Barry Kaufman-Hill, operations manager at outdoor education centre Skern Lodge, in north Devon, says that while such activities might not sound much fun for youth workers, they provide the ideal opportunity for young people to learn new skills, such as team work and first aid. Skern Lodge, like many other outdoor education centres, runs a winter programme that is only slightly different to the one offered during the warmer months.
"We wouldn't do surf skiing or raft building, though we would carry on with rafting and kayaking because you are not actually in the water."
Out in the cold
But isn't the thought of being on water in winter, with only a wet suit and small craft between you and a big shock to the system, enough to send youth groups scuttling back under their duvets? Kaufman-Hill says he hears few complaints. "The thought of it is actually worse than doing it," he says. "The wet suits keep you warm and most young people think it is hilarious to go out on the water when it is snowing or raining. They get a fantastic buzz and it is more rewarding than doing it in the glorious sunshine because it's unusual."
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