It’s just a camp away from home. Or is it? But you’re just babysitting the group for a night or a few? To some people, this is exactly what a residential is, but to us, it’s much more powerful and when built correctly, it’s much more than just that camp away from home!
In the October half term 2025, we’ve led two brand new residentials. These residentials have been involved in yacht sailing and mountain biking – two very different activities. Yet, the groups got similar experiences. Within these camps, memories are made. Yes, pictures will get taken, but the participants are encouraged to live in the moment getting as much out of it as possible.
Where does it start?
So where does a residential start for us? A lot of the residential is in the planning and happens quite a while ahead of the activity, sometimes we’re talking 1 to 2 years. For us at Edusports, our participants will ask us about an activity whether we could do something, we then take a look and see if it’s viable and a workable idea – going to Lapland isn’t necessarily either or trying to go to space (but they’ve both been ideas that we’ve had in the past). It’s not just about where we go or what we do, it’s about who the Instructors who join them – are they the best fit? What age is it ideal for and who?
Once the main ideas and location are sorted, it’s time to showcase to our participants the initial plan. Most times by the time we get to the residential the plan will be just that, and we’ll be on plan K instead of plan A. Changing around the residential to make the most use of the weather and other environmental factors to help give the adventure seekers the best time possible. But the real magic of the residential comes alive by what happens on it.
The beginning is here...
When they meet as a team for the first time at the designated meeting point, they won’t always know each other. On these last two, we had one residential where only 2 out of the 6 knew other, whilst on the mountain bike, we had two new participants, who only knew one other person. Starting by laying some ground rules, we discuss the plan with the team, get their views and equally the plan for the journey. Depending on where and what we’re doing, the shopping sometimes needs to be bought and from this point onwards, every decision made includes them. Right down to the food we buy and what we do, day by day. They build skills like budgeting, resilience, and confidence, but also learn etiquette and manners if we head out to a restaurant. They learn how to act in a bigger group, but a place where they are able to have fun and have a laugh, but not take it too far. They learn leadership and other life skills which are going to help them as they progress through their chosen careers.
Exercise helps reduce stress and releases energy in positive ways. Children who are active are less likely to display disruptive behaviours and more likely to regulate their emotions. For schools, this creates calmer classrooms and more effective teaching time.
Sports and outdoor activities creates opportunites for children to achieve without anxiety, helping to boost their confidence in all areas of life.
What does a residential do for my child?
So why do we really love residentials? When you’re living and sleeping and with people for a period of time, more than just a day, you’re able to be have more of an impact. You can see their behaviours change and when they come home, these physically move into the home with the child. For some, they will have learnt how to cook different meals. For others, they will have matured and grown since their parents saw them at the beginning of the week. Other children, it’ll be a whole brand new experience and their first time in staying away from home. But most importantly, they have safe, enjoyable, fun which leads to them learning without realising it.
They start the week as individuals, but end the week as a team. They grow, develop and change together, whilst also challenging each other to help be the best they can.
What do our participants say about the residential?
Here’s what some people said from one of our last residentials:
Alana – “Give it a go, you’ll have a great time. It’s hands on all the time which is amazing. You will be helming, doing the ropes, cooking, washing up, taking out the rubbish, giving out snacks and drinks, navigating and planning the route and overall just all of the things that is required while staying on a boat and sailing wherever the wind takes you. An added bonus is you’ll make loads of friends and become a little family. My highlight was gaining the knowledge on how to fully sail a boat working together with the crew. Overall, the trip was amazing. I learnt so much, made loads of new friends and gained an amazing experience/adventure.”
Alana – “My highlight of the week was being hoisted up the mast to clip the halyard onto the main sail and realising i can actually fly”
Alex - “Finishing the trip knowing your way around the boat like your house is comforting, given you first stepped onto it knowing nothing, you feel like you've done something great.”
Residentials: Where Learning and Adventure Meet
For schools, residential trips offer something truly unique: the chance to take learning outside of the classroom and into the real world.
Teamwork in Action: Activities like raft-building or orienteering bring classroom concepts of collaboration to life.
Resilience Through Challenge: Children push boundaries in safe but adventurous settings, developing grit and perseverance.
Real-World Problem Solving: Outdoor tasks mirror real challenges, encouraging creative thinking and adaptability.
Lasting Memories: Residentials often become the experiences children remember most vividly from their school years, boosting confidence and strengthening peer relationships.
Edusports residentials combine the thrill of outdoor adventure with the values of education, ensuring children return to school not only more confident but also more ready to learn.
Why Choose Edusports?
At Edusports, we inspire education through sport. Our mission is to show that learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door, it continues on the pitch, in the forest, on the climbing wall, and beyond. We provide:
A variety of sports and outdoor activities for children and teenagers.
Expert coaching and facilitation from professionals who understand both physical education and child development.
Tailored programmes for schools, including residentials that combine fun with skill-building.
Safe, inclusive environments where every child feels supported to try, grow, and succeed.
For parents seeking out-of-school activities, or schools looking to enrich their educational offer, Edusports is here to ensure that physical wellbeing and academic achievement go hand in hand.
Enhance Your Childs Learning Through Sport
The evidence is clear: active kids really do learn better. By investing in sports, outdoor activities, and physical wellbeing, we’re not only building healthier children; we’re nurturing more focused, resilient, and academically capable learners.
So next time you’re looking for ways to support your child’s education, remember: sometimes the best lessons start not with a book, but with a ball.
To learn more about Edusports programmes and residential opportunities, get in touch with our team today.
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