The Breesy Way

Finding yourselves and each other

Education and development in the in the outdoors

An integrated outdoor education programme combining the best of self development, environmental education and outdoor activities.

Diversity and self development

“Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common”

Anon

• Non violent conflict resolution. This one day module gives participants the skills to avoid or deal with potentially dangerous conflicts. This is a highly interactive course and will have a long lasting effect on participants.

• Initiative tasks specifically designed to promote positive life skills and attitudes are woven into the programme. These include, cooperation and positive group dynamics, self awareness, positive self image, leadership and decision making.

• Personal growth through adventure. Sharing an adventurous experience with others can put participants into challenging situations where they must support and help each other as well as challenging individual strength and resourcefulness which is a very good catalyst for self development.

• Through strategic and appropriate reviewing the participants become more aware of the learning and development gained throughout their participation in the project.

Adventure

“It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves – in finding themselves”

Andre Gide, Nobel laureate

We specialise in using outdoor and challenging experiences in order to compliment classroom learning, improve leadership skills, enhance communication, and advance social skills.

This programme meets curriculum/examination requirements, Duke of Edinburgh/Gaisce expeditions/training, facilitates learning outside the classroom, and also offesr unique extra-curricular activities of value to the personal and social development of your staff, students, and of the whole school community. Our innovative challenging activities offer valuable support to the raising of school standards, nurture the health, well-being and social inclusion of children and young people, and promote the regeneration and transformation of local communities in line with the DENI Extended Schools Programme (ESP).

Participants will experience:

• Coasteering on the Atlantic sea cliffs.
• Surfing world class waves at Rossnowlaigh.
• Learn kayaking and attain certified skills.
• Orienteering in the uplands and woodland of Cashelard
• Hill walking among the breathtaking local scenery.
• Trekking along the rugged south Donegal coastline
• Undertake a self sustained two day expedition with overnight camp where they will construct their own shelter. (This may be used as the training expedition element  of the DofE and Gaisce award).

• All Adventure activities are led by highly experienced, qualified professional staff and we only provide the safest, highest quality tuition in the safest possible manner.

• All adventure activities are conducted it the awe inspiring back drop of the south Donegal landscape!

• Any and all learning opportunities are taken while participating in outdoor activities!

• Challenge by choice: we openly encourage all participants to engage in the adventure but are understanding of the needs of and reservations of some!

We will have as much fun as possible!

French version

Environmental education

“We won’t have a society if we destroy the environment”

Margret mead

We take a hands on approach to environmental education and during the course of the programme participants will have the opportunity to discover and explore several different environments and eco systems.

• Environments and ecosystems explored are. Upland, peat land, forest, wetland, rocky and sandy coastline,

• We endeavour to instil a sense of wonder and use participant’s natural sense of curiosity and fascination with nature to teach.

• Participants learn through an experiential approach, exploring and discovering flora, fauna and all other aspects of the environment and landscape.

• All our environmental education facilitators have a back ground in outdoor education and working with environmental and nature education.

• We can tailor environmental aspects and modules to fit in with school curriculum’s and exam class requirements

• Through the leave no trace module participants gain an understanding of their impact on the environment and learn to interact with nature in a safe and sustainable manner.This programme is certified by the Green Box - The Eco Award confering authority for Ireland.

This programme is certified by the Green Box - The Eco Award confering authority for Ireland.

Sample  programme

Day One

Welcome and Brief

Initiative challenges designed to promote communication and group cohesion

Lunch

Managing Diversity

Course involving sharing a culturally diverse society

Dinner and Evening Activities

Day Two

Lunch

Canoeing and Kayaking (Paddle Power Award)

Dinner and Evening Activities

Day Three

Non violent conflict resolution : One day course on how to avoid and manage hostile situations

Lunch, Dinner and Evening Activities

Day Four

Group trek including making camp and dinner

Lunch, Dinner and Evening Activities

Day Five

Break camp and return to Breesy centre

Lunch

Programme Outcomes

• BCU Paddle Power Award

• Leave no trace certificate

• Non violent conflict resolution certificate

• An overall award presented to all participants completing the programme.

• Participants will learn a great deal about the environment and gain an in-depth look at various eco systems and thus fostering knowledge and appreciation for nature and a lasting attitude of preservation

• Through many appropriate   challenges participants will gain a new knowledge of themselves and will gain a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

• Through shared challenges and experience participants will achieve a greater understanding of working with others towards a common goal and their role within a group, such as leadership, communication and working with and understanding others.