+Adventure is Field Studies Council’s outdoor adventure learning programme, designed to help young people build confidence, resilience, teamwork and independence through meaningful experiences in the natural environment.
Available at Preston Montford in Shropshire, Rhyd-y-Creuau in North Wales and Castle Head in Cumbria, the programme combines exciting activities such as canoeing, hill walking, ghyll scrambling and climbing with intentional personal development outcomes, drawing on the charity’s 80-year heritage in outdoor learning and environmental education.
We spoke to Dr Matt Healey, Adventure Growth Lead at Field Studies Council, about the vision behind +Adventure and why meaningful outdoor challenges can have a lasting impact on pupils and schools alike.
Q: What makes +Adventure different from other school residentials?
A: +Adventure brings together the excitement of outdoor challenge with the thoughtful approach teachers already know us for. Every activity is designed with purpose – not just to entertain pupils, but to help them grow. Whether they’re climbing, paddling or exploring, everything we do supports confidence, resilience and genuine personal development.
Q: Why is adventure so important for pupils right now?
A: Young people need more than curriculum knowledge, they need the resilience and independence to cope with change, overcome setbacks and believe in themselves. Adventure gives them that. When pupils step into a new environment and face challenges with support, they discover strengths they didn’t realise they had. +Adventure provides those moments in a safe, structured and hugely rewarding way.
Q: What role does nature play in +Adventure?
A: Nature is absolutely central. Our rivers, lakes, forests and hills become living classrooms. A quiet moment on the water or a windy scramble across rocks can spark curiosity, reflection and courage. We want pupils to understand the natural world, appreciate it and see themselves as part of it, and there’s no better way than experiencing it first‑hand.
Q: What outcomes can teachers expect from a +Adventure residential?
A: Teachers tell us that pupils return more confident, more connected and more willing to try. They see stronger group bonds, better teamwork and a noticeable boost in resilience. Pupils leave with a sense of pride in what they’ve achieved, and that spark stays with them long after the trip ends.
Q: Why choose Field Studies Council for an adventure residential?
A: With us you get adventure that’s professionally led, thoughtfully planned and rooted in decades of outdoor learning experience. Schools trust us for a reason. Our programmes are inclusive, safe, and tailored to the needs of young people today. +Adventure is the next step in that journey, bringing together challenge, nature and expert guidance in a way that’s truly transformative.
Q: What would you say to a teacher considering +Adventure for their school?
A: If you want a residential that gives pupils more than just a good time — one that builds resilience, confidence and a deeper connection with the natural world — then +Adventure is the perfect fit. It’s an experience your pupils will remember, and one that can make a real difference to their personal growth.
