STC Expeditions

11/10/2024

Are UK residentials really working hard enough to tackle the challenges facing young people? Challenges like climate change, screen addiction, poor mental health, disconnection from nature? School residentials haven't fundamentally changed in years. Yet the world has. The Bioasis breaks the mold and offers a new solution.

School residentials are no longer fit for purpose. Here's how we fix them...

10/10/2024

Here's a date for your diary: Wed 16th Oct, 11am. Join our very own Adrian Ferraro talking alongside Jake Wiid and Graham Milton about the sustainability of school trips, ethical travel and how to minimise the carbon associated with your next trip. Attendance is free for EVOLVEadvice schools. More details and tickets available here: https://www.evolveadvice.co.uk/webinars/

01/10/2024

BATIK, BIKES & BEACHES

From surfing and swimming, to cycling and chocolate-tasting, this expedition is packed full of adventure to keep on your toes and to introduce you to this incredibly diverse country. Along the way we’ll immerse ourselves in Ghana’s vibrant culture through community projects, market visits and craft workshops.

In Ghana, everyone is encouraged to march to the beat of their own drum… literally, as we have a lesson traditional drumming and dancing...!

Check out the full itinerary here :)

https://www.thestc.co.uk/assets/uploads/pdf/DB-Ghana-21-days-Batik-Bikes-and-Beaches-188.pdf

30/09/2024

The very real benefits of Adventure for young people.

A clear, concise summary of evidence written by leading academics and practitioners for use by
parents/carers, educators, therapists and policy makers.

The study focuses on:

+ Clinical outcomes (such as anxiety and depression)
+ Behaviour
+ Academic attainment
+ Physical health
+ Self-concept (an overarching idea we have about who we are)
+ Social behaviour

Brought to you by the brilliant Explorers Connect :)

NEW! The Benefits of for Children: A concise summary of evidence written by leading experts for use by , , &

To help more people use adventure for their . PLEASE SHARE

Link to Evidence Summary here www.adventuremind.org/evidence

I'm so excited that the first Evidence Summary from is ready for release this week.

There is a large evidence-base supporting the benefits of adventure; over 200 published studies have examined the psychological impact of adventure. This Evidence Summary is a collection of the best and latest research and explanation specifically around the benefits of adventure for children's and .

is a collaboration of organisations and individuals working together to help more people use adventure for their wellbeing & mental health www.adventuremind.org



Mental Health Foundation
The University of Central Lancashire - UCLan
University of Exeter
Sheffield Hallam University
Go Ape!



Also please follow on Insta, we've just opened it so getting it going.

27/09/2024

HAPPY WORLD TOURISM DAY :)

https://www.un.org/en/observances/tourism-day

World Tourism Day (WTD) is commemorated each year on 27 September. Its purpose is to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.

26/09/2024

L A K E S - L I O N S & L A V A

Kenya, the heart of East Africa.

Famed for its vast scenic landscapes and wildlife, high mountains, remote deserts, extraordinary cultures, rich history, beautiful beaches and of course, spectacular wildlife.

Our latest blog explores 5 of the reasons Kenya should be top of your list for a life-changing adventure!

https://www.thestc.co.uk/blog/five-reasons-to-visit-kenya/

Famed for its vast scenic landscapes and wildlife, high mountains, remote deserts, extraordinary cultures, a rich history, beautiful beaches and, of course, spectacular wildlife in vast numbers.

25/09/2024

H A K U N A | M A T A T A

What a wonderful phrase!
It means no worries for the rest of your days... :)

Made famous by The Lion King of course, Hakuna Matata is the perfect introduction to the Swahili language and the friendly Kenyan culture.

As we step into Autumn in the UK, we're loving the vibrancy Kenya brings through language, landscapes, culture and wildlife. Not to mention opportunities for adventures!

Check out these beautiful vibrant images c/o Encyclopaedia Britannica

We offer epic expeditions and adventures to Kenya, you can find out more here...

https://www.thestc.co.uk/destinations/kenya-school-expeditions/

25/09/2024

N A T U R E | C O N N E C T I O N

"A major scheme helping people in England connect with nature led to big improvements in mental health, a report has found.

The prescribing of activities in nature to tackle mental ill health has benefited thousands of people across England, a government-backed project has shown.

More than 8,000 people were helped to take part in activities including nature walks, community gardening, tree planting and wild swimming. It is thought to be the largest such project in the world so far."

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/sep/04/better-than-medication-prescribing-nature-works-project-shows

The Bioasis :)

Scheme helping people in England connect with nature led to better mental health, report finds

25/09/2024

"Flawless organisation" :) :) :) :) :)

24/09/2024

“The trip was varied and challenging to the perfect level. The phrase "we're travelers not tourists," has become a catchphrase amongst the boys who have started spotting unsustainable tourism everywhere now.”

(Teacher from St. Birinus School, Morocco)

We're firm believers in the power of challenging, supported adventures when it comes to healthy human development.

It's often only when we're faced with a challenge that we realise what we're capable of. From this place, we build confidence, resilience and flourish :)

And what better place for an adventure than Morocco!? :)

Take a sneak peek at some of the epic expeditions on offer here...

https://www.thestc.co.uk/destinations/morocco-school-trip-expeditions/

21/09/2024

"Tourism as an instrument of Peace"

Great read from Adventure Travel Trade Association about the intersection of music, peace and tourism in Colombia.

From unexpected business ventures with former guerillas to music as a cultural lifeblood, four key players in Colombia's...

20/09/2024

"Witnessing Personal Growth."

Recently we asked one of our awesome Nepali guides, Sundar what he loved about taking students into the mountains...

"There’s something truly rewarding about seeing students challenge themselves and grow. The physical and mental challenges of a mountain adventure can lead to significant personal development. It's inspiring to watch students gain confidence and resilience.

Also exchanging knowledge from my side and learning from young people is always one of the greatest opportunities.

We learn from each other."

We've got two schools heading for the mountains of Nepal this Autumn. Bryanston School and West Buckland School We're excited to see how they get on and to witness the growth which simply being in the mountains brings...

16/09/2024

E M P O W E R I N G

"The in-country guide was really excellent. His approach with the pupils was positive, encouraging and informative. Clearly a very experienced outdoor educator who enabled the pupils to feel involved in decision-making yet had a firm grasp of safety protocols. We felt really safe in his hands, along with Heidi."

Teacher from Exeter School after their summer 'Arctic Wilderness' expedition to Finland.

You can find out more about our amazing expeditions to Finland here...

https://www.thestc.co.uk/destinations/finland/

12/09/2024

G H A N A

Ghana is a brilliant destination for a school trip or expedition.

Renowned for being one of the friendliest and most vibrant countries in West Africa, Ghana is also home to some stunningly dramatic landscapes.

Expeditions are full of colour, history, music, dance and drumming, as much as they are rainforest canopy walkways, crater lakes, waterfalls, and stunning beaches.

Ideal for schools after a unique cultural experience with tons of learning opportunities.

Curious to find out more about all Ghana has to offer...?

https://www.thestc.co.uk/destinations/ghana-school-expeditions/

Or get in touch, we'd love to hear from you :)

11/09/2024

E C O L L E C T I V E

We've been proudly partnering with ecollective to actively and accurately measure our carbon footprint since 2022.

Accurately measuring our carbon footprint enables us to implement a meaningful carbon reduction strategy.

When it comes to travel that's obviously challenging.

One of the best things we can do is take shorter haul, direct flights. Making destinations like Morocco, Finland, Romania, Turkey and Spain top of the list for lower carbon footprints.

We are one of the only school expedition operators to now carbon label all our trips. It starts with awareness, transparency and truth. Greenwashing is simpy not helpful when it comes to impact.

Curious to find out more about how we do this, check out our mission-led partners website....

Common sense climate action.
If not now, when?

Painless carbon consultancy that measures your company's carbon footprint and provides you with the data and bespoke tools you need to help you reach Net Zero. Contact us for a free quote today.

09/09/2024

K E N Y A

Did you know we run incredible expeditions to Kenya?

"We now continue our journey along The Rift Valley in the company of the Maasai. Over the next three days, we will cover around 50km supported by donkeys and guided by Maasai Warriors as we cross the Maasai Mara/Loita plains.

The walk will take us through the breathtaking scenery of the area, and at night we will camp in the wild beside streams.

Travelling with Maasai Warriors, we'll get to learn about their traditions and culture and share in just a fraction of their knowledge about life on the plains, not to mention their ability to spot wildlife..."

Curious to find out more about our unique expeditions to Kenya...?

https://www.thestc.co.uk/destinations/kenya-school-expeditions/

Ps- did you know....

62 languages are spoken across Kenya. In addition to Kenya's two official languages of Swahili and English. How many languages can you speak!?

06/09/2024

What makes our expeditions totally unique?

The fact we use local leaders who have a lifetime of lived experience in the destination they're guiding.

We can't imagine doing things any differently, it transforms the experience for students & teachers giving depth, expertise, passion and knowledge.

As our Summer season draws to a close & we start preparing for all our Autumn adventures - we just want to say a

HUGE THANKS to each and every one of our passionate, dedicated and utterly brilliant leaders - all over the world.

Here's just what some of our teachers said about our guides...

"The itinerary was immaculately planned, everything went so smoothly, we had such great luck with the weather and De Wet was such a gem. So many of our students have literally changed the trajectory of their lives after this trip. De Wet was a real role model and a fantastic guide- so knowledgeable, friendly and passionate."

"The in-country guide (Stevie Millar) was really excellent. His approach with the pupils was positive, encouraging and informative. Clearly a very experienced outdoor educator who enabled the pupils to feel involved in decision-making yet had a firm grasp of safety protocols. We felt really safe in his hands, along with Heidi."

"Moha and Hamid were the perfect team and we were so lucky that they shared their country, culture and religion with us. For the pupils to see the customs and traditions of Islam was an experience they will never forget."

Happy Friday Folks and here's to an adventure-filled weekend!

https://www.thestc.co.uk/company/what-makes-us-different/