Struggling with stress, anxiety, and the pressures of social media is all too common for today’s students.
That’s why we created THRIVE! – a wellbeing-focused programme that combines the excitement of a PGL adventure, with the added benefits of mindfulness-based sessions. Through exciting, purposeful activities, students will learn the importance of adapting, planning and looking after their wellbeing – helping them build confidence, develop resilience and discover self-care techniques that work for them.
It’s everything you’d expect from PGL – the fun, the adventure, the teamwork, with an extra focus on health and wellbeing. It’s all about getting active, reflecting, and recharging with great food, comfortable accommodation and activities tailored to your group.
Let’s help students THRIVE! together.
REACH: THRIVE! programme overview
- 3 day/2-night wellbeing-boosting adventure, centred on understanding a healthy lifestyle and building resilience
- Programmes for secondary age ranges
- 5 adventure sessions morning to night
- Sessions tailored towards age, ability and learning outcomes
- 3 delicious, nutritious meals per day
Select your group type
Learning outcomes of THRIVE!: Our Health and Wellbeing Programme
A Typical Day at PGL
Wake up and enjoy a delicious breakfast in our dining room. Your groupie will take you to your morning activities, specially chosen to put balance and movement to the test!
Wake up and enjoy a delicious breakfast in our dining room. Your groupie will take you to your morning activities, specially chosen to put balance and movement to the test!
Regroup and replenish in the dining room with a hot dinner. As the evening draws in, relax with an evening campfire to reflect before bedtime.
Wake up and enjoy a delicious breakfast in our dining room. Your groupie will take you to your morning activities, specially chosen to put balance and movement to the test!
Wake up and enjoy a delicious breakfast in our dining room. Your groupie will take you to your morning activities, specially chosen to put balance and movement to the test!
Regroup and relax in the dining room with a hot dinner. As the evening draws in, relax with an evening campfire to reflect and meditate before bedtime.
Fun filled activities that help boost their mental wellbeing
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
Archery
Our Archery sessions offer the chance for every pupil to experience success. Accuracy, control and a steady hand are vital for achieving the best results and many children discover a talent for a new skill. Handling bows and arrows may be a brand new experience for your group and presents a variety of new challenges! We encourage safety awareness from the outset and teach the basic skills on an indoor or outdoor range.
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
Axe Throwing
Discover your inner Viking on our NEW Axe Throwing ranges. Hone your skills, and get your eye in, as you aim for maximum points on the target. Technique over strength will be the key to mastering this activity and as the session progresses you'll discover the best ways to fling an axe down the range. But, by the end of the session, will you be brave enough to 'call the Crux'?
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
Digital Detox: Wellness Wander
Immerse yourself in nature with forest bathing and grounding activities, and connect with your surroundings on a wellness walk. Take prompts from our specialist wellbeing signs to shape your activities, take notice, and observe mindfulness. Your group will finish by reflecting in their journals about the essential holistic mental wellbeing tools they've learnt to help take control of their emotions.
Fencing
Fencing is a great workout for both body and brain. It’s challenging, exciting and involves good eye-to-hand coordination, fast footwork, lightning reflexes and even quicker decision-making. It’s a sport that offers huge potential for the enthusiast to learn more and progress at club level, but it’s also accessible and great fun for beginners too. Our qualified instructors will teach your pupils the basic principles and safety procedures before they progress onto outwitting their opponent in this great Olympic sport.
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
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
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!
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!
Relax and Review: Yoga
Promote relaxation and focus in a yoga-style movement and reflection session. Combining mindful body movement, group poses, and calming breathwork techniques, this activity inspires self-awareness. Encouraging self-reflection by taking moments to pause and reflect through journaling, your students will return to school having consolidated learnings and wellbeing techniques that work for them.
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
Zip Wire
Once at the top of the zip wire platform, pupils are securely attached to the overhead wire before making their flight across the sky! Their route may take them through a forest or even over a lake. It’s a hugely exhilarating experience that requires personal courage and determination – it pushes most children beyond their natural comfort zone. It’s also a chance for the rest of the group to offer support and encouragement. Weight limit: 90-120kg (varies by location)
Campfire
The ultimate way to enjoy the great outdoors as a group! Enjoy a campfire tailored to your requirements. Get hands-on constructing your campfire during the day, and it will be lit ready for you to enjoy in the evening. If your group loves to sing or simply relax with some games around the campfire, our team can cater for all ages in the idyllic settings of our campfires.
Our THRIVE! programme is available at
Buckinghamshire – Green Park
Dorset – Osmington Bay
Located on the spectacular Jurassic Coast, enjoying views across to Weymouth, Osmington Bay is an incredibly special place to visit. It boasts all the land-based activities that you would expect to find at a PGL centre, along with thrilling water sports at the nearby Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy.
Explore Osmington Bay
Lincolnshire – Caythorpe Court
This jewel of the East Midlands has over 45 acres of glorious Lincolnshire countryside to explore, bursting with thrilling activites designed to challenge, inspire and bond.
Explore Caythorpe Court
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
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
South Yorkshire – Dearne Valley
With fantastic indoor and outdoor activity facilities surrounded by the beautiful countryside of South Yorkshire, a purpose-built water sports lake and access to the adjacent River Don, Dearne Valley offers something for everyone.
Explore Dearne Valley
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
Sussex – Windmill Hill
Welcome to Windmill Hill, an impressive Grade II listed mansion house on the beautiful Sussex Downs… where big adventures, new discoveries and unforgettable experiences can be found around every corner!
Explore Windmill 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
Testimonials
Testimonials
Message Us
If you’ve got a question or want to chat through your next trip, reach out below and one of the team will be in touch.
Reach THRIVE! programme FAQs
What is REACH – THRIVE!?
REACH – THRIVE! is a three-day, two-night residential that’s all about helping students slow down, reconnect with themselves, and build confidence in a really supportive setting. Think mindfulness, simple self-care techniques, and the classic PGL adventure activities we’re known for – all rolled into one unforgettable trip.
Who is THRIVE! designed for?
THRIVE! is built with secondary students in mind – usually those in Years 7 to 11/ S1 to S5. Every session is tailored to suit their age and stage, offering just the right mix of fun, reflection, and personal development, centred on their health and wellbeing.
What does a typical THRIVE! itinerary look like?
Each day is packed with a thoughtful balance of adventure and reflection. Here’s what to expect over the three days:
- Five exciting activity sessions per day
- Mindfulness workshops and guided reflections
- Nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner – all included!)
- Comfortable, full-board accommodation
- Programmes adapted to suit your group’s specific needs
What will students get out of the wellbeing programme?
THRIVE! helps young people develop practical tools to manage stress and build resilience. They’ll also boost their self-esteem, grow in confidence, and learn how to take better care of their mental and emotional wellbeing, all while strengthening friendships and team skills.
How is THRIVE! different from the other REACH programmes?
While all REACH programmes aim to support students’ growth, THRIVE! focuses more on wellbeing than performance or teamwork. It’s a gentler, more reflective experience than, say, GROW! or UNITE!, with a real emphasis on mental health and emotional development.
What’s included in the cost?
Everything’s taken care of. The package includes:
- Accommodation
- All meals from arrival to departure
- A full programme of activities with all equipment provided
- Support from experienced instructors
- Guided wellbeing sessions and reflection time
- A dedicated Group Leader (Groupie) throughout your stay
Can THRIVE! support students with additional needs?
Absolutely. PGL is experienced in working with SEND groups and can adapt activities, accommodation, and schedules to ensure every student feels safe, supported, and included.
How does PGL make sure everything is safe and high quality?
Safety is at the heart of everything we do. We are licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA), a member of BAPA, and hold accreditations like the LOtC Quality Badge. You can rest assured that students are in capable, trusted hands.
Can the programme support our curriculum goals?
Yes – while THRIVE! is wellbeing-focused, it also supports wider pastoral aims and PSHE outcomes. And if you’re after more direct curriculum links, our other REACH programmes (like GROW! and UNITE! ) are supported by our Learnlink™ resources.
How do we book, and what help is available to group leaders?
Booking is easy. Our friendly team will guide you through every step, from planning and paperwork to your stay itself. We also offer preview visits so you can get a feel for the site ahead of time.
If you would like to book a stay with us, you can request a quote or call us on 03333 212 116 to find out more!
What is the Skills Builder Universal Framework?
The Skills Builder Universal Framework is a structured, evidence-based approach to building eight essential skills that are vital for success in education, employment, and life. These skills are:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Problem Solving
- Creativity
- Staying Positive
- Aiming High
- Leadership
- Teamwork
Each skill is broken down into 16 teachable and measurable steps, making it easy to track progress and support development at every stage.
What does it mean to be Skills Builder Level 3 Accredited?
Level 3 accreditation means that THRIVE and GROW have been recognised for enabling learners to practise essential skills in a meaningful and structured way. To achieve this level, programmes must:
- Consistently use the Skills Builder skill names and definitions
- Provide opportunities for learners to apply and practise specific skill steps
- Include reflection activities to help learners assess their progress
- Demonstrate how skill development links to real-world outcomes
Why is Skills Builder Accreditation important?
Accreditation ensures that a programme meets high standards in essential skills education. For learners, it means:
- A clear, consistent language for understanding and developing skills
- Opportunities to practise and reflect on their progress
- Better preparation for work, education, and life challenges
For organisations, it provides:
- A quality assurance benchmark
- Recognition in the Skills Builder Impact Directory
- Tools and training to enhance programme design and delivery
How is progress measured in the Skills Builder Framework?
Progress is tracked using a 16-step progression model for each skill. Learners can self-assess or be supported by facilitators to identify their current step and work towards the next, ensuring personalised and meaningful development.
Where can I learn more about the Skills Builder Partnership?
You can explore the Skills Builder website to learn more about the Universal Framework, the accreditation process, and how organisations across the world are using it to transform skills education.
Do your trips align with the Department for Education’s Enrichment Framework?
Yes! Our range of programmes and residential trips support multiple enrichment categories and align with the benchmarks set out by the Department of Education’s enrichment toolkit.
From outdoor adventures and curriculum-linked learning to character-building, outcome-focused programmes, we help schools deliver enriching experiences with real impact.
Of course, our trips tick the ‘Nature, Outdoor and Adventure’ category. But that’s only part of the story. Our range of programmes support the ‘Wider Life Skills’ and ‘Sport & Physical Activity’ categories, and our overseas adventures to France support ‘Arts and Culture’ too – helping you achieve more across the framework with one trusted partner.
Find out more about how PGL can be your trusted enrichment partner.
