challenge academy
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baggeridge adventure
challenge kit
our programs
WE ARE HERE FOR THE COMMUNITY
As a Community Interest Company (CIC), we’re passionate about providing affordable and accessible outdoor learning opportunities for our community and all of our profits are used to develop our site and continually improve the range of activities we have on offer.
Professional team
Experience
Learning
Fun
Exclusive environment
Guarantee adventure
Excitement
Best Safety
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We Provide Best Adventure
A specialist in delivering outdoor activities, Challenge Academy offers adventure programmes for all ages and abilities. We offer a range of adventure experiences, learning opportunities, training and resources to meet the differing needs of everyone. We guarantee fun, learning, inclusion and affordability.
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challenge kit
We have designed and produced a wide range of challenge resources and equipment, enabling learning at every level. Our focus is on empowering professionals to be licensed practitioners in order to facilitate ‘active outdoor learning’ activities
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choose your challenge
A specialist in delivering outdoor activities, Challenge Academy offers adventure programmes for all ages and abilities. But we are much more than this – our amazing team understand that moving beyond the comfort zone is different for everyone and it must be carefully managed if it is going to be a positive experience. We offer a range of adventure experiences, learning opportunities, training and resources to meet the differing needs of everyone. We guarantee fun, learning, inclusion and affordability.
PACKAGES TO SUIT EVERYONE
Our adventures are for all ages and abilities so please don’t let the youngsters put you to shame. We pride ourselves on ensuring that you have fun and provide the best experience possible for you and your family, friends, classmates or colleagues. Click on the links below for more information about our programmes
baggeridge adventure
Over the last 10 years Baggeridge Adventure has grown from a simple high ropes challenge course to a 1 acre site equipped with a wide and diverse range of outdoor adventure facilities and opportunities. Baggeridge Adventure is an exceptional activity venue and it provides an exclusive and safe environment for everyone. Our affordable adventure packages are suitable for all ages and abilities and we pride ourselves on getting visitors outside of their comfort zones in a fun and secure environment.
customer says
Derby University SU
Samantha Shuttleworth
Derby University SU
FAQS
An expanding list of all of your questions answered but we know that there will be more. Contact us if there is anything that you need to know
FORMS
We think that we have all of the documentation here that you need for your event but if you require more then please call us and we will send it to you
our courses
Challenge Academy is led by experienced teachers, facilitators and ex-military instructors. All of our courses and programmes are appropriate to a range of desired outcomes. Most importantly we have worked hard to get our courses accredited with recognised and credible national training and awarding bodies.
meet the team
We have the knowledge, skills, experience and attitudes required to make an impact. All of our staff, permanent and part time, are passionate about active outdoor learning and its’ far reaching benefits for lifelong learning.
Mel Ellis
Managing Director
Greg Brookes-Clayton
Educational Director
sam jackson
Operations Manger
chris smith
Senior Facilitator
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Sharan Shukla
Office Manager
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Annabele Lyth
Lead Instructor
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Josh Hawkes
Lead Instructor
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Lesley McNaney
Lead Instructor/Marketing
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Announcement!
We will be closing our public sessions throughout the winter months October- February and then reopening them as normal from March 2024. We will run one public access session a month, these dates will be shown on the online booking and our social media platforms!
If you have purchased a voucher which expires within this time frame, don’t panic we will extend them to be used when we reopen in March!
Party and group bookings remain open and available to book as normal.
NETS ADVENTURE
Access our obstacle course, bouldering wall and have a blast of supervised adventure on our awesome Nets Adventure. Bounce, slide and tackle the obstacles along the course and explore the different treehouses.
Access our obstacle course, bouldering wall and have a blast of supervised adventure on our awesome Nets Adventure. Bounce, slide and tackle the obstacles along the course and explore the different treehouses.
LOW ROPES ADVENTURE
Perfect for the younger and less confident – the Low Ropes Adventure combines all of our lower level activities. Our instructors will facilitate your adventure, making sure that you are always ready to take the next step. You are always in a harness and secured, no need to unclip at any stage. The package includes a good session on our mini ropes course, then a progression to our 3-metre high course, our climbing walls, bouldering wall and totem pole climbs.
Minimum age – 5 years – we recommend that paying adults accompany younger children and the less confident.
HIGH ROPES ADVENTURE
For those who are feeling more adventurous then challenge yourself by going straight up there to our 9m high ropes course, climbing wall, bouldering wall, totem pole, PowerFan Descender and Zip Wire. Our instructors will facilitate your adventure, making sure that you are always ready to take the next step. You are always in a harness and secured, no need to unclip at any stage.
Minimum age – 7 years – we recommend that paying adults accompany younger children and the less confident.
'ACCESS ALL' ROPES ADVENTURE
Have an absolute blast on everything that our ropes course has to offer, perfect if you want to get best value for money. Our instructors will build it up and facilitate your adventure so that we know you are always ready to move to the next step. This package includes all of the activities on our Ropes Adventure course – mini ropes, 3m course, 9m high ropes course, climbing wall, bouldering wall, totem pole climbs, Power- Fan Descender and Zip Wire
Minimum age – 7 years – we recommend that paying adults accompany younger children and the less confident.
SATURDAY ‘FUN DAY’
Every 5th Saturday from 12:30-15:00 we have our fun day session where you can explore and have a go on absolutely everything we have to offer at challenge academy All for £30!
MORE ADVENTURES THAN EVER BEFORE
If you’re looking for outdoor fun and an adventurous day with your classmates then you’ve come to the right place. Visit us and unleash your inner adventurer by testing yourself on our High Ropes Course, Nets Adventure, Bouldering Wall, the Obstacle Course and Ground-based Challenges.
3m High Ropes
9m High Ropes
Climbing Challenges
Powerfan Descender
70 Metre Zipwire
Team Climb Challenges
Obstacle Course
Bushcraft Skills
Nets Adventure
Ground Challenges
Mystery Trails
Team Activities
PACKAGES TO SUIT EVERYONE
Our adventures are for all ages and abilities so please don’t let the youngsters put you to shame. We pride ourselves on ensuring that you have fun and provide the best experience possible for you and your family, friends, classmates or colleagues. Click on the links below for more information about our programmes
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ACTIVE OUTDOOR LEARNING
If you’re looking for outdoor fun and an adventurous day with your classmates then you’ve come to the right place. Visit us and unleash your inner adventurer by testing yourself on our High Ropes Course, Nets Adventure, Bouldering Wall, the Obstacle Course and Ground-based Challenges.
LEARNING OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM
Nothing inspires and engages kids more than a school trip outside the classroom. At Challenge Academy we provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and develop a range of life skills whilst having fun in the great outdoors. We work closely with schools to develop a tailored programme for the day to meet their specific needs.
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WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
Our resources and training have been developed and produced exclusively by our Directors over the past 10 years, with input from fellow professionals. We have now worked on a number of projects relating to the design, implementation, training and accreditation for challenge activities and larger scale outdoor learning facilities and tasks. Work to date includes:
ADVENTURE PARTIES FOR EVERYONE
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TREAT SOMEONE SPECIAL
Treat someone special with one of our adventure vouchers, starting from as little as £12.50. Choose from either a Nets Adventure or one of our ‘Ropes Adventure’ vouchers, depending on age and ability. All vouchers are valid for one year from the time of purchase and are emailed to you (great for last minute presents).
BOULDERING WALL
Our bouldering wall is a fun and challenging activity and it is also included in your adventure pass. Learn how to traverse at 3 different levels – bouldering tests your agility balance and strength. Our instructors are always on hand to support you if you need us.
meet the team
We have the knowledge, skills, experience and attitudes required to make an impact. All of our staff, permanent and part time, are passionate about active outdoor learning and its’ far reaching benefits for lifelong learning.
Mel Ellis
Mel is a qualified PE teacher and retired RAF Squadron Leader (Physical Education Branch) who specialised as a Parachute Jump Instructor during his 16 year Service career. Key military roles have included leading the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, managing the leadership and physical fitness programmes of officer cadets at RAF College Cranwell, and commanding the RAF Parachute Training School After leaving the RAF Mel then spent 10 years directing operations at Closer to the Edge Ltd – he is now at Challenge Academy, having a more ‘hands on’ involvement to develop the wide range of services and products. Mel is an Accredited Practitioner for the Institute of Outdoor Learning.
Greg Brookes-Clayton
Mel is a qualified PE teacher and retired RAF Squadron Leader (Physical Education Branch) who specialised as a Parachute Jump Instructor during his 16 year Service career. Key military roles have included leading the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, managing the leadership and physical fitness programmes of officer cadets at RAF College Cranwell, and commanding the RAF Parachute Training School After leaving the RAF Mel then spent 10 years directing operations at Closer to the Edge Ltd – he is now at Challenge Academy, having a more ‘hands on’ involvement to develop the wide range of services and products. Mel is an Accredited Practitioner for the Institute of Outdoor Learning.
Sam Jackson
Mel is a qualified PE teacher and retired RAF Squadron Leader (Physical Education Branch) who specialised as a Parachute Jump Instructor during his 16 year Service career. Key military roles have included leading the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, managing the leadership and physical fitness programmes of officer cadets at RAF College Cranwell, and commanding the RAF Parachute Training School After leaving the RAF Mel then spent 10 years directing operations at Closer to the Edge Ltd – he is now at Challenge Academy, having a more ‘hands on’ involvement to develop the wide range of services and products. Mel is an Accredited Practitioner for the Institute of Outdoor Learning.
please get in touch
Information
Baggeridge Country Park, Gospel End Rd, Sedgley DY3 4HB.
You will find us just below the park tea shop. Park your vehicle, pay for parking and walk down the track.
01384 429866
Office Hours Mon-Fri 0900 - 1600
challenge academy cIC
Striving to ensure that challenge and 'active outdoor learning' opportunities are available, inclusive and accessible