Outdoor Education

• 50 land and water-based activities designed to build confidence and new skills.
• 8,000 children and young people visit YMCA Lakeside each year.
• Since the 1920s, over a million young people have left Lakeside more confident and resilient.
• The Stoller Campus, a state-of-the-art building which offers 280 beds in 54 ensuite bedrooms.
• YMCA Lakeside spans 100 acres of private woodland on Lake Windermere’s southwestern shore.

Since the 1920s, over a million young people have left Lakeside more resilient, confident, and better prepared for life’s challenges. Here, small barriers become opportunities for inspiring, empowering, and unforgettable learning.

At YMCA Lakeside, students engage in activities that develop a wide range of skills essential for cross-curricular learning. With the centre’s stunning natural setting, subjects like science, plant biology, geography, and English literature come to life, offering unique opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world environments. Here are the top ten key soft skills your students will gain:

1.     Teamwork and Collaboration: Working independently, in pairs, and in small groups to achieve shared goals.
2.     Building Connections: Sharing new, meaningful experiences with peers in a safe and supportive environment.
3.     Embracing Challenges: Developing a positive mindset toward learning, adventure, and overcoming obstacles.
4.     Self-Awareness and Empathy: Recognising personal strengths and limitations, valuing others’ contributions, and fostering mutual respect.
5.     Respect and Tolerance: Learning to treat others with kindness, tolerance, and understanding.
6.     Impact and Responsibility: Understanding how personal actions affect others and developing responsibility for the safety and well-being of self and peers.
7.     Leadership and Organisation: Taking on leadership roles, planning, and organising activities while ensuring group safety.
8.     Transferable Achievement: Recognising how success at Lakeside can translate to success at home and in school.
9.     Healthy Competition: Understanding how competition can motivate high performance and personal growth.
10.     Health and Well-being: Boosting physical fitness and mental well-being through outdoor activities that promote a healthy lifestyle.

“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.

The location of Lakeside is absolutely beautiful and relaxing. The 17/18 year old students really enjoyed being surrounded by such relaxing, breath-taking scenery.  All of the activities from raft building to fell walking allowed them to relax and reconnect with each other. It was great to see them put aside technology to pick up a stone to skim or a stick on which to toast a marshmallow.  The staff are incredibly friendly and accommodating, engaging with our students and ensuring all our needs were met.  Our students were able to revise in study rooms and enjoy the facilities, including modern and clean accommodation.  The food was also varied and tasty and the catering team were keen to meet all the dietary needs of our group, which the students found reassuring and helpful. I would recommend Lakeside without hesitation and look forward to returning, as we have done for the past twelve years.

Alison Mummery, Wallingford School

YMCA Lakeside offers an ideal setting for groups to learn, grow, and connect with nature. With 50 activities like kayaking and rock climbing, participants build confidence and skills. Enjoy reduced rates from November to March. Whatever your goals, YMCA Lakeside provides unforgettable opportunities to inspire and empower students. Contact lakesidebookings@fyldecoastymca.org or call 015395 39000 to learn more.