building event for the new intake of student officers in 2010 following a very successful event in 2009. This is a synopsis of a challenging and fulfilling three days work by the new officers.
Day one
After an initial meet and greet and introductions to the team, The residential experience started with ice-breakers and indoor team tasks designed by O
utdoor Guernsey facilitator Antony Ford Parker. The team was introduced to Belbin team roles and explored their own individual characteristics. They were able to refer back to this throughout the event and review it at the end. An improvement in the weather helped to move the team tasks outside at Les Maingy’s where the student officers took on a number of thought provoking mental and physical challenges such as the ‘tower of Hanoi’ ‘white water’ and ‘the bridge of life’ that tested all their skills in planning, cooperation, communication and team work.
The afternoon weather was suitable for the kayak task so kayaks and the team were deployed to Havelet bay for instruction and briefing. The officers were soon confident enough to adventure by kayak to Soldiers bay and on towards Fermain Bay. After a brief landing to explore caves and rock formations the team took on their next challenge of an ‘all in’ kayak rescue of themselves and a planted unconscious casualty, the task was videoed for review later. A very hearty dinner and relatively early night rewarded their efforts.
Day two
After an early start and full English to fuel the team for the day, the minibus delivered the team to their first challenge on the coast exploring caves and testing their reaction to tight and dark spaces. Crate stacking and then abseiling at The Guet, which boasts an amazing panoramic view of the Islands west coast, From Lihou through Cobo and to the North and Alderney, followed a quick tea break. Many students faced their fears at this point but after gentle encouragement from Outdoor Guernsey instructors all were delighted to complete the task.
After lunch came what was for most the highlight of the event, coasteering from Telegraph bay to the Peastacks at Icart. Bright sun encouraged the team through some of the most dramatic and thrilling coastal features in the Channel Islands. Coasteering involves swimming, scrambling and occasionally jumping into the sea and the coasteering routes in Guernsey rival any in Wales, Cornwall and Scotland. The student officers took full advantage of the opportunity to be guided by the instructors through such a unique environment.
The day was rounded off with an archery competition at Les Maingy’s while supper was cooking.
Day three
A leisurely start compared with the morning before and a briefing over cooked breakfast. The team was reminded of differing roles and responsibilities within groups and after a few warm up tasks (tree hugging!) they were given the climatic scenario to complete. Breakout from alien imprisonment, liberate the secret information and save the world! No small task. The student officers threw themselves into the task and roles and responsibilities were completely explored. Leadership and negotiation as well as forward planning and teamwork were all necessary and the student police officers proved to have plenty off all the necessary skills. The tasks were again videoed for review in the summary phase.
The debrief and review session was lively, enjoyable and allowed the team to understand, review and learn more from their shared experience of the three day experience. The videos reviewed and discussed and the event was expertly summarized and the learning pulled together by the Outdoor Guernsey staff team. The Police team was given the opportunity to feedback and to express their thoughts and learning experiences before warm and friendly goodbyes.
All participants were asked for their feedback comments as well as being asked to score the various events. The following quotes are genuine quotes from the people taking part.
“ Jumping into the sea was the most uncomfortable and the most enjoyable”
“I got to know my team very well and enjoyed every task”
“Linking the theory of teambuilding and showing us the video and photographs was excellent. Thanks for a great weekend, I learnt a lot about myself and teams”
“Thank You! Seriously the last three days have possibly been some of the best day’s of my life”
“I loved the whole experience and the staff where great and very encouraging”
“Really good, lasagne and beef casserole no top chef could beat it!”
“The Outdoor Guernsey staff did a great job for the last few days and I enjoyed it a lot”
“I was pleased with my qualities, I feel I took everybody’s feelings into consideration and I feel I played an important part in all tasks”
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