Established over 30 years ago and formerly known as Knowsley Outdoor Education Centre (KOEC), Vibe Outdoors offers a unique outdoor experience which provides visitors with a chance to push boundaries, grow confidence and discover capabilities in a safe and affirming environment
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities at our various locations across the North West including watersports such as canoeing, kayaking, raft building and gorge scrambling. Whilst on land, participants can experience a variety of activities including archery, orienteering, campfire skills and bushcraft, in unique habitats close to wildlife.
Our instructed activities and outdoor experiences are tailored to suit a range of abilities and needs to challenge individuals and are designed to encourage the development of social and personal skills.
We are a recognised training centre with British Canoeing and hold licences with the Adventurous Activity Licensing Authority (AALA), Adventuremark and Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOTC).
Click below for more information…
HAF St Helens
We are excited to announce we are delivering the Easter Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF) for eligible young people* from St Helens in April (easter) half term.
This offer will include Land Activities (Tuesdays) and Water Activities on (Thursdays) at Vibe Outdoors in Taylor Park.
Dates include: Tuesday 2nd April, Thursday 4th April, Tuesday 9th April and Thursday 11th April 2024.
*The programme is open to St Helens Young People aged 6-16 years who are eligible for and receiving benefits-related free school meals (FSM), and their families. Children who are in receipt of a support plan via Early Help, Child in Need or Children We Look After, EHCP, or if your child receives additional hours at school.
To book, follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/vibe-easter-2024-haf-programme-3016349
Any questions, contact project lead Amber (amber.reilly@vibeuk.org / 07879993265
Activities
Activities
Water Based
Canoeing
The most relaxing way to get out and paddle! We offer taster sessions to get groups out on the water and engaged, where they will learn basic skills and have fun along the way! We also deliver a range of British Canoeing courses and awards for participants of any age and experience.
Kayaking
A paddlesport session which allows participants to explore the water and natural surroundings while developing their paddling skills. We also offer a range of British Canoeing courses and awards for participants of any age and experience.
Raft Building
Test your planning and design skills, working together as a team to build a raft which will not only float, but will keep you out of the water!
Gorge scrambling
This activity combines gorge scrambling and gorge walking in amazing environments across North Wales. You will be climbing, swimming and traversing flowing and pools of water.
Land Based
Climbing
Whether indoor or outside we have lots of climbing opportunities for the beginner through to advanced climbers.
Bushcraft
Do you have what it takes to survive in the great outdoors? Why not try some firepit cookery or test your skills with creative activities.
Archery
From beginner to pro, summon your inner Olympian and go for gold!
Bouldering
Climb without ropes or harnesses, testing your strength, skill, and balance
Day walks
Enjoy the views and learn about the wildlife and plants, from a relaxing stroll along a canal to a challenging mountain walk
Orienteering
Test your navigation skills and find your way around the course – will you find them all?
Initiative games
Fun mental and physical challenges that will test your logic, creativity, and communication skills
Total Commitment Training
This three day course is developed to enable people of all ages to develop positive relationships, enhance their resilience, and utilise positive reflection techniques.
Day 1: Interpersonal, motivation, team work, problem solving, communication, strategic thinking, cooperation and compromise skills training all structured around practical delivery exercises.
Day 2: Creative thinking, adaptability, dealing with stress and responsibility, coordination and assertive skills training all structured around practical delivery exercises.
Day 3: Confidence, listening, resilience and reflection skills concluded with making a commitment beyond the programme all encompassed through the ‘final challenge’ aspect of this element.
Wellbeing
We offer specialised programmes to help support mental health and wellbeing. The details of each programme we offer are bespoke as each group is different, with different needs and interests. We aim to work with the natural environment rather than sticking to a rigid schedule no matter what the weather.
Awards
Awards
Lord Derby Award
Exclusive to Vibe Customers, this prestigious award, supported by The Right Honourable Earl of Derby DL, is designed to improve young people’s practical abilities, enabling them to gain new skills, and push personal boundaries.
The flexible award is made up of four sections: Physical, Skills, Community and Adventurous Activities, across four progressive levels: Purple, Pink Blue and Yellow.
What does it cost?
There are a variety of options available to groups and individuals for completing the award, Ranging from £15pp for the basic package, up to £50 for the full experience of activities.
There is something for everyone to get involved in and enjoy!
All prices include Enrolment fee, Award Booklet, a LDA Certificate and Badge upon completion
Who is it for?
This award is ideal for schools, colleges, groups or individuals of any age who want to gain new skills and embrace personal challenges.
Duke of Edinburgh – Approved Activity Provider (AAP)
As a delivery partner of the world’s leading young person’s achievement award for over 30 years. We can provide direct support to Licensed Organisations by facilitating the Expedition Section across all three levels of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Gold, Silver and Bronze)
Our fully trained instructors are all qualified youth workers who create a welcoming and safe environment for the young people to learn and develop their skills, making the expedition an enjoyable experience.
What does it cost?
Bronze Option 1
£125 on foot, £240 afloat
Bronze Option 2
£225 on foot, £300 afloat
Silver
£325 on foot, £400 afloat
Gold
£425 on foot, £500 afloat
Expedition prices for each level of the award include:
- Pre expedition advice, resources, and training
- Practical advice for leaders and participants
- Route planning and risk assessments
- Campsite fees and bookings for participants and staff
- Accredited assessor's
- Logistics
- Transport (additional cost applies)
- Expedition kit hire
Princes Trust Achieve Award
An accredited personal development Award that works to support young people to fulfil their potential.
The flexible curriculum provides the opportunity to gain new skills and qualifications through exploring various modules including Skills for School, Personal and Social Development, Life Skills, Enterprise, Citizenship and Preparation for Work.
Award units available:
- Teamwork skills
- Wellbeing, Physical activity
- Nature and Wellbeing
- Confidence Building
- Personal Development
Courses & Qualifications
Courses & Qualifications
On the water
Canoeing and Kayaking
Paddle Start award
Paddle Discover award
Paddle Explore award
Foundation Safety and Rescue training
Personal Performance awards
Paddlesport Instructor
2-day entry level instructor qualification. This course is aimed at getting individuals prepared for the instructor course.
Paddlesport Coach
2-day mandatory course for those wishing to progress onto a choice of 18 discipline specific coaching courses.
British Canoeing Paddlesport Leaders assessment
Aimed at paddlers taking on more responsibility and aiming for leadership.
British Canoeing Canoe and Kayak (Sheltered Water) Coach assessment
This is a discipline-specific award that give pathways, skills and coaching behaviours to help individuals progress through coaching.
On the Land
National Indoor Bouldering Award Scheme (NIBAS)
An award designed for individuals aged 7+ to progress in bouldering. It is for absolute beginners at level 1 to more experienced boulderers up to level 5.
National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme (NICAS)
Designed for individuals aged 7+ who want to get involved with climbing and learn the use of ropes and knots. It is for absolute beginners at level 1 and you can progress up to the advanced climber at level 5.
Professional Development
First Aid at Work (Level 3) - 3 day course
This course is aimed at those who are responsible for more than 100 people. It includes the roles and responsibilities of a First Aider, accident reporting procedures, first aid kits, primary survey, assessing for injuries, and CPR for adults, children, and babies.
Emergency First Aid at Work (Level 2) - 1 day
This course is a practical course targeted at workers who are responsible for less than 100 people. It focuses on the key skills required to preserve life, prevent injuries from worsening, and promoting recovery.
Water-based First Aid - 1 day
Covers the same points as the First Aid at Work qualification but with an additional focus on issues that may occur as a result of being in and around water.
Programmes
Programmes
Positive Vibes Programme
Positive Vibes is an informal skills and relationships programme designed for young people aged 13+. A diversionary measure, the programme works to positively engage young people who are at risk of being criminalised or exploited. As a result, young people build learning techniques to make positive life choices beyond the programme.
Underpinned by Vibe’s relationship framework, the Positive Vibes Programme provides a consistent pathway of support to young people through 1:1 mentoring and incorporates sessions focusing on Consequences of Choice, Event-Mind-Reaction (EMR), positive activities, Total Commitment Training (TCT) and Relationships training.
St Helens - We have recently received funding from the National Lottery Community Fund for three years to provide the programme to young people aged 14-17 from St Helens for up to 32 weeks. Follow this link to refer a young person: https://external-forms.viewsapp.net/forms/v/63e009c6-58f2-41c4-87ea-f4efff99e54c
Current opportunities:
Halton/Warrington - Due to funding from Cheshire Police, we are accepting referrals for our 6 week Positive Vibes Programme. This is aimed at young people aged 13-17 from Halton or Warrington. Follow this link to refer a young person: https://external-forms.viewsapp.net/forms/v/548ef946-6fab-408b-b381-8ec55b3387bf
Good Choices
Vibe's Good Choices intervention is a crime prevention programme designed to work with young people that have been in trouble with the police, at risk of committing a crime, or they are/have been involved in anti-social behaviour.
Good Choices is delivered in small groups and comprises of a 3 hour session which includes discussions and activities aimed at enabling young people to make effective decisions about choices, understand the importance of relationships and work towards the prevention of Substance Misuse and Anti-Social Behaviour.
Current opportunities:
Halton (Widnes and Runcorn) - Due to funding from Cheshire Police, we are accepting referrals for our Good Choices Programme. This is aimed at young people aged up to 18 from Widnes and Runcorn. Follow this link to refer a young person: https://external-forms.viewsapp.net/forms/v/267e4c57-8eab-41dc-80d7-e65ab0a6da11
Halton Short Breaks Outdoors
Vibe Outdoors offers an outdoors club for Short Breaks in Halton. This programme consists of monthly sessions involving a range of indoor/outdoor adventurous activities chosen by the young people. If you are aged between 8-17 years, have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) and live within the Halton Borough, you are eligible to attend! Transport is included from two designated pick-up locations (in Runcorn and Widnes).
The Junior session is available for young people aged 8-11 and takes place 9.30am-12.30pm.
The Youth Club session is available for young people aged 12-17 and takes place 1.30pm-4.30pm.
To book a place, follow the ‘find out more’ link.
St Helens Short Breaks Outdoors
Monthly Outdoors Club - This programme consists of monthly sessions at our Taylor Park base involving a range of indoor/outdoor adventurous activities chosen by the young people. This club is open to young people aged between 8-16 years who have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) and live in St Helens.
Sessions cost £6 per young person.
Siblings Club - St Helens Short Breaks Sibling Days are funded by St Helens council for SEND young people aged 8-16 who are eligible for short breaks provision to bring along up to 2 siblings (up to 3 young people per family). Sessions involve a variety of outdoor activities and will take place in half terms/summer break.
Sessions cost £6 per family, please pay via cash on the day!
Family Days - St Helens Short Breaks Family Days are funded by St Helens council for SEND young people and their families who are eligible for short breaks provision, both core and enhanced. The offer gives families (of up to 5 members) a chance to visit Vibe Outdoors and take part in a variety of land and water activities.
Sessions cost £6 per family.
To book a place, follow the ‘find out more’ link.
Knowsley Outdoor Education Club
Knowsley Outdoor Education Club (KOEC) is funded by Knowsley Council and provides monthly sessions involving a range of indoor/outdoor adventurous activities. This programme is available to young people aged between 10-18 (up to age 25 with SEND) who live in Knowsley and takes place from 10.30am-3.30pm. Transport is included from a designated pick-up location (specified each month).
Knowsley Short Breaks Outdoors
Vibe Outdoors offers an outdoors club for Short Breaks in Knowsley. This programme consists of monthly sessions involving a range of indoor/outdoor adventurous activities chosen by the young people. If you are aged between 10-25 years, have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) and live within the Knowsley Borough, you are eligible to attend!
Sessions take place from 10.30am-3.30pm and transport is included from a designated pick-up location (specified each month).
