|
As a teacher you will know that school is about far more than just facts and figures. It’s about shaping your pupils into well-rounded, informed, responsible young adults ready to contribute to the world. What better way then to inspire those young minds than by taking them out of the classroom and giving them an inspiring experience they will remember for a lifetime? A residential trip trekking and team-building in the Himalayas is the perfect way to broaden the horizons of your pupils. Beyond Their Comfort Zone One of the drawbacks of youth is that many children and young adults consider the environment which they see around them day-to-day as being reflective of the entire world. For some this can be a very restrictive view which makes them feel trapped in a world which can be difficult and challenging. To give young people an insight into the fact that ‘their world’ is only a tiny fragment of a much larger global system in which people live in very different ways gives them an invaluable perspective on their lives. The broadened perspective your pupils could get from a team-building or trekking trip to the Himalayas is something which may well help them to choose more positive paths in the future. The Value of Being a Team Many teachers report that on a residential trip to the Himalayas they set off with a disparate group of kids and came back with a ‘team’ who have learnt to help and support one another. This is because hiking in this wild environment will require all the members of your group to pull together. They will each find difficulties and joys in different elements which they will then be able to share with one another, working as a support network. A Love of the Great Outdoors Whilst kids may be reluctant to spend too much time outdoors at home, you’ll be surprised how quickly they adapt to a life that is lived pretty much entirely outdoors. When pitching tents or trekking through the stunning mountainous landscape, students will feel connected to the natural world in a way they may not have experienced before. This may help to open their minds to current ecological issues and the challenge of conservation. Professional guides will be on hand to show your students how to thrive in this environment and how to look after it so that future generations can enjoy it too. You’ll be amazed how children’s ability to do things for themselves will have a wonderful impact on their own feelings of confidence and self worth. Development of Interpersonal Skills You may think you know which students in your class will end up taking the position of leader, which will be the carer, which the peacekeeper, but you may well be surprised. Trekking through beautiful landscapes of hillside villages, rhododendron forests and crossing mountain streams, as well as fun teambuilding projects provided by the guides, will bring out a different side in most pupils. Relying on one another helps to improve communication, discover different skills within individuals and, above all teaches your group to work together. These are skills that your students will be able to take through life with them and will help them in any sphere they choose. To make this a safe, well-guided experience, it’s well worth contacting a specialist educational tour operator who will be able to tailor your group’s residential trip specifically to the needs you outline. Let the tour operator take care of the details while you enjoy watching the pupils in your care develop and grow before your eyes. Author Plate John Gardiner is the Managing Director of The School Travel Company, a tour operator specialising in residential trip itineraries for school and youth groups to the UK, Europe and beyond. As a father and avid traveller, John is very passionate about providing students with valuable and engaging learning experiences outside of the classroom. By sharing his expert advice with teachers, he allows them to inspire their students and bring their studies to life.
Related Articles -
residential, trip,
| 
