At YMCA Lakeside, every residential is different. From school groups across the North of England to youth organisations and teams from the nuclear and submarine sector, our visitors come with different aims – but often leave with the same things: greater confidence, stronger relationships and brilliant memories. Here’s what visiting leaders said about their experiences earlier this year.
School residentials that build confidence
For schools, a residential is an opportunity to learn outside the classroom while developing teamwork, resilience and independence.
Our programme of outdoor adventure activities gives pupils the chance to challenge themselves in a safe and supportive environment. Activities including kayaking, raft building, zipwire, nightline, crate stack and the double king swing offer something for everyone.
Claire Singleton from Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School said students were: “always pushing themselves to their limits.”
Dean Valley Community Primary School highlighted how pupils could: “challenge themselves, push their boundaries and celebrate their achievements together.”
Leaders also praised our instructors for quickly building positive relationships with pupils and encouraging them to try new things.
Youth groups discovering new adventures
Lakeside also welcomes youth and community organisations, including Props North East, Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation and Tameside Young Carers.
For these groups, residentials provide an opportunity to step outside everyday routines, experience new activities and build connections. Props North East described their residential as: “Another amazing stay”; while Tameside Young Carers praised the activities and food enjoyed by their group.
Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation, whose leader has nearly 16 years’ experience of residentials, said the Lakeside facilities and staffing: “far outweigh” anything they had previously experienced.
Team building beyond the workplace
We also welcomed groups connected with the nuclear and submarine sector, including BAE Systems Submarines and Nuclear Sponsorship Scheme participants. For these groups, the focus was on teamwork, shared experiences and developing relationships away from the usual working environment.
One BAE Systems group described Lakeside as a: “Great place especially for team building.”
They also told us their interns and group leaders had a great time and were looking forward to returning.
Ready for your next adventure?
Whether you’re planning a school residential, youth group trip or team-building experience, YMCA Lakeside offers adventure, challenge and opportunities to grow in a beautiful setting.
Get in touch with the YMCA Lakeside team to start planning your next residential.
