Year 14 Residential Adventure at Center Parcs
Our Year 14 students recently enjoyed an unforgettable four-day residential trip to Center Parcs, creating lasting memories while developing their independence, confidence and teamwork skills.
This year’s residential was extra special as it marked the first long journey made in our brand-new minibus, generously funded through the incredible support of the Friends of Dysart, Variety Golf Charity and Century Financial Planning. The new vehicle made travelling together much more comfortable and inclusive, allowing everyone to begin the adventure in style.
After arriving at Center Parcs, students settled into their cabins before collecting their bikes and exploring the village. The group quickly embraced the outdoor environment with a game of mini golf, visits to the playground, and plenty of cycling around the beautiful woodland setting.
Throughout the week, students took part in a wide range of exciting activities. Swimming was, as always, a firm favourite, with students enjoying the wave pool, rapids, lazy river, adventure water playground and, for some, the thrilling water slides. Creative talents also shone during a pottery session, where everyone painted their own pottery to take home as a souvenir.
Although the British weather had other ideas at times, with heavy rain, thunderstorms and even a hailstorm forcing the cancellation or postponement of several outdoor activities, the students showed fantastic resilience and flexibility. Planned kayaking on the lake had to be cancelled, along with some wildlife activities, but alternative experiences ensured the fun continued.
Students enjoyed Gamebox interactive challenges, squash games where they successfully completed an impressive 27 levels together, bowling, pool, arcade games, bike rides, badminton and an owl encounter. Evenings were filled with karaoke, board games, movies, hot chocolate and time spent socialising in the cabins, helping to strengthen friendships and create wonderful shared memories.
The residential provided many opportunities for students to build important life skills. They prepared breakfasts in their cabins, unpacked and organised their belongings, travelled safely around the village, made choices about activities and meals, and demonstrated increasing independence throughout the week.
The trip was a tremendous success thanks to the enthusiasm of our amazing students, the dedication of the staff team, and the continued support of our families. We are incredibly proud of everything our Year 14 students achieved during the week and look forward to many more adventures in the future.
