Sophie Holdstock

Senior Tutor & Course Director, Arete Outdoor Centre

Based in Llanrug, in north-west Wales, Arete offers catered accommodation for up to 100 pupils, outdoor learning courses for groups and families, and training and qualifications for outdoor instructors.

“When children come to us they’re often shy and don’t know anything about the outdoors. I’ve worked with kids that have never walked off a pavement before. Then they come to a wild, natural area where they have the opportunity to do something new that they never thought they could do. Those opportunities help them grow and give them resilience that they can take back to school and other challenges in their lives.

“They come away learning about teamwork and about what they can personally achieve. They can surprise themselves. Being in a residential setting encourages them to be organised and independent because they have to get up, make their own sandwiches, pack their bag, and there’s a timetable to adhere to. Even little things like sitting down with their friends at mealtimes – some children have never eaten at a table while having conversation with people. There are so many subtleties to an outdoor residential trip. It’s not just about the climbing and kayaking – it’s all the domestic skills and experiences that they get as well.

“There are kids at the moment, especially as a result of COVID-19, who are stuck inside when it’s safe