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Canoeing Lesson on Lake Windermere at YMCA Lakeside

A typical day at Lakeside

A typical day at Lakeside involves breakfast, followed by a morning activity (either 1 x 3 hour activity, or 2 x 1.5 hour activities), lunch, an afternoon activity (1 x 3 hour or 2 x 1.5 hours), dinner, and a 1.5 hour evening activity.

We have over 50 activities to choose from. Call us and we will do our very best to get your favourites on your itinerary.

KS2 Learning outcomes

  • Develop independence and self-confidence
  • Explore and develop an understanding of effective communication skills
  • Improve problem-solving skills in a fun and interactive way
  • Enjoy and experience new adventures
  • Develop the skills to become independent learners by taking responsibility for tasks and commitments
  • Develop respect and responsibility for self, others and the natural environment
  • Increase self-confidence through overcoming challenges in a supportive environment

Sample KS2 programme (PDF)
Sample KS2 programme (PDF)

KS3 Learning outcomes

  • Develops and builds classmate relationships
  • Learn the importance of working together.
  • Support personal development, important life skills and growth.
  • Encourages bonding, team-work and long-term friendship
  • Understand more fully the school’s behavioural values and expectations
  • Increase skills in working / collaborating with others, communication and planning
  • Enjoy and experience new adventures
  • Develop respect and responsibility for self, others and the natural environment
  • Develop organisational skills and a sense of responsibility
  • Cope with uncertainty and difficulty
  • Establish new friendships and encourage respect for peers

Sample KS3 programme (PDF)
Sample KS3 programme (PDF)

Download our full Schools brochure

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The children achieved so much and their self-confidence grew through the power of teamwork and resilience. We cannot wait to return next year so more pupils can experience the magic of Lakeside.
Louisa Martin, Deputy Headteacher, Trinity St Peter’s Primary School, Formby
Lakeside was the perfect place to take our 90 Year 12 students. Over the two days they became much more confident, developed new friendship groups and became genuinely more caring for each other. I do not think anywhere more suitable can possibly exist.
Alan Corner, Head of Sixth Form, Bede Academy, Blyth, Northumberland
This was our fifth year at Lakeside and every year the students have a fantastic time and want to return when in Year 13! It is superb value for money and I would recommend the YMCA without hesitation.
Sharon Minta, Bridgewater School, Manchester
I had a fantastic experience at the YMCA National Centre at Lake Windemere, mainly because of the jam-packed activity schedule. My friends and I were never bored. Each activity was exciting and different and every one of our instructors was really fun.
Anna Guest (Year 9), Heckmondwike Grammar School

Latest News & Events

YMCA Lakeside, Schools Challenge Returns for 2025

Schools across the UK are invited to take part in the exciting 2025 Lakeside Schools Challenge at YMCA Lakeside, open […]

Children canoeing activity on Lake Windermere

YMCA Lakeside – outdoor instructors all set for a new season

A new intake of instructors, at one of Europe’s largest outdoor activity centres, Lakeside, Windermere, is being put through their paces ahead of the season starting.

Otters return to Lakeside for the winter

Otters return to Lakeside for the winter

If you need something to warm your heart on a cold winter morning, then what better than this glimpse of otters playing near Lakeside.

The Remembrance Poppy

Do you know how the YMCA has shaped all of our lives?

With more than 58 million members in over 120 countries worldwide, the YMCA is the world’s largest youth movement. But few people know just how much the YMCA has shaped our history.