Adventure Weekend: Cannock Chase

Take your first steps into the wilderness, and join us for a weekend of outdoor skills development, adventure and fun.

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Take your first steps into the wilderness, and join us for a weekend of outdoor skills development, adventure and fun.

The Adventure Weekend is designed for those who want to dip their toes into adventure and see what all the fuss is about. This 2-day and 2-night camping experience is the perfect opportunity to get that first experience of British Exploring Society’s unique approach, based around Adventure, Knowledge and Personal Development.

An immersive experience in one of England’s most picturesque woodlands, this activity takes place at Cannock Chase – a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Whilst camping, you will have the chance to explore dense forests, open heathlands, and winding trails that connect you with nature. You will also have lots of opportunity to learn essential outdoor skills, from fire lighting to shelter building, and embrace the joy of camping under the stars.

Please note you must be a British citizen or UK resident to join one of our programmes.

  • Applications are open for 2026
  • Age 14-21
  • £30 - £70 *Dependent on household income
  • 10 - 12th April 2026 (2 days + 2 nights)
  • Cannock Chase AONB
  • Recommended vaccinations for life in the UK

A glimpse of what life on expedition would be like, as well as giving me time to bond with my Fire (team)...

Eleanor, previous programme participant

Led by experts, the Adventure Weekend has been designed to take you out of your comfort zone in a safe environment, with a real focus on the skills and personal development you will gain from the experience. The safety and support of our Young Adventurers is the cornerstone on which we build and develop our Wild Pathways, from conception through to departure and return.

The vast majority of young people return from our Adventure Weekend with a wealth of new-found practical skills, new friends and a real sense of personal development – all of which can have tangible benefits for the future. This weekend also gives young people the confidence to take on progressively more challenges programmes with us, like an Adventure Week or even a full-scale multi-week expedition.

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What's Included?

  • An adventurous programme built on nearly a century of experience
  • Support through the application process from our dedicated and friendly team
  • Each Adventure Weekend programme includes;
    • A bespoke package of specific training delivered by a qualified leadership team
    • Loan of specialist and group equipment required for your adventure (Kit List to follow)
    • Food; breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
      Transport from an agreed meeting point; usually a train station
    • Leadership from world class expedition professionals throughout the programme

What's Involved?

  • You will have the opportunity to explore the natural world, being mentored and supported by expert leaders, alongside expedition medics, scientists and adventure professionals
  • Work towards a Fundraising Challenge to develop your confidence and gain invaluable skills to help you in adult life and employment
  • Enjoy a diverse programme of scientific study and research and take part in creative media projects to document your experience
  • Build your character, resilience, determination and teamworking ability while exploring amazing wilderness

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EXPLORE IMAGES FROM PREVIOUS YEARS

It doesn't matter where your starting point is; you'll return with more confidence in your own abilities; greater resilience, determination and courage - and a sense of self-belief that will stay with you for life.

From Weekend to Week…

Whilst the Adventure Weekend is a complete and self-contained activity, it may also act as a stepping stone onto future adventures and our full-scale expedition programmes.

After participating in the Adventure Weekend, you will have the option to progress to an Adventure Week in the same year, provided you meet the age requirements (16 – 25).

 

Adventure Week: Exmoor National ParkAdventure Week: Cairngorms National Park

 

JOIN US. YOU'RE ABOUT TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

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Families

Information for parents, carers, families and social workers

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Leaders

Find out about our Leader Roles and how you can get involved

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