Geography and Geology Camp

This course is aimed at students with an interest in geology and geography, whether they have studied the subject formally or not.

Are you considering a degree in geology, earth science or physical geography?
The five-day residential is designed for young people that are looking to improve their field skills and explore the options of a possible career in geoscience or geography.

Geology offers a fascinating window into Earth’s deep past and the foundations of our most iconic landscapes, but can be slightly daunting to the uninitiated.

Geography is all about the question ‘why here?’ You’ll be studying the natural landscape where you will use a range of geographical approaches to explore our complex relationship to the environment.

Our course is designed to develop an appreciation of the basic skills and knowledge of earth science and geography in a fun and supportive environment.

During the course you will learn how to describe and categorise rocks in the field and to use a geological notebook to record your observations. In the evening we will briefly set the day in context with fun, interactive sessions. You will also develop transferable skills including team work, communication and leadership.

Here are some of the transferable skills that are likely to be covered in this residential:

• Communicating with others
• Working as a team
• Managing your time
• Taking the lead
• Resilience
• Reliability
• Keeping focused
• Problem solving
• Decision making

The course is suitable for a Duke of Edinburgh Award Gold residential. Always check with your leader before booking.

We want to ensure participants get to share in their experience with those of a similar age. Please consider what age the attendee will be on the course date and check they fit into the age category when booking. 

If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian. When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at the checkout.

When attending the residential dates which welcome 16-18 year olds, all participants will be expected to follow the behaviour and conduct rules which will be in place to safeguard young people.

If these course dates do not suit you, we run similar courses at many of our other centres.

Example Timetable

Day 1

Arrive at 12.00
Introduction to the Lake District
Afternoon - Get to know the rest of the group with icebreaker games and an introduction to the Lake District Landscape and Geology on a local walk from the centre.
Evening - An introduction to the geological history of the Lake District

Day 2

Investigating glaciated mountain landscapes
Morning/Afternoon
How has the Lake District topography been shaped? There will be a full day out in the mountains visiting the stunning Easedale valley, we will look at the glacial history of the Lake District and the landscape that it has left behind, including it's Quaternary geology.

Evening
A look at technologies available to geographers & geologists such as GIS and 3D mapping.

Day 3

Sedimentary rocks.
Morning/Afternoon
Explore environmental change through time by visiting a range of sedimentary outcrops in the East Lakes and Eden Valley. You will learn how to produce a sedimentary log and how scientists reconstruct past climate change using geological evidence.

Rock speed dating!
Evening
Use your newfound skills and get to know some classic rock types.

Day 4

Ghyll scrambling & Canoeing
Morning/Afternoon
Scramble and climb up a Lakeland stream, with plenty of opportunities for jumping in and getting wet!
Canoeing on Derwent Water. This will offer an opportunity for rest and reflection, as well as a chance to develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.

Evening
A chat round the campfire exploring geological, geographical, environmental, and outdoor education career pathways.

Day 5

Natural Hazards – living with floods in a warming world
Morning/Afternoon
One of the biggest issues facing the Lake District is flooding. Walking from the centre along the old railway line to Keswick, we will look at the impact of flooding on Keswick and the current flooding defences. We will think about how humans have interacted with the landscape to increase the likelihood of flooding and what natural solutions can be used to mitigate the problem.
Return to the centre to sign Duke of Edinburgh books.

• 
  Expert Tuition
• 
  Free Wi-Fi
• 
  Full Board Accommodation
• 
  Hot and Cold Drinks
• 
  In Course Transport
• 
  Picnic Lunch

What to Bring

You will need to be prepared for full days outside whatever the weather. In order to stay safe and comfortable you will need:

• Walking boots with ankle support*
• Waterproof jacket and over trousers*
• Lots of warm layers
• Hat and fleece
• Suncream
• Rucksack
• Towel
• Wash kit
• Drinks bottle/flask and lunch box
• Personal medication
• Torch
• Plenty of warm clothing

All geological field kit will be provided, but you will need:

• Hardback notebook – a waterproof survey book is ideal
• Pencil – propelling is advised to keep a sharp point

This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending. 

We want to ensure participants get to share in their experience with those of a similar age. Please consider what age the attendee will be on the course date and check they fit into the age category when booking.

If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian.

When attending the residential dates which welcome 16-18 year olds, all participants will be expected to follow the behaviour and conduct rules which will be in place to safeguard young people.