Mendip Activity Centre: The benefits of technology-free school trips

Mendip Activity Centre has run school activity residentials for over 30 years, and recognises the benefits of technology-free adventures. Working with educators to create screen-free school trips in Somerset, Mendip encourages children to look away from their phones so they can discover the benefits of physical-world experiences and activities.

Young people use digital tools and social media every day, and in recent years it has become evident that they have fewer places to spend time away from screens. While technology is beneficial in many ways, excessive use can lead to mental health challenges and fewer opportunities for immersive experiences that help build a positive sense of self.

Young people use digital tools and social media every day, and in recent years it has become evident that they have fewer places to spend time away from screens. 

In response, educators have recognised the physical and mental benefits of natural outdoor spaces and activities, such as increased happiness and reduced stress and anxiety. School trip organisers and staff at Mendip witness first-hand how children interact differently with the environment once they are away from digital devices.

Bev Howden, a teacher from St Matthew’s High Brooms CE Primary School, commented that her favourite part of Mendip residentials is “seeing the children enjoy being out in nature and away from technology.” She also loves “the freedom the week offers to children who, at home, have limited life experiences.”

Ally Webb, a teacher from St Annes Church Academy, who has been bringing students to Mendip for many years, highlights a particularly transformative moment in Mendip’s private rocksport quarry: “…between the instructors’ encouragement and seeing their class teacher hanging off a cliff edge, children [see they] really can achieve anything they want…[it’s] just fantastic!”

Young people benefit from a technology-free school trip any time of year. Whether they are dangling off a cliff, crawling through an ancient cave system or observing the plants and wildlife of the stunning Mendip Hills National Landscape. Students can see, hear, smell and feel natural environments that challenge their preconceptions and invite new connections.

Senior instructor, Joe Braidley facilitates this interest in the environment by encouraging young people to be inquisitive and curious: “It’s fantastic when they start asking why something formed this way, or why we do things that way,’ he says. “They become more energetic… they can relate to each other and appreciate each other’s abilities in new ways.”

Time spent adventuring outside can help put things into perspective and learners can discover their capacity for resilience. This is particularly helpful when preparing for exam time or transitions to a new school year.

Adventure helps broaden horizons, build confidence and discover new personal capabilities. Through screen-free school residential trips, Mendip Activity Centre aims to help young people develop a positive life-long relationship with challenge, wellbeing and the outdoors.