Games that Teach is a practical workshop for teachers, youth workers, summer scheme leaders, outdoor pursuits instructors, community leaders and anyone else interested in the positive development of People.

What’s the Games that Teach Workshop all about?

You will participate in a range of activities and games that will reinforce:

• Problem solving
• Communication Skills
• Community Awareness
• Conflict Resolution
• Critical Thinking
• Responsibility
• Respect

What will I learn on the Games that Teach Workshop?

• How to modify games and activities so suit desired learning outcomes
• Linking games and activities through a progressive development process
• Games without resources
• Open space games versus closed space games

Participants will also receive:

• A resource pack which includes briefs for the games, activity plans and another 20 games
• Certificate of completion

Who will be leading the Games that Teach Workshop?

With over 15 years experience Stephen Brown has developed and delivered adventure based personal and social development courses with marginalised young people and community groups, team building events for small businesses and large businesses alike, activity days for families, groups of friends, schools and youth organisations.

For more details on Stephen and his work:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/TeamBuildingAdventure
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/AdventureTeam
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/theadventureteam
• Flickr: www.flickr.com/theadventureteam

When is the Games that Teach Workshop?

There are two Games for Fun Workshops in February:

• Course 1 – Wednesday 22nd and Wednesday 29th February 2012, 6.00pm – 9.00pm
• Course 2 – Saturday 25th February 2012, 10.00am – 4.00pm

How much does the Games that Teach Workshop cost:

£125 per person and bring a friend or colleague for £100

Community Groups, Schools and Voluntary Organisations are entitled to a 50% discount

All prices are subject to VAT and the total amount is payable at the time of booking

How do I book my place on the Games that Teach Workshop?

Just give us a call on 0845 5213145 or email info@theadventureteam.co.uk

You can also book Stephen to deliver this workshop for your organisation – just ask!

Other workshops include:

• Games for Developing Teams
• Chaos – The 30 minute energiser
• Reviewing skills for beginners
• Reviewing skills for business
• Plan it, do it, review it – refining the reviewing process

Where is the Games that Teach Workshop?

The Adventure Team, CEAL, 8 Meadowbank Road, Carrickfergus, BT38 8YF

What people say:

"Five star!! really enjoyed the activities bringing out our competitive nature and also that of team work and strategy planning! Brilliant facilitators and great way with the guys who deliver the training. Very well done i know its not the last you will see of me! You helped me build relationships within the NICE group and I know those relationships are now based on our level of trust and co-operation.. keep up the great work! Thanks to you all.”

"From the initial set up right through to the delivery Stephen and his Adventure Team provided a first class service. Stephen, via his calm, self assured and professional style of delivery created an atmosphere that enabled our groups to feel safe and challenged. All the activities provided were delivered in a professional, fun and creative manner. The group, whether participating in an icebreaker or games session right through to the more challenging outdoor activities were at all times in very safe and knowledgeable hands. Stephen and his team ensure that the young people are supported to feel safe both emotionally and physically.”

Are you fed up with the same old Christmas Capers?

Are you looking for something different to do with your work colleagues before Christmas?

If so we have a brilliant, affordable Christmas Adventure that doesn’t involve jumping off cliffs or racing down mountains!

Our City Centre Christmas Treasure Hunt’s are ideal for organisations that want to spend 2 –3 hours having some fun with each other before the annual Christmas Party!  They make a brilliant Team Building Event and work equally as well as Team Bonding Experience.

Our Treasure Hunt’s are available in all major town’s and cities throughout Ireland with the following being our top 10 destinations:

• Belfast
• Derry/Londonderry
• Donegal Town
• Letterkenny
• Dublin
• Galway
• Cork
• Newry
• Dundalk
• Bangor

What you get:

• A Team Pack for each team that includes clues, camera and Top Secret tools!
• A CD of images from your event!
• A Christmas Celebration for your Team that will have them talking for weeks!
• Spot prizes!

Optional extra’s include:

• Whisky or wine tasting
• Visits to local tourism hot spots
• Team T-shirts

And with prices starting from as low as £20 per person this really is a cost effective team building event!

If you would like to book please feel free to email info@theadventureteam.co.uk or call 0845 5213145

Some photos of a recent Treasure Hunt around Derry/Londonderry!

We have two weeks of crazy fun for kids this summer at Bellurgan Park in County Louth. During the week the kids will get to try a whole range of exciting and challenging activities including Archery, Beach Games, Forest Walks, Bush Craft, Orienteering, Kayaking and many more.

When is the Discover Adventure Camp?

We have two weeks scheduled this summer:

Monday 18th – Friday 22nd July
Monday 8th – Friday 12th August

What age do my children have to be to come along to Discover Adventure Camp?

Discover Adventure Camp is suitable for children aged 8 – 12. Children can be grouped with friends within 6 months in age

How long does each day last?

Each day starts at 10.00am and runs through until 3.00pm.

We also have early start and late finish options to help parents schedule their days – see costs for more details.

What equipment do my children need for the Discover Adventure Camp?

The Adventure Team provides all specialist equipment and we will provide you with a clothing list as part of the joining pack issued at the time of booking.

Will I be safe at the Discover Adventure Camp?

The Adventure Team has over 15 years experience in the delivery of Summer Adventure Camps. All of The Adventure Team instructors are trained and assessed in accordance with our Activity Guidelines detailed in our comprehensive Risk Assessment Policy as well as those of the various National Governing Bodies that look after the activities that we deliver. Our instructors are all qualified First Aiders and meet all of our Child Protection checks. We also hold a £5 million insurance policy.

Believe in Adventure

The Adventure Team dedicates much of its work to the development of children and it supports the work of child focused charities. We have pledged to raise £10,000/€11,500 for Barnardo’s and we will ask each parent/guardian for a non-obligation donation of €1 per child at the time of booking – we will match each donation with €1. For more details on this charity or to become involved email info@theadventureteam.co.uk

How much does the Discover Adventure Camp cost?

Each week costs €120 per child and you may want to consider some of these additional options:

Payment can be made by cheque or credit/debit card.

How do I book?

It’s simple really – give us a call on 0845 5213145 or email info@theadventureteam.co.uk

Adventure Team Challenge

Your Team is randomly split in to sub-groups that compete against each other for points in a series of energisers, team games, team tasks and archery. The points are used to purchase raft building equipment in the afternoon and the challenge will finish with a raft race.

Usual times: 10.00am – 4.00pm

Cost: £25 per person (rate applies to delivery in Gortin only)

X Challenge

Your Team is randomly split in to sub-groups that compete against each other in an adventure style race that will cover a mixture of terrains; therefore involving activities such as running, orienteering, raft building and archery. The sub-groups will face a number of Team Building activities along the way that will challenge them physically, mentally and practically.

Usual times: 10.00am – 4.00pm

Cost: £30 per person (rate applies to delivery in Gortin only)

Challenge Xtreme

Your Team is randomly split in to sub-groups that compete against each other in an adventure style race that will cover a mixture of terrains; therefore involving activities such as running, orienteering, coasteering and abseiling. The sub-groups will face a number of Team Building activities along the way that will challenge them physically, mentally and practically.

Usual times: 10.00am – 4.00pm

Venue: North Coast or the Mournes

Cost: £40 per person

If your Team is ready for a Challenge call us on 0845 521 3145 or email info@theadventureteam.co.uk

The Coasteering Club is a great way to explore our coastline under your own steam and with the help of The Adventure Team.

The Coasteering Club meets on the 1^st Sunday of every month at various locations throughout Ireland – north and south!  We also run at least one trip a year to another location in the UK with Pembrokeshire high on the agenda for 2011.

Bronze Membership of the club costs £75 and includes:

• 3 coasteering trips over a 12 month period
• Insurance
• Experienced guides

Silver Membership of the club costs £120 and includes:

• 6 coasteering trips over a 12 month period
• Insurance
• Experienced guides
• Reduced equipment hire rates

Gold Membership of the club costs £180 and includes:

• 12 coasteering trips over a 12 month period
• Insurance
• Experienced guides
• Discounted training courses
• Discount rates for friends attending open events
• Reduced equipment hire and purchase rates

Member’s can also access any of the 30+ Coasteering events scheduled with The Adventure Team.

Members must be 17 years of age at time of joining

We have a load of adventure’s planned over the coming days and thought it would be best to let you know about them all on one place:

Easter Sunday

Family Fun at Bellurgan Park – lots of activities and fun to be had with the family!

Tuesday 26th April

Kayaking at Brown’s Bay from 12 noon until 5.00pm

Hire a kayak for £5 per person.  Bring your own wetsuit or hire one for £5

Wednesday 27th April

Bouldering at Bloody Bridge, 10.00am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 4.00pm

£20 per adult and get a child’s place free! Additional children only £10 each!

Thursday 28th April

Kayaking at Brown’s Bay from 12 noon until 5.00pm

Hire a kayak for £5 per person.  Bring your own wetsuit or hire one for £5

Friday 29th April

Kayaking at Brown’s Bay from 12 noon until 5.00pm

Hire a kayak for £5 per person.  Bring your own wetsuit or hire one for £5

Let us know if you fancy coming along to any of these by calling 0845 5213145 or emailing info@theadventureteam.co.uk

Bouldering must be pre-booked and you are most welcome to just turn up for the Kayaking.  If you pre-book your kayak hire we will donate £1 of the booking to our chosen charity of the year – Barnardo’s

Looking forward to seeing you all soon

It is our aim in 2011 to help local charities raise £1 million through our fundraising adventures!

We are 100% committed to supporting charities and firmly believe that the more successful the event, the more money the charity should make, not the more we should make!

So, we offer flexible rates and can often pledge our financial support to the events we are involved in.

And you don’t even need to be a charity to get involved!  You could join one of our Adventures and use it as an opportunity to raise funds for a charity close to your heart! 

How about Canoeing in Canada, Climbing Ben Nevis or even organising as few as 10 friends for Xtreme Coasteering.

Over the coming weeks will be adding much more information to our website and in the mean time, here’s a few ideas and possible payment plans to whet your appetite:

Xtreme Coasteering

Fancy the challenge of a 100ft abseil into the sea? For a small registration fee from each participant, we carry out risk assessments of your chosen location and provide all equipment and qualified instructors to facilitate the event.

Cost per person: £25 – over 35 participants, £30 – 21 to 35 participants, Less than 20 participants £35 per person

Minimum 10 participants

Abseiling

A straightforward and challenging charity fundraising activity. For a small registration fee from each participant, we carry out risk assessments of your chosen location and provide all equipment and qualified instructors to facilitate the event. All you have to do is choose your venue and get permission to abseil there!

Cost per person: £25 – less than 50 participants, £20 – 50 to 100 participants

Minimum 20 participants

Team Challenge

Raising money for your club or society and fancy something a bit different – how about one of our team challenge events? 

Sample activities include: Archery, Problem Solving ‘Crystal Maze’ style, Mountain biking and Raft Building.

Cost per team: £200 – maximum team size 8 participants.

Minimum of 2 Teams required – no competition otherwise

Raft Building

A minimum of 4 teams can participate in constructing a ‘seaworthy’ vessel and racing against the other teams! Not only can this activity be used for fundraising but is also a great activity for pulling your teams together while having mighty craic at a location of your choice!

Cost per team: £100 – 4 people per team

We hope some of these idea’s have sparked your imagination!

Contact The Adventure Team today for a free no obligation consultation where we will offer you only the best advice to plan your next fundraising Event.

And remember to ask us about the discount scheme for Active Charities!

Give us a call on 028 8164 8390 or email info@theadventureteam.co.uk

Northern Ireland Adventureland Weekend on 9th & 10th April will showcase the amazing range of outdoor activities available with a clever scheme offering everyone the opportunity to get outside and try something new – for less money and zero hassle. Moreover the Northern Ireland Adventureland Weekend marks the launch of a whole summer of fun in Northern Ireland.

The Adventure Team along with another 23 outdoor activity providers from all over Northern Ireland are offering activity sessions for only £10 per person. With over 100 activity sessions to choose from you’ll be really spoilt for choice. Go it alone, with a friend or three or take the family – you don’t need a hefty group. Simply book online, go with the flow and see Northern Ireland from a completely different perspective.

If you fancy coming along to any of our events simply click on the links below and book online!

Saturday 9th April

Family Kayaking, 10.00am – 12.00pm

Family Archery and Orienteering, 1.00pm – 5.30pm

Adult Kayaking, 2.00pm – 4.00pm

Sunday 10th April

Family Kayaking, 10.00am – 12.00pm

Family Archery and Orienteering, 1.00pm – 5.30pm

Adult Kayaking, 2.00pm – 4.00pm

This is a brilliant opportunity and at a really attractive price!  Be sure to check out www.outdoorni.com to find out about all the other activities available across Northern Ireland!

Are you ready to conquer Britain’s highest peak at 4,409 feet (1343m) on our Ben Nevis Take on the Challenge weekend?

Ben Nevis, the ‘Mountain of Heaven’ is located in the heart of the Nevis Range in the Western Highlands. On a clear day the view from the peak is one of the most breathtaking sights in Scotland and will you remember it for the rest of your days, especially after the challenge of the hike.

We will travel from Belfast on the Friday morning, via Ferry and minibus to Fort William to start the climb on Saturday morning.  We will take the so called ‘tourist’s path’, an unworthy title as it detracts from the challenge and strenuous nature of this climb.

Dates: Friday 13th – Sunday 15th May 2011

Cost: £240 per person

Includes travel to Ben Nevis from Belfast, 2 nights’ accommodation and guided walk to the summit.  Challengers can also make their own travel arrangements – contact us to make arrangements.

Who is this trip suitable for?

As with all our Take on the Challenge events, a good level of fitness is required. You will be trekking for 6 – 8 hours over rocky and steep terrain. The climb is considerable and it is almost always cold on the summit. This challenge should not be underestimated but it is a moderate challenge which is achievable by most people with training.  Advice on training will be provided at time of registration. 

This trip can also be used as a Fundraising Event.

What is the food like?

To keep the cost as low as possible you will be responsible for your own meals and drinks throughout this trip.

How can I pay?

A deposit of £50 is required at the time of booking and the balance is due before the start of May. Payment plans can be arranged by Direct Debit. Bookings made after 1^st May 2011 must be paid in full at the time of booking.

Will I be safe?

Most definitely! We have a proven safety record and are always focused on the physical and emotional well being of the people in our care.

Am I insured?

Our Insurance Policy automatically provides cover for all activities undertaken as part of this trip. However, it is an essential condition of joining this trip that you have a valid travel insurance policy, not only to cover the cost of medical treatment, but also to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.

To book your places call 028 8164 8390 or email info@theadventureteam.co.uk

Come and explore the Rivière Dumoine

“Part of the experience, to me, is flying in above the roads – to settle in quickly and quietly to the romance of the river; to camp a day or two in the calm before making the descent; to breathe deeply of the essence that defines these Quebec gems.” Hap Wilson

The Dumoine River, located at the border of the Témiscamingue and Outaouais regions and is considered one of the best white water rivers in Eastern Canada. It is known for its consistent flows and is more than adequate for white water throughout the summer. The river is mostly Grade 2 with some Grade 3′s thrown in to keep your attention. It also has some beautiful lakes to relax in.

Our pace will be leisurely to enjoy the wilderness and spectacular scenery. We’ll have free time for photography, swimming, sunning and relaxing, or for day hikes to the cliffs and waterfalls. 

We will provide 2 guides, transport, most meals and equipment – you will only be responsible for your personal equipment and sleeping bag.

DATES: 9^th July – 20^th July 2011

Cost: £850 per person

Itinerary:

Who is this trip suitable for?

This trip is suitable for people with no or limited canoeing experience as well as those with experience. You must be reasonably fit and prepared to spend 6 nights camping – sleeping mats are highly recommended.

Who else will be on this trip?

There will be no more than 10 people on this trip including the two guides. We strongly believe that small groups result in a better experience for all – more time with your guides, less waiting around and a reduced impact on the communities and environments visited.
Each group is generally made up of like-minded travellers – with singles, couples and friends all joining in together.

Will I get to meet the other participants before I go?

We will be organising a 1 day canoe trip in May where you can meet the other participants and learn more about this adventure.

What is the food like?

While canoeing, all meals are provided from supplies brought in the canoes. There is nowhere to buy food en route. Your guides will ensure that you get plenty to eat both at meal times and a supply of snacks during the day. You will almost certainly be pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety of food that it’s possible to create while camping in the wilds!

You will be responsible for your own meals when we are not canoeing although breakfast will be provided every day.

How can I pay?

A deposit of £200 is required at the time of booking and the balance is due before the end of May. Payment plans can be arranged by Direct Debit. Bookings made after May must be paid in full at the time of booking.

Will I be safe?

Most definitely! Your main guide has extensive experience of leading canoe trips in North America as well as various locations throughout Europe.

The Dumoine is a well used river with maintained campsites and access by forest roads in case of emergence; and we are always 100% focused on your safety.

Am I insured?

Our Insurance Policy automatically provides cover for all activities undertaken as part of this trip. However, it is an essential condition of joining this trip that you have a valid travel insurance policy, not only to cover the cost of medical treatment, but also to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.

What about flights?

Air Canada and Lufthansa offer direct flights from Dublin – currently just under £600 return. www.skysscanner.net is a very useful tool for sourcing the best deals.

More background on the Dumoine:

The Dumoine is one of seven wild rivers that flow into the Ottawa River off the southern edge of the Laurentian Highlands.  The Dumoine is an ideal river for learning and improving your white water skills. It is also considered one of the prettiest rivers of the Ottawa Valley so makes for a great camping trip. 

Falling 500 feet in 50 miles, the river descends from Lac Dumoine through an area dominated by a forest cover of black spruce, white and red pine, and pockets of white cedar and white and yellow birch.  As the Ottawa is approached on the southern reaches of the river, maples and ash become a more significant part of the forest.  The fauna of the Dumoine River Valley includes moose and black bear as well as a variety of smaller mammals such as beaver, muskrat and otter.  Fish, particularly pike and pickerel, can be caught along the river.  Bass, speckled trout and lake trout live in the deeper pools along the river or a few miles back in the tributaries.

The river has played an important role as a north-south transportation corridor in the economic history of early groups of Canadians.  The Hurons and other central Ontario tribes who wished to avoid paying the toll which the Allumette Natives charged for portaging across the island used the Dumoine as an alternate route to the Ottawa River on their way to Montreal.  This also allowed the agriculturally oriented Hurons to trade their products with the nomadic Algonquins who inhabited theKipawa and La Verendrye region to the north but who rarely came south for fear of encountering the Iroquois.

During the French domination of the Ottawa Valley trade routes, a French fort was built at the mouth of the river.  Undoubtedly the Dumoine Fort was deserted by 1701, when Alexander Henry Sr. passed by on his journey west.  The river remained a fast route out of the fur country, despite the demise of the French establishment.

Sheerway, halfway down the river, is the site of a number of buildings begun as early as the early nineteenth century when the Hawkesbury Lumber Company began cutting and driving timber on the Dumoine.  By 1870 there were 11 ‘stations’ – a station being anything from a dam to a slide way on the river.  Evidence of this prosperous and colourful lumbering activity includes the Sheerway buildings, the dam and log chute at the head of the Dumoine gorge, and the numerous huge white pine stumps along the river.  After 1890, the peak of the lumbering in the Dumoine valley passed.  In 1918, the Dumoine Rod and Gun Club was established at the Sheerway site, using many of the Hawkesbury company buildings.  The main structure, once combination hotel, post office, and homestead became the main lodge of the club.

The set of rapids directly above Sheerway, the "Big Steel", was the scene of lively competition in the heyday of the timber trade.  The entire run from the top of Big Steel to the bridge at Sheerway was known as the "horserace."  The name originated with a challenge between the lumbermen and the Indians.  The lumberjacks would race the natives to the bridge from the top of the run, driving their wagons and horse teams while the natives paddled their canoes.  History does not record the results.

Further downstream the massive Dumoine Gorge drops more than 150ft in less than a mile as the river plunges through a series of falls and canyons.  At the beginning of the 20th century the log chute that descended the gorge was still operational, though deteriorating.  The top still exists today upstream of the dam and road and if you walk the scenic gorge trail you can still see remnants of it in other locations.  A story is told of a lumberman who was sent on a special mission from Lac Dumoine to the Ottawa River given only two days and one guide to do it.  Upon reaching the gorge the lumberman was less than enthusiastic about portaging the rough shore trail and welcomed the guide’s suggestion to run the chute instead.  He claimed to have done it several years before with a barrel of pork in his canoe.  The first portion was relatively flat, but then the drop off was soon reached.  The chute took several turns in the course of its descent.  As the two approached, the Indian guide turned to his companion, and pale with fear, advised the lumberman to hook his paddle over the right side and "hold on for dear life".  The next turn had no real left wall and if they could not ride the "right rail" they would be thrown out into the gorge below.  Hurtling past this hazard, they reached the bottom, only to have their canoe severely damaged as they exited the chute into mid air a number of feet above the water.  The aftermath of the event was an afternoon of canoe repair and late reaching of their destination.

The scenic lower reaches of the river include the "Bald Eagle Rock" a massive formation that springs from the edge of the river and towers 600ft up to a pin -crowned summit.  There is one final scenic falls before the Dumoine empties into the Ottawa River.  Because of the Dams on the Ottawa at Des Joachims the river is backed up in this section forming a large lake which flooded the lower few km of the Dumoine and allows boats to reach the bottom of the final small falls.

Drop us an email to info@theadventureteam.co.uk if you would like to reserve your place