DofE Leadership course feedback
"Incredible staff"
"It was very engaging and educational. I really enjoyed getting to know new people and learning valuable skills. Incredible staff who were lovely and made sure that my dietary requirements were fulfilled." (Rose, aged 17)
"I would definitely recommend it"
"I learnt lots of skills to become a young leader, it was very informative, I enjoyed it and everyone there was very nice. I thought [the staff] were really friendly and led the courses very well as I learnt lots of key skills... I would definitely recommend it to friends as it's at a nice site and was an enjoyable experience... I really enjoyed my gold residential." (Annabelle, aged 16)
"Perfectly blended fun activities and social time"
"'Flow like water, move like a machine' shows how the residential perfectly blended fun activities and social time. The staff were very friendly and helpful." (George, aged 16)
"Extremely enjoyable and educative"
"I enjoyed always being in a team. I felt that everybody was working together as a large group throughout the entire five days... The entirety of the programme was extremely enjoyable and educative, like the HEST and first aid courses. The staff were all extremely friendly and engaging... amazing at explaining things while making what we were learning fun... we had great demonstrations during the first aid course, and they gave very in-depth lessons on the HEST course. I would absolutely recommend it. It's a great opportunity and I think should continue to be held as much as possible. Honestly, the experience was overall perfect." (Zsolt, aged 16)
"A good mixture of indoor and outdoor activities"
"I thought it was fun and had a good mixture of indoor and outdoor activities and it allowed everyone to talk to each other. The staff were all really fun and nice and I think were a key part in me having a good time. I would definitely recommend it because it was fun and local and allowed you to get a qualification." (Beth, aged 17)
John Muir Award course feedback
"One of the most fulfilling and fun courses I have taken part in."
“There was a huge variety of tasks and challenges, so I always felt like I was experiencing something new. It was by far one of the cheapest and most fulfilling and fun courses I have taken part in. The instructors were helpful, making me feel comfortable and supported, giving useful tips if I was struggling with activities. I always felt safe and the staff walked us through the crucial safety precautions before starting an activity. I enjoyed the challenge obstacle course the most, finding creative and inventive solutions. It was great to also do things off-site and explore the local area. It was very interesting to learn about all the (often overlooked) aspects of the natural world and how important it is to preserve our surroundings. The catering staff were very patient, offering a wide range of choices and using high quality ingredients. The accommodation facilities were excellent and clean.”
"Badger spotting, outdoor activities and long-lasting friendships"
“The best week! I made new friends and became closer to an old friend during my time at Hudnall. I felt safe before doing anything. I liked all the activities, particularly archery, the zip wire and having a campfire. My favourite was the badger hide activity and staying up to see if we would see any and the off-site visit to the zoo. I loved the food, it was amazing and there was plenty of it”.
"Beyond expectations!"
“I was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did! Staff stuck to the itinerary, making sure activities ran to time. I enjoyed the go karting, campfire, archery and the off-site visit to the zoo.”
"Well organised, great instructors and excellent food"
“All of the activities were well organised. The instructors were great, always open to questions and I learnt a lot through the activities. The food was excellent (coming from a picky eater!)”
"Calm and peaceful environment with understanding instructors"
“A great mixture of activities and downtime. The instructors varied the learning approach depending on the activity and were kind and extremely understanding of my anxiety, which made me feel calm. I loved the night trail and butterfly activity. I enjoyed having a project to work towards throughout the week. It gave me motivation with the progress we made. Hudnall Park is a calm and peaceful environment and there was an amazing variety of food, which you could order the night before. ”
"Spotless accommodation, good value and interesting activities"
“This course was good value for money, with extensive activities and the conservation part was particularly interesting. I felt extremely safe at Hudnall. It had the best accommodation that I have been to for young people- it was spotless. The grounds are excellently maintained. The food was varied so we didn’t get bored and were well-sized and filling.”
"Delicious food, lots of new learning and an incredible view"
“[The course] wasn’t what I had expected… it was better! I had the best week. I learnt a lot of new things and the instructors were very knowledgeable. I felt very safe before each activity and my favourites were the low ropes, go-karting and the butterfly survey. The view at Hudnall Park is absolutely incredible. The food was a highlight – delicious!”
"Insightful and enjoyable"
“The course was very insightful and enjoyable . The staff gave clear instructions, were approachable, helpful and encouraged me to try new things. I enjoyed the bike ride. The food was yummy and allergies were well catered for.”
"A good mix of extensive activities"
“ The accommodation was lovely and I always felt safe. The catering staff were nice and accommodating and there was something on the menu for everyone. I enjoyed the mix of extensive activities, including sport/games and the John Muir conservation part. This side of the course was very interesting and probably my favourite.
"Memorable"
"Thank you for such a splendid week, I don't want to go back to normality! I will remember the residential for a long time, it was brilliant.”
"Lots to learn"
“I learnt lots about John Muir himself, as well as many facts about wildlife. The residential was even better than I expected. Such a range of things to do!”
"Amazing"
“It was more than expected, it was amazing!”
"Activities to develop my skills"
“The week is full of a range of activities. There was lots to learn and many opportunities to develop a range of skills.”
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