Family Learning Coordinator Angela West organised a week long programme of outdoor education activities for children and parents to share in, at the Ynys Hywel Activity Centre in the Sirhowy Valley.

Family learning is about discovering and exploring things together as a family. It can include everything from learning about your family history to finding out more about recycling. On this occasion a rolling program of outdoor pursuits, aimed to give children and their parents an opportunity to access exciting learning experiences that would not normally feature in daily life.

Working collaboratively with Ynys Hywel Activity Centre we were able to take advantage of the excellent outdoor facilities available on our doorstep. Situated in the Sirhowy Valley, the centre provided a range of activities led by experienced and qualified instructors.

Supported by UWN staff, parents and children participating in this project have picked up new skills and developed their awareness of a healthy lifestyle and its impact on physical fitness. Archery, hill walking, mountain biking, rock climbing and gorge walking were all on offer during the week and everyone got their fair share of mud, sweat and facing fears. Mixed in with some fascinating facts, it was really interesting to learn about so many new foods that could spice up a healthy diet. Although, a bar of chocolate is always welcome after so much physical exertion!

The hills were high the climbing walls steeper and the gorges cold and muddy, but everyone had an excellent time. Many were keen to find out more about similar activities available in their leisure time, but some mums had had their fill for a while!