Outfit Moray
October 2023, Outfit Moray were awarded £14,960 to implement an innovative outdoor learning and adventure programme. This initiative is designed to cater to mixed groups of Service families and young people, aiming to build resilience and promote community integration.
The project provides Service families from Kinloss Barracks and local youngsters from Kinloss Primary School with opportunities to step outside of their comfort zone through engaging in adventurous activities. The project facilitates the development of friendships and mutual support, aiding their transition to High School.
Team building benefits
The programme offers a diverse range of adventure activities, including climbing, paddle sports, mountain biking, coasteering, gorge walking and white-water rafting. These activities are carefully selected not only for their team building benefits, which arise from shared challenges, but also for positive impact on participants physical health and wellbeing.
The project creates a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where participants can grow, learn and form lasting connections while experiencing the beauty and thrill of outdoor adventure.
The great outdoors
The project organised a skiing residential trip for families, with the base located in Cromdale and skiing activities held at Glenshee ski resort. While such opportunities are often hindered by unpredictable snow conditions in Scottish ski resorts, favourable conditions this year, in collaboration with the Army Welfare Service, enabled the project to coordinate a ski weekend for two groups.
The group is also planning a structured two-day trip for participants to engage in a canoeing activity down the river Spey, preceded by a day of canoe training at Loch An Dorb. These activities are complimented by summer holiday activity days for Service families.
The first Service-only programme witnessed the participation of 16 beneficiaries from Service families, who successfully completed a learn-to-ski residential programme in the Cairngorm National Park.
Feedback from the activity sessions has been overwhelmingly positive with 93% of young participants confirming they enjoyed the sessions, and 85% indicating they felt a sense of belonging within a group:
Chief Executive Officer of Outfit Moray concluded: “Young participants are really enjoying the experience, learning new skills, and bonding with each other over shared endeavour. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and they are looking forward to the planned camping trips.”