At Bowles we
are passionate about real learning through real experiences. We believe that all
young people should have the opportunity to experience outdoor activities
because the benefits are profound, inspirational and they last a lifetime. 
Life at Bowles
Bowles is a unique venue where young people are inspired yet safe, where they are challenged, but appropriately, and where they are cared for, whilst having the independence to make decisions and to take responsibility for their choices and their actions. We believe in developmental outdoor learning and in growth through experience, as well as fantastic activities.
Life at Bowles is busy, it takes place around an exciting, packed programme of activities, interpersed with healthy, hot, home cooked meals. Because of this, young people ususally sleep well in spite of their excitement at being away from home with friends, often for the first time. Children soon fall into a healthy routine and often can’t believe when it is time to go home.
A sample 5 day residential programme
| MORNING | AFTERNOON | EVENING | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Arrival, settle in | Skiing 1 | Team Working |
| Tuesday | Rock climbing | Orienteering training | Canoeing in the pool |
| Wednesday | Canoeing on the river or the coast | Treasure hunt / campfire | |
| Thursday | Skiing 2 | Rock climbing and abseiling | Ropes course |
| Friday | Orienteering event | Skiing 3, departure | |
CATERING
We place great importance on ensuring all our guests have a balanced-diet – our food is home cooked and, where possible, locally-sourced. Please click here for a sample menu
Tuckshop – A residents view
The tuck shop at Bowles is really small but it has lots of stuff in it. There’s lots of different sweets and souvenirs you can buy. I thought the Bowles bugs were really cute, the ladybird was my favourite. I also bought a pink Bowles bag so that I could carry my stuff on activities. You are only allowed to buy one sweetie every day, but it is really cool having your own money and deciding what to spend it on. I wish I could have had enough money to buy a t-shirt they were cool! – Natalie, aged 10
The Cabin – A residents view
The Cabin is right next to the ski slope which is great because it means you can watch your friends on the ski slope. The best thing about the cabin is the drinks machines it’s cool to be able to choose what you want. I liked the Suso drinks the best, they tasted really good and I think they’re healthy too. Our school met in the cabin just before bedtime to have a chat about our day and drink some hot – Ben, aged 11
The Games Room – A residents view
The Games Room has a ping pong table and table football. It is a good place to play with your mates during your free time. The ping pong ball got squashed but it was ok because we bought a new one from the tuck shop. The Games Room is opposite the football pitch which is great too, except the ball kept rolling down the hill! – Edward, aged 10
You can choose your own programme and the duration of the course can be anything from a single night to five days or more. The programme below is a typical five day programme but the choice of activities can be tailor-made to fit your framework goals and is entirely at your discretion.
