Working out solutions to problems as part of a team.
Developing team and individual skills can be good fun.
Be challenged and reach goals in safe and comfortable surroundings.
The Active Company
Our Approach
Skern Lodge provides a range of development training programmes, events and activities. For over 30 years we have worked with a wide variety of companies and organisations, both large and small. Programmes are run from our residential centre in Appledore, North Devon .
Our aim is to provide excellence in courses and services, to meet client needs. We focus on good communication and relationship building as the means of developing value, profitability and growth - for your company and our own.
We believe that success for any business relies on the attitudes and skills of its people, and that these can be developed with a practical approach, to the benefit of the individual and company alike.
We welcome learning about your organisation and enjoy working with the people who make it successful. We look forward to working with you to achieve your aims.
Memorable programmes with lasting results!
We work from the basis that developing people is an essential activity for any business. It gives greater choice to individuals, and benefits both people and workplaces. Development is more than skills training - it is growth and progress with awareness and responsibility.
Practical learning - using the outdoors
Creating the right environment
Practical learning - using the outdoors
For the greatest impact, learning on our programmes is experience based. People tackle projects together, plan, negotiate, agree goals, find solutions and can measure results.
We make use of outdoor projects and some indoor ones, lasting anything from a few minutes to a full day. Problem solving activities can parallel an existing work situation, and sometimes include the team-based obstacle course or the main outdoor activities such as climbing, the ropes course and archery. The creative way these projects are designed provides many learning opportunities. Real issues arise and constraints are felt. Decisions are made and the consequences clear to see.
On team building events other activities are used too, selected from the full range at Skern. There is encouragement, support and real individual achievement. This builds confidence and promotes a forward looking, positive approach, building trust and mutual support throughout the team back at work.
Activities are suitable for beginners. Your programme can allow for all different fitness levels, ages and abilities. There will be clear explanations and encouragement to do activities, but each participant makes the final decision on how much they do. The aims of the programme are always more important than the activities themselves.
Some programmes are high in activity content, and provide exhilarating challenges in the great outdoors. Other programmes use Skern trainers and facilitators as trainers and facilitators and are based more around the training room. We'll plan the programme to meet your needs.
Creating the right environment
We aim to provide a safe environment for people to work together and learn - a supportive climate in which people are stretched and challenged, whilst our staff ensure emotional and physical safety for all.
Enjoyment is a large part of Skern programmes too. People will try new and exciting activities together, have fun and get to know one another well. On development programmes, an enjoyable course with friendly tutors ensures people's involvement and commitment to make the most of their learning opportunities.
Quality and safety
High quality, modern equipment is all provided - you only need bring personal clothing, we'll take care of the rest.
Safety is a prime consideration. Skern Lodge has £10m public liability and is licensed by the AALA, all trainers are experienced and qualified to national standards and work to set operating procedures. We welcome any checks or questions.
The outdoors presents a superb environment for memorable programmes which make a real difference.
