School name: Greenway Primary and Nursery School, Hertfordshire
School motto/mision: Learning To Learn, Learning To Care, Where Everyone Counts
School's website: www.greenway.herts.sch.uk
Favourite activities: Rootd's Got Talent Campfire, Bushcraft and Firelighting
The opportunity to see the children flourish in a new setting was lovely, and the Rootd staff made us all feel so welcome and at ease. We will be back next year!
Location was key for Greenway Primary when they first contacted Rootd. Based in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, the teaching staff were planning a one-night residential trip, so they wanted to minimise travel times to make the most of their time away. They were also hoping to keep costs down by enlisting the help of parents to take the children to and from the camp, meaning it couldn’t be too far away.
Using a reputable and trusted provider was very important to them. The trip was the first night away from home for some of the children, so they wanted to ensure the staff were friendly and experienced.
So, located just 15 minutes from Berkhamsted and with a team of highly trained staff, a Rootd residential school trip was the perfect option!
A welcoming introduction
For Greenway Primary, the aim of the one-night trip was to introduce pupils to outdoor adventure in a fun and welcoming setting – helping them discover the enjoyment of staying away from home as a group. In Year 6, the children at Greenway Primary go on a four-night residential, so the school saw this as a great way to build their confidence and excitement for their final year.
They also wanted to develop children’s teamwork skills and resilience, showing them the benefits of working together to achieve a shared goal.
Immersive woodland activities
As soon as the children arrived on camp, the Rootd staff were quick to get them involved and immersed in their activities, which immediately eased any nerves.
Group activities, such as crate stacking and shelter building, were the focus of the trip, which helped children develop their teamwork skills, while building closer bonds within the group. Between the planned activities, the Rootd staff also organised forest games, which allowed the children to experience the freedom of the woodland and enjoy their natural surroundings.
Comforting tent accommodation
The school chose to stay in one of Rootd’s bell tent villages, which the children took to straight away – loving the cosy tent interiors and chill out area. Toasting marshmallows around the campfire was a real highlight!
The teachers really valued the teacher tipi, which gave them a comfortable place to relax once the children were tucked up in their beds. With 360-degree views of the tent village, it meant they could keep one eye on the tents while unwinding together after a busy day.
A successful local stay
Rootd received fantastic feedback from the Greenway Primary teaching staff. The teachers were delighted with the organisation, range of activities on offer, and the skills of the highly trained Rootd staff, who they felt were excellent at bringing the children together.
They told Rootd: “Everything was well planned and ready for our arrival. The staff were immensely supportive, minimising the amount we had to do and helping to ease any homesick worries.”
Being close to home was also a real benefit. Parents worked together to organise lifts, which meant there was no need to pay for expensive coach hire.
The Rootd staff are looking forward to welcoming Greenway Primary back next year!