mixendenA C T I V I T Y C E N T R E

R e s i d e n t i a l E x p e r i e n c e

There are a variety of activities to choose from with associated qualifications:

• Indoor Climbing – National Indoor Climbing Achievement Scheme (NICAS) Levels 1-4

• Outdoor Climbing – Mixenden Activity Centre (MAC) Levels 1-2

• Mountain Biking – MAC Levels 1-2-3

• Mountain Bike Maintenance MAC Levels 1-2

• Motorbike Mechanic and Riding Skills (MAC)

• Archery Grand National Archery Society (GNAS) White – Red and Gold Feather Awards

• Apple Mac Level 1-2

• Photography and Short Film Making

• National Navigation Award (NNAS)

• John Muir Conservation Award

• ASDAN – KEY SKILLS, COPE and SHORT COURSES

• OCN – Step Up Programme

• Numeracy and Literacy – (OCN)

• British Canoe Union (BCU) Start - Passport - Discovery - 1 Star - 2 Star - 3 Star

• Camp Craft - MAC

• Duke of Edinburgh Award (Bronze – Silver – Gold)

• Bushcraft

• Health and Wellbeing Certificates i.e. Drug and Alcohol

• First Aid

• Health and Safety Level 1

For bookings, pricing and availability regarding this unique programme please contact:

Mixenden Activity CentreClough Lane, Mixenden, Halifax, HX2 8SH

Telephone: 01422 245006Email: MAC.activities@calderdale.gov.uk

Activities for individuals and groups across Calderdale and beyond

Mixenden Activity Centre

Who we are and what we do

Mixenden Activity Centre (MAC) work with individuals and groups across Calderdale and beyond offering educational and personal programmes for Young People and Staff that are bespoke, affordable, and flexible.

MAC has been Calderdale Council’s premier outdoor education facility now for over 22 years, with over a century of combined experience. MAC offer exciting programmes and projects that will encourage young people to embark on a path of lifelong learning using the outdoors as a medium to encourage new experiences, confidence and build an individual’s self-esteem.

Residential experiences and outdoor education have proved to be one of the most effective means of developing young people to reach their full potential and contribute fully within their communities. Residential and outdoor environments are both extremely powerful in providing an holistic ‘whole person’ development. It is important that ‘A broad and balanced curriculum, with learning outside the classroom as a powerful element, supports higher achievement” Ofsted’s ‘Learning Outside The Classroom – How Far Should You Go’ report, October 2008.

MAC provides the opportunity for young people and adults, of all ages, to step out of their familiar environment with its routines, restrictions and responsibilities and gives them the space to stretch themselves in new ways within an atmosphere of support and acceptance.

Our residentials, outdoor learning environments and activities provide accompanying teachers and group leaders are the link between familiar and unfamiliar surroundings, helping young people to settle into their new environment and broaden their horizons. MAC’s qualified and experienced outdoor education instructors provide many opportunities to help young people experience new and exciting challenges which they can use effectively.

Mixenden Activity CentreR e s i d e n t i a l E x p e r i e n c e

The majority of our activities take place outdoors and are appropriate to the age, experience and interests of each group. Activities range from rock climbing, mountain biking, canoeing and archery to environmental projects and creative art activities.

Courses are planned by the teachers or groups leaders and pupils, working in partnership with MAC staff to meet specific learning outcomes. Such outcomes will be agreed beforehand and the activities will be tailored to achieve these.

TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More

Whilst enjoying these activities, young people learn how to look after themselves, make decisions and solve problems. This develops independence and builds on self-esteem.

Young people will also learn how to consider and care for others as well as their environment. Through discussion and reflection, they will apply their new learning to new situations. As a result, young people will return home with greater self-awareness, self-esteem and self-confidence.

Residential Outdoor Learning

Residential outdoor learning can be life affirming, even life changing but primarily it is a powerful approach to the development of the qualities, skills, knowledge and competencies that young people need.

Our high quality residential programmes develop:

• confidence, optimism and a ‘can do’ spirit

• the ability to make decisions in the face of complex and daunting challenges

• motivation and the tools to become more successful learners

• positive attitude toward problem solving

• resilience, tenacity and determination

• adaptability

• understanding of risk, risk assessment and management

• creativity both initiating and being receptive to innovation

• knowledge and appreciation of healthier and more active lifestyles

• ability to reflect on their own potential and contribution to society

• appreciation of others, their contribution and potential in the world

• team work and strong communication skills

• leadership qualities

Mixenden Activity CentreR e s i d e n t i a l E x p e r i e n c e

We should not underestimate the potential of the residential experience for learning as well as personal and social development.

Such programmes are motivating, challenging and fun. They must be if young people are to be receptive to learning.

MAC has a very flexible yet professional approach to provide a purposeful, value for money experience. We offer a range of accommodation options, such as bunkhouses and camping which means we are able to offer unique and flexible bespoke packages to you. Our aim is to promote affordable opportunities for young people to get involved in residential experiences. The centre is accredited by professional agencies, including Adventure Activities Licensing Service (AALS), Institute of Outdoor Learning (IOL), and a variety of activity national governing bodies.

TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More

Programmes

The following programme provides an example of one of our exciting experiences. We can tailor the package to suit your needs.

Programmes will include a choice of the following activities (site dependant):

Canoeing, Climbing/Abseiling, Mountain Biking, Archery, Team Building, Orienteering, Camp Craft, Bush Craft, Environmental Work, Hill and Mountain Walking, Caving and Gorge Walking.

TYPICAL programme

Day 1

12pm Arrival on site – discussions, inductions and lunch

1pm Activities

4pm Allocate rooms, settle in

5pm Evening meal

7pm Evening activities

Day 2

8am Breakfast

9am Activities

12pm Lunch

1pm Activities

4pm Free time

Evening activity/evening meal, may include disco and BBQ with presentations.

Day 3

8am Breakfast

9am Activities

12pm Lunch

1pm Depart

All programmes are flexible and will be negotiated at the time of booking.

Mixenden Activity CentreR e s i d e n t i a l E x p e r i e n c e

TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More