ACTIVITIES
We have a wide range of activities available at Deer Park. All of our activities conform to Girlguiding's rules and regulations with fully trained instructors complying to nationally recognised qualifications where required. Other activities are leader-led, although a Deer Park instructor can run any of these activities at an additional cost.
We can work with you to make our activities accessible for different abilities and needs. Please contact the Deer Park team to talk about any accessibility requirements.
Note: All instructor led activities include a full safety briefing within your allocated time.
You can check whether an activity is already booked by viewing the calendar in our Hallmaster Booking System. Please then email us on [email protected] so that we can pencil your booking into the diary and check on instructor availability and volunteer support (where required).
We can work with you to make our activities accessible for different abilities and needs. Please contact the Deer Park team to talk about any accessibility requirements.
Note: All instructor led activities include a full safety briefing within your allocated time.
You can check whether an activity is already booked by viewing the calendar in our Hallmaster Booking System. Please then email us on [email protected] so that we can pencil your booking into the diary and check on instructor availability and volunteer support (where required).
|
Vertical Divider
archeryMaximum group size: 12
Age range: 7 years and upwards Led by: Qualified Deer Park instructor Session length: 1.5 hours Inspired by Robin Hood? Have a go at hitting the target under the guidance of a qualified archery instructor. We offer introductory and 'have a go' sessions for visitors to practice their archery skills. |
zip wireMaximum group size: 12
Age range: 7 years and upward Other restrictions: weight limit 74kg/11.5 stone Led by: Qualified Deer Park instructor Session length: 1.5 hours Our zip wire, situated at the top of Bubbs Hill, is 190m long and gives riders the chance to challenge their nerves and feel the wind on their face as they speed down the line to the bottom. |
|
Vertical Divider
WHITTLINGMaximum group size: 12
Age range: 10 years and upward Led by: 2 Deer Park instructors Session length: 1 hour Whittling, or wood carving, is fun and creative. It's a great way to introduce children to safe knife skills. And with the right know-how and grown-up supervision that come from our 2 instructors at each session, there's no need for it to be risky. |
bushcraftMaximum group size: 12
Age range: 5 years and upward Led by: Deer Park instructor Minimum session length: 1 hour Our bushcraft sessions involve a combination of activities which could include firelighting, knife work, nettle cording (seasonal) and shelter building. For Girlguiding Gloucestershire units only: This activity is also available as a self-led activity where the lead adult has relevant experience in bushcraft and a first aid certificate. Visit the self-led bushcraft page for full details. |
|
Vertical Divider
golF frisbeeMaximum group size: Unlimited
Age range: 4 years and upward Led by: Visiting group leader Session length: morning, afternoon or evening This is a combination of playing frisbee and playing golf; the aim is to get your frisbee into the target in as few throws as possible. The target can easily be moved so you can set it up at a short distance to have an initial try and practice and then set it up at a further distance for your actual game. Sessions are either morning, afternoon or evening and can last as long as groups require (max 4 hours). |
tunnelsMaximum group size: Unlimited
Age range: all ages Led by: Visiting group leader Session length: morning, afternoon or evening Set of three tunnel systems; easy – one straight line, medium – one corner and two exits, and advanced – lots of corners and exits. Set over ground in plastic tunnels, this activity is leader-led with instructions and head torches provided. Sessions are either morning, afternoon or evening and can last as long as groups require (max 4 hours). |
|
Vertical Divider
GeocachingMaximum group size: 12
Age range: 5 years and upward Led by: Visiting group leader Session length: morning, afternoon or evening Geocaching is a great way to obtain navigational skills, use of technical devices, exercise and have fun! Deer Park has constructed a brand new version of geocaching in which girls use a GPS (global positioning system) unit to navigate and find a hidden marker. Each marker found will have a letter clue and will also tell you where to find the next marker on the course. Each small geo-caching course will provide the girls with a set of letters which, when re-arranged, will make a word. There are four courses in total, some harder than others. This means that groups can choose to either do just one course or the whole set depending on the amount of time they have. |
arrowsMaximum group size: 12
Age range: 4-11 years Led by: Visiting group leader Session length: morning, afternoon or evening Arrows is a mini version of archery aimed at Rainbows and Brownies, or other younger visitors. It consists of a system of bows and arrows with suckers on the end with a choice of two target faces. Children learn the skills for archery with manageable goals and outcomes. Fun and games for all ages. This activity can take place outdoors, or in the assemble hall. |
|
Vertical Divider
pistolsMaximum group size: 12
Age range: 10 years and upward Led by: Qualified Deer Park instructor Session length: 1.5 hours Introductory ‘have a go' sessions with a qualified NSRA Range Conducting Officer. Specific parent consent is required for this activity using the Girlguiding Shooting Consent Form. |
adventure playgroundMaximum group size: 12
Age range: up to 10 years Led by: Visiting group leader Our adventure playground is available for Rainbow and Brownie groups to use when they are visiting. We do not charge to use this facility. Girls need to be supervised by a responsible adult from your visiting group. |
|
Vertical Divider
POND DIPPINGMaximum group size: 12
Age range: All ages Led by: Visiting group leader Minimum session length: 1 hour The pond is situated at the top of Bubbs Hill and is full of all kinds of wildlife if you take time to stop and look closely. This activity provides the group with all the equipment you need to find and identify creatures and plants in the pond. |
boulesMaximum group size: 12
Age range: All ages Led by: Visiting group leader Session length: morning, afternoon or evening Boules, also known as Petanque, is a game where players try to get their 'boule' - the French word for ball - as close to the cochonnet (the small ball) without touching it. Anyone can easily and quickly learn to play this ancient game. |
|
Vertical Divider
indoor CurlingMaximum group size: Unlimited
Age range: All ages Led by: Visiting group leader Session length: morning, afternoon or evening This adapted version of the game uses rubber curling stones with bearings, making it a great game to play indoors. This can be used in the activity room of the Deer House, the assembly hall, or it can be hired to take off site and used within your own unit meeting place. The set includes pushers and slopes for accessible game play. |
LOW ROPESMaximum group size: 15 (optimum group size is 10-15)
Age range: 7 years and upwards Led by: Deer Park instructor Session length: 1.5 hours New for 2023 our low ropes course will not only be a lot of fun but help participants learn about team work, problem solving and cooperation, whilst developing their trust, balance and coordination. With thanks to The Summerfield Charitable Trust who supported us with funding for this project. |
DRY grass sledging
|
Maximum group size: Unlimited
Age range: 5-14 years Led by: Visiting group leader Session length: morning, afternoon or evening An activity which is the equivalent to tobogganing on snow, using sledges with tracks running down a grassy hill, groups need to pull sledges to the top of the slope before heading down. The activity is weather dependent (grass must be dry). "Thanks for organising a fun morning doing something different, she had a great time" A Rainbow |
|
