This science lab camp is for young people who have an interest in science and is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a variety of laboratory skills and techniques.
It may be of particular interest to students hoping to pursue a career in biochemistry, medicine, pharmacy, marine biology or other disciplines with a focus on laboratory techniques.
You will spend your week at one of our field centre’s and experience working in an industrial standard laboratory.
You will be working in teams to complete workplace-linked science investigations exploring sampling and analytical techniques.
Lab work will be combined with adventurous outdoor activities. This will allow you to develop your problem-solving, effective communication and team working skills. These are all essential for those wishing to pursue a career in science.
This course is for those aged 16 – 18 years old and is suitable for the residential section of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Always check with your leader before booking.
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Please see the example timetables on this page for further details on what to expect.
Our young people residentials deliver a wide-ranging, enriching experience and give you the chance to develop a range of transferable skills. This can be great to include in higher education and job applications.
Around core themes of nature and landscapes, active learning, and personal and social skills, our courses promote nature connection, environmental understanding and responsibility, health and wellbeing, working well with others, resilience and curiosity.
If you are a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award participant, this course is also an ideal way to complete the Residential section of the award
See our Residential FAQs page if you’d like to know the answers to our most frequently asked questions.
If these course dates do not suit you, we run similar courses at many of our other centres.
Accessibility and support
We are committed to making our courses as accessible as possible. As venues and activities vary, available adjustments may differ, so please contact us before booking to discuss your needs and how we can support you.
Approved Activity Provider
As an Approved Activity Provider for DofE, our opportunities meet all the requirements for DofE. We do however always recommend checking suitability with your DofE assessor before booking a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential.
Explore our range of opportunities for young people. Whether you’re looking to complete your Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, want to explore possible careers, or simply want to expand your knowledge of nature and the natural world, our range of opportunities and experiences offers something for everyone.
Example Timetable
Example Timetable
Please note, these programmes are an example of what may be covered during a course. Centre specific programmes will vary based on location, time of year and experience. Detailed programmes for each course will be sent to participants upon booking. For more location information please reference ‘opportunities to attend this course’ below.
Day 1 – Introduction to course and Laboratory
Arrival 12pm
Afternoon – Participants will receive an introduction to the centre, followed by icebreakers and team games. Participants will have their first lab session- Health and safety, team roles and Intro to lab and micro-pipetting workshop.
Evening – Finish the day by spreading bacteria plates ready for tomorrow’s experiments.
Day 2 – Lab skills and adventure
Morning – Start your morning with a PCR workshop investigating breast cancer genetics, real lab science with real impact. Then pick bacterial clones and set up cultures ready for tomorrow’s session.
Afternoon – In the afternoon, head outdoors for an adventure activity, whether it’s bushcraft or conservation, you’ll get stuck into nature in a whole new way.
Evening – Round off the day by running gel electrophoresis of PCR product.
Day 3 – Lab skills and adventure
Morning/afternoon – Kick off with an adventurous challenge such as the high ropes, test your nerves, teamwork and balance high above the ground! Back in the lab, isolate DNA from your bacterial cultures and explore enzyme reactions.
Evening – End the day with another electrophoresis session of enzyme reaction samples.
Day 4 – Lab skills and adventure
Morning/afternoon – Turn into a crime‑scene investigator as you use real forensic techniques to solve a mystery, analyse evidence, follow clues, and crack the case! Afterwards, head out on an adventurous activity like canoeing to unwind and explore the outdoors from a new angle.
Evening – Gather around a campfire, toast a marshmallow, sharing stories and experiences.
Day 5 Group presentations
Morning/afternoon – Participants will prepare presentations throughout the week about current scientific work, giving participants experience of presenting to their peers and centre staff. Enjoy one final adventure activity, taking on the low ropes course for a last burst of teamwork.
Depart 3pm
What's Included
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Expert Tuition -
Free Wi-Fi -
Full Board Accommodation -
Hot and Cold Drinks -
In Course Transport -
Picnic Lunch
Before You Attend
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 their experience with those of a similar age. Please consider what age the attendee will be on the course date you choose, and check they fit in the age category for that date when booking. (Please see each individual course at the bottom of this page for age ranges.)
When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at checkout. 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.
Prior to the course, you will receive the following:
- A full kit list. Any technical equipment required will be provided, so you will just need the typical kit for a residential stay and being outdoors.
- An introduction to the staff delivering the course and information about the centre, so you know what to expect on arrival.
- A detailed itinerary for the course, including arrival and departure instructions. On some course,s there may be the opportunity to book a train station pick up and/or drop off.
- A photo consent form.
- The expectations of young people attending our courses.
- A form to share any specific dietary or medical needs.
Opportunities to attend this course
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Mon 26, October 2026 12:30pm - Fri 30, October 2026 3:00pm
At Castle Head you will explore investigations in synthesising insulin, breast cancer gene mutations and DNA barcoding. Lab work will be combined with adventurous outdoor activities such as ghyll scrambling and high ropes. This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
Sorry this course is out of stock
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Mon 15, February 2027 12:00pm - Fri 19, February 2027 3:00pm
This course provides a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a variety of laboratory skills and techniques including PCR, Gel electrophoresis and microbiology. You will also get an opportunity to solve a crime and get outside to experience the environment around Castle Head. This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 05, April 2027 12:00pm - Fri 09, April 2027 3:00pm
This course provides a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a variety of laboratory skills and techniques including PCR, Gel electrophoresis and microbiology. You will also get an opportunity to solve a crime and get outside to experience the environment around Castle Head. This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 19, July 2027 12:00pm - Fri 23, July 2027 3:00pm
This course provides a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a variety of laboratory skills and techniques including PCR, Gel electrophoresis and microbiology. You will also get an opportunity to solve a crime and get outside to experience the environment around Castle Head. This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 25, October 2027 12:00pm - Fri 29, October 2027 3:00pm
This course provides a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a variety of laboratory skills and techniques including PCR, Gel electrophoresis and microbiology. You will also get an opportunity to solve a crime and get outside to experience the environment around Castle Head. This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
