REACH MASTER! Bushcraft Residential Trip

Exciting overnight bushcraft trips

Are you looking for a way for your Year 5 pupils to master a range of bushcraft skills, solve problems and learn in nature? Our new MASTER! programme does just that.

Our bushcraft residential trips offer an unforgettable adventure, where your pupils can develop essential life skills and enjoy thrilling PGL challenges. They’ll embark on an outdoor adventure, trying a variety of exciting experiences, including:

creating survival shelters
mastering knots
building campfires
using a compass
making a giant catapult

Bushcraft for primary schools teaches real-life survival skills, encourages team building and gets pupils out of the classroom and back to nature. You’ll get delicious food, accommodation, activities and around-the-clock care all included in the price!

Plus, no PGL school residential trip would be complete without experiencing one of our high-adrenaline activities, and MASTER! is no exception. As the perfect end to your bushcraft residential, your pupils can try activities such as zip wiring, archery and so much more! You can also check out our full range of residential school trips for primary schools here.

Available from Spring 2025.

A child tends to a campfire in a forest. A sign in the foreground lists

REACH: MASTER! programme overview

3 day/2 nights bushcraft adventures, centred on developing skills, solving problems and preparing pupils for challenges ahead
Sessions tailored towards age, ability and learning outcomes
3 delicious, nutritious meals per day
Perfect for Primary Schools Camps for pupils to learn and have fun!

Children walking through waist-high water

Select your group type

Bushcraft School Trip Learning Outcomes

From creating a woodland shelter to building a campfire, using a compass, and learning useful knots – each activity has been chosen to help your pupils develop practical skills, teamwork, and confidence in the great outdoors.

Our Year 5 MASTER! adventures focus on sparking breakthroughs in:

"IMPROVING PROBLEM-SOLVING through hands-on activities encouraging critical thinking."

"BUILDING RESILIENCE through tackling new challenges outside the classroom."

"IMPROVING COMMUNICATION through activities focused on active listening and teamwork."

"INSPIRING AN APPRECIATION OF NATURE through immersing pupils in the outdoor environment."

A group of kids with their arms in the air

Kid with a magnifying glass looking at a tree

A Typical Day at PGL

Our days are carefully planned and structured to give your group the optimum PGL experience. Each day you’ll enjoy three nutritious meals in the dining room and an action-packed itinerary with 80% of activities centred around bushcraft skills, including a few favourite PGL adventure activities!

A PGL instructor talking to a group and three girls sat down on the grass

Wake up to enjoy a delicious breakfast in our dining room. Your groupie will take you to your morning activities, specially chosen to put your problem-solving and bushcraft skills to the test!

A kid doing archery and a group out for a walk in the woods

Time to refuel with a tasty lunch in the dining room. Once recharged and refreshed, your groupie will lead you into the woods for an afternoon of your Bushcraft Beyond session, exclusive to your MASTER! programme.

A kid smiling with his meal and group sat down by a log fire

Head back to the dining room for a hot tasty dinner. As the evening draws in, enjoy fun and laughter around the campfire, putting your new skills to the test. After this, everyone should be ready for a good night’s sleep, ready for more action tomorrow!

Morning images of R.E.A.C.H. - MASTER! programme

Wake up to enjoy a delicious breakfast in our dining room. Your groupie will take you to your morning activities, specially chosen to put your problem-solving and bushcraft skills to the test!

Afternoon images of R.E.A.C.H. - MASTER! programme

Evening images of R.E.A.C.H. - MASTER! programme

Activities

Our MASTER! programme takes learning back to basics with an exciting range of interactive bushcraft activities:

Daytime
Evening

Abseiling

The tower is over 10 metres high. The task – to walk backwards off the top, gradually working back towards ground level, suspended only on a rope. It’s all about trust, courage and confidence. It’s also a very dynamic way to learn calculating and controlling risk. Some children deal with heights more easily than others, but the support and encouragement of the rest of the group is important for each individual’s success and will help strengthen peer relationships.

All Aboard

All aboard is all about building trust and strengthening peer relationships – at the top of a 6 metre pole! Teams of up to four pupils scale the pole to reach the small platform at the top. Balancing on the platform becomes more difficult as more team members arrive to share the space. The challenge is to cooperate and support each other. The task is complete when all four team members successfully stand together at the top of the pole. Weight limit: 150kg

Bushcraft: catapult

Your pupils will apply their knot tying skills to construct a catapult, utilising pioneering poles, and wrapping up the activity with fun target games.

Bushcraft: fire-making

<div data-slate-type="paragraph"></div> <div data-slate-type="paragraph">In this hands-on session, pupils will learn how to start a fire with flint and steel, craft tinder from everyday items, feather wood, and build a sturdy tripod. They’ll also learn essential emergency skills before showcasing their teamwork and determination by putting their fire-building expertise to the test in an exciting final challenge.</div>

Bushcraft: shelter building & mastering of knots

This hands on bushcraft session sees your pupils learn fascinating life skills. Once useful knots are mastered, they are put to good use, creating a woodland survival shelter. As always, our expert team are on hand to show them the ways of the woodland, keep them safe and engaged, and make sure everyone enjoys an amazing adventure.

Canoeing

Canoeing is exciting, challenging and fun. It’s also a great opportunity for students to learn new skills such as paddling and steering in order to control their craft effectively. Communication skills also play a part as students work together and encourage each other.

Climbing

Your pupils will need to combine different skills including perseverance, strength, an ability to deal with heights – as well as trust in their belay partner and equipment. Those who have never tried it before will find it an exhilarating experience. Climbing at PGL may take place on indoor walls or outdoor climbing towers; whichever it is, we always use a top-rope belay for safety. Weight limit: 140kg

Giant Stand Up Paddleboard

The giant stand up paddleboard is a fun and relaxing way for your students to enjoy being on the water. It's a great activity for building confidence on a board through teamwork, balance and coordination. Available May to October.

Giant Swing

The ultimate test of nerve and joint decision-making. Two or three of your students are harnessed into the swing, while other members of the group haul them up to 10 metres into the air. After the group in the swing decide together how high they want to go, a pull on the ripcord will send them plummeting earthward. It’s a fast and exhilarating drop, but good communication will get the right balance between fear and fun! Weight limit: 150kg

High Ropes Course

The high ropes activity is designed to help your pupils improve levels of trust and co-operation amongst themselves. Essentially it’s an individual challenge course involving balance, passing obstacles and holding your nerve, because the whole event takes place 12 metres (40 feet) above the ground. The encouragement that comes from the rest of the group can make all the difference to their success – so the challenge is ideal for promoting teamwork and the value of mutual support. Weight limit: 150kg

Hike

Your pupils can discover the natural beauty of the local surroundings around their PGL centre on a hike led by our staff. We’ll organise activities and set tasks to help your pupils get the most from the experience.

Jacob’s Ladder

It’s an exercise in teamwork and friendly cooperation. Your group’s objective, in teams of three, is to climb to the top of a suspended ladder of logs. The gaps between each log become wider, the higher you go. Pushing up, pulling up, standing on shoulders – it’s all about working together to achieve a joint purpose. The activity promotes friendship, communication, discussion, leadership and decision-making as each team progresses to the top. Weight limit: 150kg

Kayaking

Kayaking is a great way for your pupils to explore our lakes and rivers and it remains one of our most popular activities. Our instructors will help your pupils get started, teach them the basics and then help them to push the boundaries of what they can achieve. There are games and individual challenges to improve teamwork, communication and confidence on the water.

Matrix

The Matrix is an indoor activity, exclusive to PGL Little Canada, on the Isle of Wight. The Matrix tests your pupils’ physical and mental agility as they step through secret gateways to solve puzzles, tasks and take part in other inspiring activities. It’s a challenge that will improve your pupils’ communication skills as well as their ability to cooperate and work effectively as a team.

Problem Solving

Problem solving sessions test your pupils’ initiative and ingenuity. Children work in small teams to solve puzzles and complete set tasks - it’s a great way for your pupils to get to know each other really well. By the time they finish they’ll have an appreciation and understanding each individual’s ability (including their own!) when it comes to planning, communicating and making decisions – skills which are all key to achieving the objectives of each task.

Raft Building

Down to the water’s edge and your pupils’ challenge is to design and build a robust and working raft. There’ll be a number of components available, including large plastic barrels, ropes and poles. Our staff can give as much or as little support as you’d like but it’s a great teamwork exercise and will help your pupils improve their communication, problem-solving and decision-making. Once rafts are ready to launch, the fun begins on the water!

Rifle Shooting

Shooting our lightweight air rifles tests individual skill and requires high levels of concentration and physical control. Children need to control their breathing, keep a steady hand, concentrate hard and focus on accuracy. Do all this, and there’s a good chance of being rewarded with the success of a good score!

Stand Up Paddleboard

SUP is a fun and relaxing way for kids to enjoy the water, build confidence on a board, and learn a new skill - this activity has quickly become a favourite!

Trapeze

Each stage of the trapeze counts as a success and requires courage and determination. The challenge starts with a climb to the top of a 6 metre pole. Next, a climb onto the small platform will require balance as pupils stand to make that leap for the trapeze! It’s an exhilarating and heart-pounding activity that will bring your pupils together in their support for each other. It also gives each participant a very real sense of personal achievement. Weight limit: 150kg

Vertical Challenge

Vertical challenge offers a chance to use all those skills you would use in any ground-based challenge course – but it all takes place at height! Your pupils will be harnessed and instructed on how to belay each other. They make their way up a course of suspended obstacles that include climbing walls, cargo nets, crates and ropes. The Vertical Challenge develops physical skills as well as transferable skills including climbing, communication, cooperation and lots of group support. Weight limit: 150kg

Ambush

If you love hide and seek, you’ll adore Ambush which takes this popular group game and ramps it up an extra notch! After sundown your group will split into small teams, with one team hiding within the centre grounds, leaving a trail for their competitors to follow. Great for developing strategic and team building skills. Ambush is usually run in the dark, and torches are advised. Available September to March

Archery Tag

Let the battle commence! Archery with a twist - you are aiming for each other! In this game of skill and teamwork you are equipped with foam-tipped arrows to battle it out in action packed games. You will do some basic skills training before entering the arena to see who comes out victorious! Available March to September

Bushcraft: campfire

The ultimate way to enjoy the great outdoors as a group! If your group loves to sing then get your pipes ready, or simply relax with some games around the campfire.

Crêpe Making

A relaxing evening of board games and music while guests take it in turn to create their very own pancake. Mix and cook your own pancakes and choose from a selection of tasty toppings available to build your own topping tower!

Disc Golf

Your group will love trying their hand at this exciting, fast-paced sport in the great outdoors! A flying disc sport, players will take it in turns to throw a frisbee disc at a target as they make their way across a 9-holed disc course! The perfect introduction to both frisbee and golf, Disc Golf is the ideal way to incite a little healthy competition amongst groups!

Highland Games

Don your kilts to enjoy a selection of traditional Scottish games such as caber tossing and haggis throwing! Your team will create their very own Clan name before taking part in a series of thrilling challenges, before ultimately crowning the best Clan

Laser Tag

The wide-open landscapes at our adventure centres offer the ultimate backdrop to a team laser tag battle. Working in teams, your group will head off equipped with their own laser tagger and vest. They'll develop team tactics, communication skills, and a steady hand as they duel to come out the triumphant team!

Night Navigation

What better way to understand the outdoors than to navigate through it! Using a compass, your pupils will learn how to take and set a bearing, discover pacing skills and traverse around a set course. Improve communication and teamwork amongst your group with this skill-based session.

PGL Games

A selection of exciting games to help burn off the final bit of energy before bed. These games include, battleships, can off & cornholes.

Photo Challenge

Follow the photo clues to navigate around the centres and answer questions

Quiz

In teams, guests are set a Q & A style challenges to engage their brains & increase their general knowledge.

Bushcraft Residential Available at

Lancashire – Winmarleigh Hall

Winmarleigh Hall is a 19th Century country house set in 50 acres of gardens, parkland and woodland with a large, purpose-built lake. Close to the historic city of Lancaster and the Forest of Bowland, this centre is crammed with activites and things to do.

Explore Winmarleigh Hall

North Yorkshire – Newby Wiske Hall

Newby by name, Newby by nature! Previously a police training centre, this historic 17th century country house opened its doors as a PGL activity centre in 2023 after a huge transformation. The centre is surrounded by beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, known for its rolling hills, lush green landscapes and scenic beauty.

Explore Newby Wiske Hall

Northumberland – Ford Castle

A breathtaking castle in the rolling Northumberland countryside where old meets new... historical fortifications bursting with modern facilities and exclusive activities!

Explore Ford Castle

Perthshire – Dalguise

Dalguise activity centre is set in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. Nestled in a beautiful wooded valley, just five miles north of Dunkeld.

Explore Dalguise

Shropshire – Boreatton Park

With 250 acres of countryside, woodland and multiple lakes, our biggest centre is one of our most popular destinations for the adventure of a lifetime.

Explore Boreatton Park

Suffolk – Bawdsey Manor

This impressive mansion house is located on the Deben Estuary and has panoramic views across the Suffolk Heritage Coast. The centre has over 140 acres of beautiful grounds, packed with a huge range of adventure activities to inspire and motivate your group.

Explore Bawdsey Manor

Surrey – Marchants Hill

With over 45 acres of beautiful grounds, Marchants Hill is a vibrant and bustling centre nestled in the ‘Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, within walking distance of the Devil’s Punchbowl. This centre offers the best of both worlds – green spaces and fantastic transport links!

Explore Marchants Hill

Wiltshire – Liddington

As one of PGL’s largest centres, Liddington is bursting with outdoor activities and sports facilities. Buzzing with activity and packed with challenges to conquer with your group. Situated on the ancient Ridgeway track bordering the North Wessex Downs, yet conveniently located just minutes from the M4

Explore Liddington

Why book with PGL?

#1 in outdoor educational trips

Industry experts in care & safety

Options for all budgets

All activities & instruction included

Age-relevant Programmes

Dedicated PGL ‘Groupie’ to support you

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Bushcraft school trip FAQs

What activities are included in the MASTER! programme?

The MASTER! programme includes a variety of bushcraft activities such as building woodland shelters, fire-lighting, learning to use a compass, knot tying, and learning how to survive in the wilderness. Plus, they’ll get the chance to participate in our PGL outdoor activities like abseiling, climbing, raft building and many more!

Where do the bushcraft residential trips take place?

Our bushcraft trips take place at our dedicated PGL centres, set in 8 beautiful outdoor locations with access to forests, woodlands, and open spaces. This setting allows pupils to fully immerse themselves in nature all while enhancing their skills and having fun!

What accommodations and meals are provided?

Depending on your bushcraft residential trip location, students will mostly be staying in dormitory-style rooms situated in our main buildings, chalets and more, with tent villages also being available at some locations.

Our dormitory rooms can hold large groups of students, some of which feature en suites and some with shared facilities. For teachers, we have single and en suite rooms and tents which can sleep one or two teachers.

Meals are provided throughout the weekend, with a variety of options to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Take a look at our sample menu for more information.

What should pupils bring for their bushcraft school trip?

Pupils should bring weather-appropriate clothing, including sturdy footwear, waterproofs, and warm layers for outdoor activities. A full packing list will be provided ahead of the trip, ensuring that each pupil is fully prepared for their outdoor adventure while staying comfortable and safe during their time at PGL.

How do I book overnight bushcraft trips at PGL?

To book an overnight bushcraft trip at PGL, simply get in touch with our team via our website or phone. Once you’ve selected the right trip for your group, we’ll assist you with the booking process, including securing dates, accommodation, and choosing the perfect activities for your group’s adventure.

Bushcraft Residential Trips