Description
An Outdoor Activity Centre, based in Beeley, in the heart of the Peak District National Park and the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, providing group accommodation and outdoor adventure activities for young people of all abilities.
Our aim as a education trust, is to ensure that all young people, regardless of ability, special need or disadvantage, are given the opportunity to experience quality outdoor education, in a safe environment, to improve not only their physical fitness but also their confidence and self esteem to enable them to meet the challenges of everyday life, today and in the future.
Our main focus is children with special needs including Autism, Aspergers Syndrome, Downs Syndrome, children with hearing or sight impairment and those with physical disabilities including wheelchair users.
We also run courses for primary and secondary school children and those from disadvantaged backgrounds or poor inner city areas. Dukes Barn provides a safe and adventurous environment in which people of all ages and abilities can experience:
* Exciting activities
* Meeting personal challengesRock climbing
* Developing an awareness of the needs of others
* Gaining a wider appreciation of the natural environment
Dukes Barn's qualified experienced staff offer:
* Fully catered residential courses throughout the year
* Day courses for groups visiting the area
* Courses planned with you to meet your needs
* Specialist equipment for all activities
* Challenging adventures for disadvantaged and disabled people
Group Accommodation
Dukes Barn is a group accommodation base and can accommodate a maximum of 46 people, normally slightly less dependent on male/female mix.
It has a games room with pool table, table tennis, table football and a large meeting room with TV/DVD if desired. The simple dining room, with modern kitchen adjacent can accommodate approximately 50 people.
The indoor clean up area with sinks, washing machine, tumble drier and modern drying room with de-humidifier mean that large groups can get waterproofs, boots etc cleaned and dried out overnight if needed.
Within the grounds we have a field and all weather surface suitable for 5 a side football, basket ball or similar games.
For activity courses we have an indoor climbing wall and a ropes course The less energetic will enjoy the orchard or a short stroll around the village. There is also a small sensory garden where you can sit for a quiet cup of tea or to enjoy the sun.
Situated within the beautiful village of Beeley, on the edge of the Chatsworth Estate, Dukes Barn is an ideal location for short local riverside strolls or longer walks taking in nearby moorland and dales.
Activities
We will develop a program of activities that are appropriate to the needs of each group.
A discussion on a pre-course visit or by phone offers the opportunity to consult with course leaders and design a course that will be enjoyable, challenging and achievable. Elements of education are threaded into the adventures to provide an informal yet informative outing.
This summary of activities gives an idea of what is available:
Hill Walking
The Peak District is famous for its gritstone moorland and picturesque limestone dales, which are perfect hill walking landscapes.
Knowledgeable instructors offer the opportunity to learn about the natural history/geology and ecology of the National Park and a chance to improve on map reading skills. Full days out usually mean a short journey to the upland moors of the Dark Peak. Half days out will be closer to Dukes Barn, choosing from a range of popular scenic walking areas.
Navigation Skills
Navigating is fun! Training is pitched at a level to suit the individual. Visitors can learn the basics, or develop their map and compass skills working with experienced instructors visiting some of the more remote and interesting parts of the Peak District upland.
Stream Walking
Stream walking is a popular activity with children. It is a fun activity. Groups follow a stream valley, scrambling over rocks and boulders, splashing through pools and getting wet meeting fun challenges set by the instructors.
Rock-hopping and Scrambling
This is an ideal introduction to mountain activities, involving a mixture of all the skills utilised in walking, climbing and caving. These very active sessions are an ideal day out for young energetic groups but can also be an excellent activity for people with learning disabilities.
Abseiling
An exciting buzz, very popular with most groups. Abseiling is a great personal challenge for many people.
Rock Climbing
Dukes Barn is a short drive from many of Britain's most famous Gritstone crags. Enthusiastic instructors provide active introductory sessions progressing through movement skills and basic ropework to build self confidence in a safe and exhilarating environment. We recommend groups give a full day to this activity.
Anyone just starting the sport, or wanting to progress from climbing on indoor walls to climbing independently outside can learn the necessary techniques with skilled experienced Mountaineering Instructors.
Active climbers can improve their level of skill and expertise on improvised rescue and multi pitch climbing courses or may wish to complete Single Pitch Award training and/or assessment. We also offer MLTB/BMC accredited disability awareness training for instructors.
Orienteering
We offer a range of orienteering for all abilities. Map reading skills can be developed through orienteering. A range of local courses are available to suit all ages and abilities.
People are often enthused by the competitive element of orienteering and it serves as a fun way of learning new skills. Photo orienteering, or courses involving answering questions about the local area are suitable alternatives for people of different abilities.
Caving
Caving offers a very powerful group experience.
Introductory caving sessions can be full or half days. A typical half day will involve up to two and a half hours underground, experiencing these unique exciting environments.
Groups of secondary age and above may wish to consider a full days caving. This will normally involve venturing down a classic vertical system involving abseiling and ladder climbing techniques. Elements of technical training can be done at the Dukes Barn climbing wall, before going underground.
Advanced caver training is available including pitch rigging, vertical self rescue and local leader accreditation courses.
Canoeing
We have a range of Kayaks and Open Canoes suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
Our Inflatable Canoes are stable fun boats, ideal for disabled people to experience both flat, and white water canoeing.
A local canal and picturesque lake provide a perfect environment for novices to enjoy a session on flat water, learning basic skills and playing fun games to build confidence.
River trips are possible for groups with a little more experience.
British Canoe Union Star Awards and Coaching courses are also available.
Improvised Raft-Building
An ideal team building or corporate event. Building rafts from planks and barrels challenges the inventive mind and practical hands. Good teamwork is essential to build and sail these craft.
Ropes Course and Problem Solving
Dukes Barns low level ropes course offers a challenging venue for problem solving and team challenges. It has been designed to enable people of different abilities to work together and have fun.
Other Activities
Sailing, off-road cycling and horse-riding can all be arranged at an additional charge.
For lots more information please visit our website.
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