Scottish Government urged to #SaveYourOutdoorCentres

In August 2020 the Scottish Government issued advice to local authorities that school residential trips should not take place. This decision will not be reviewed until December 2020 but this is too late for schools and youth organisations to be able to plan for a residential trip much before August 2021. With no support or finance package in place this means that many outdoor centres will close.

Residential experiences have been feature of Scottish Education for 80 years. It is highly valued by teachers and has created vivid memories for millions of young people. These fabulous experiences are likely to come to an end as the Scottish Government has decided not to support outdoor residential Centres. While the Government has supported many sectors to encourage people to go back to work and to socialise safely, residential centres are unable to operate and remain in lock-down.

Scottish Government support at this time would enable outdoor education specialists to support teachers in getting young people active outdoors. We already work with thousands of teachers every year to deliver the curriculum for excellence health and well-being outcomes.

This is not just a fun experience; it is vital to the education and development of young people, it has been shown to benefit mental health and wellbeing and will be increasingly vital as we move out of lockdown.

We would urge all people in Scotland who have benefitted from a residential experience over the years, as well as teachers, youth workers, support networks for young people with additional needs, and any parents and young participants who have recently benefited from a residential outdoor learning experience, or who were looking forward to their turn, to write to their MSPs and the Government and demand they #saveyouroutdoorcentres, and sign this petition.