Who are we
The Wild Outdoors: adventure, learning, belonging.
The Wild Outdoors delivers unforgettable outdoor learning experiences for primary and secondary schools across Scotland. From residential camps and bushcraft days to leadership and adventure programmes, we help pupils grow through challenge, connection, and nature.
Our expert-led sessions build confidence, independence, teamwork, and a lasting sense of belonging — all in a safe, supportive, and inspiring outdoor environment.
Who we are
The Wild Outdoors is a Scotland-based outdoor learning organisation delivering high-impact residential camps, adventure activity weeks, expeditions, bushcraft programmes, and experiential education for young people — including fully compliant Gold Duke of Edinburgh residential.
Founded in 2018, The Wild Outdoors was established to bring meaningful, memorable outdoor experiences to schools across Scotland and the North of England.
We believe that time outdoors — fresh air, muddy boots, and purposeful challenge — plays a powerful role in building confidence, strengthening relationships, and supporting learning that lasts far beyond the classroom.
We work in close partnership with schools across Scotland and the UK to design programmes that are transformative, safe, and educationally meaningful. Whether delivering a one-day taster, a multi-day residential, or a full expedition, every experience is carefully structured to balance challenge, reflection, and support.
Our mission is simple: to help young people grow through challenge, discovery, and a deepening connection with the natural world.
What we do
School Residential Camps
Immersive 2–5 day residential experiences set in beautiful locations. Pupils sleep under canvas or hammocks, cook over open fire, and take part in structured adventure learning led by expert instructors.
Day & Overnight Activity Weeks
Flexible outdoor learning days or short overnights that build confidence, independence, teamwork, and peer connection — perfect for transitions, bonding, and enriching school culture.
Bushcraft & Survival Skills
Hands-on, curriculum-linked sessions where pupils learn practical outdoor skills like shelter building, fire lighting, foraging, orienteering, tracking, and woodland craft.
Leadership & Skills Development
(Empowering programmes for students all the way to S6 cohorts,) focused on developing confidence, communication, and leadership through engaging challenges and group work.
Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residentials
Fully compliant, adventure-based residentials for the Gold Award. These programmes are designed to strengthen teamwork, self-reliance, and real-world problem-solving in inspiring natural environments.
Summer Holiday Camps
Action-packed 3–5 day holiday camp adventures set in beautiful outdoor locations. Children and young people sleep under canvas, toast marshmallows over the fire, take on exciting outdoor challenges, and dive into activities including paddle boarding, raft building, survival skills, zorb balls, and tomahawk throwing — all led by experienced outdoor instructors.
Our Clan
Our team is central to the quality, safety, and impact of every Wild Outdoors programme. All instructors complete a comprehensive in-house training programme before leading groups, ensuring they are fully prepared to deliver activities safely, professionally, and confidently.
We recruit individuals with a genuine passion for outdoor learning and a strong ability to engage, support, and inspire young people. Our staff are not only instructors, but positive role models who understand the importance of trust, encouragement, and leadership in challenging outdoor environments.
All team members are PVG or Enhanced DBS checked, first-aid qualified, and experienced in working with children and young people. High standards of safeguarding, risk management, and duty of care underpin everything we do, while our staff’s warmth, empathy, and professionalism help create inclusive and supportive experiences for every participant.
We are committed to continuous professional development and invest in ongoing staff training and qualifications. This includes seasonal upskilling, Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL) development pathways, and nationally recognised leadership qualifications such as Mountain Leader awards. This commitment ensures that schools can have full confidence in both the competence of our staff and the quality of delivery across all programmes.
Our Approach
All Wild Outdoors programmes are grounded in experiential learning — learning by doing — where pupils actively engage with real-world challenges in supportive outdoor environments. This approach enables young people to thrive when they are appropriately trusted, challenged, and guided by skilled instructors.
Our programmes are intentionally designed to develop resilience, independence, and self-belief, while strengthening teamwork, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Through hands-on, practical challenges, pupils are encouraged to take responsibility, think creatively, and reflect on their own learning and contribution within a group.
Outdoor experiences also play an important role in supporting wellbeing, confidence, and positive relationships. Pupils build stronger peer connections, gain a sense of achievement through shared challenge, and develop a deeper respect for the natural environment.
Each programme is carefully structured with clear learning intentions, progression, and reflection. This ensures that skills and attitudes developed outdoors are transferable back into everyday school life, contributing positively to classroom engagement, school culture, and pupil wellbeing long after the experience has ended.
Why schools choose us
Schools choose to partner with The Wild Outdoors because we are a reliable, professional, and highly experienced provider of safe, high-quality outdoor learning. We are fully insured, work within robust safeguarding and risk management frameworks, and design programmes that align with curriculum and school priorities.
Our programmes are created with schools firmly in mind. Each experience is tailored to meet the specific needs, objectives, and context of the school, supporting learning outcomes while strengthening year-group cohesion, pupil confidence, and positive behaviour. Activities are inclusive and designed to engage every pupil, regardless of background, confidence level, or prior outdoor experience.
Schools value our consistently high standards of care, exceptional pupil engagement, and our team’s expertise in youth development and outdoor safety. Our instructors build strong, respectful relationships with pupils, creating environments where young people feel supported to step outside their comfort zones and succeed.
Most importantly, our experiences help young people feel brave, capable, connected, and proud of themselves. That confidence, resilience, and sense of achievement continues back in school — enhancing participation, relationships, and self-belief long after the programme has ended.
Work for us
We are always looking for energetic, passionate people who love the outdoors and want to make a positive difference in young people’s lives.
At The Wild Outdoors Education Group, you will help deliver meaningful, fun, and challenging outdoor experiences — from school activity days to multi-day residential camps and expeditions. Our work is varied, hands-on, and genuinely rewarding.
Whether you are highly experienced or just starting your journey in outdoor education, we provide comprehensive in-house training, seasonal development, and ongoing support. You will be part of a welcoming, professional team that values enthusiasm, care, and personal growth.
If you bring positive energy, enjoy working with children and young people, and don’t mind getting muddy along the way, we would love to hear from you.
Ready to join the adventure? Get in touch.
