Planning an adventure trip for your group can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences, whether you’re part of Girlguiding, Scouts, a youth club, a faith group, or even a health-focused group or sports team. It’s a fantastic way to bond, allow kids to challenge themselves, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
However, knowing how to plan a group trip effectively is key to ensuring everyone has a great time and stays safe. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to plan an adventure trip for your group, step by step.
Benefits of group adventure trips
Group adventure trips offer more than just outdoor exploration; they provide multiple benefits:
- Provides valuable life lessons in teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving;
- Strengthens bonds and fosters friendships;
- Promotes physical and mental well-being.
How to plan a group trip
1. Set objectives
Before you dive into the logistics, start by setting clear objectives. What do you hope to achieve with this adventure? Do you want to build teamwork, develop leadership skills, or simply have a fun break? Understanding the purpose of the trip will help you shape your itinerary, choose suitable activities, and ensure everyone is on the same page. For example, a faith group may want to incorporate time for prayer or mindfulness, while a sports team may prioritise physical challenges.
2. Choose a location
The location of your adventure trip is crucial and should align with your objectives. Do you want to head to the forest for hiking, or the coast for water sports? At PGL, we have multiple locations across the UK and France. Simply find the one that’s closest to you and we’ll help you create an unforgettable experience. Pro tip: Always make sure to check for facilities that cater to any specific needs your group may have.
3. Pick activities
Once you’ve chosen the location, it’s time to pick activities that will challenge and excite your group. When planning an adventure trip, consider including a mix of activities that cater to various interests and skill levels. Here’s a taste of what awaits you at PGL:
- Abseiling
- Aqua Park
- Archery
- Bodyboarding
- Canoeing
- Climbing
- Disc Golf
- Fencing
- High Ropes Course
- Orienteering
- Raft Building
- Survivor
- Zip Wire
4. Create a packing checklist
A well-thought-out packing checklist is crucial to ensure everyone is prepared for the group adventure. Include items like comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and essential outdoor gear like water bottles, sunscreen, and hats. When planning a group trip, remind everyone to bring any personal items they may need, such as medication. If your adventure trip includes specialised activities, such as netball, make sure that participants prepare to bring any necessary gear ahead of time.
See our PGL Kit List for our packing recommendations.
5. Assess catering and dietary needs
Food is a major part of any group adventure residential, and catering to everyone’s dietary needs is crucial. At PGL, we take pride in offering a variety of healthy, nutritious meals for all guests, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Whether you’re fueling up for an action-packed day or winding down after a busy one, we’ve got something for everyone. Feel free to browse our menu for more details or get in touch with our friendly customer service team ahead of time to discuss any specific dietary requirements your group may have.
6. Make safety a priority
Safety should always be a top priority on group adventure trips. Begin by familiarising yourself with the activity centre’s emergency contacts, Code of Practice and safety protocols. As a founder member of BAPA (British Activity Providers Association) and a licence holder for activities in the scope of AALA (Adventure Activities Licensing Authority) regulations, we take safety seriously at every step. Our fully-trained PGL instructors are on hand to support your group during each activity, making sure all safety guidelines are followed and everything runs smoothly.
Now you’re ready for adventure!
With these steps, you now know how to plan a group trip that’s fun, safe, and meaningful. Group adventure trips are an incredible way to bond, learn, and grow together.
Check out our variety of group types, including Girlguiding, Scouts, Youth Clubs & Trusts, Other Uniform, Sports Clubs and more!
If you have any questions, get in touch with our friendly and experienced team. We’re here to help you every step of the way and ensure your group’s adventure is nothing short of amazing!