Top 5 reasons to join our youth residential course.
/We all want our children to grow up happy and confident. Find out the top 5 reasons why a residential course at Tighnabruaich Sailing School can positively contribute to a child's development whilst ensuring they have fun during the long summer holidays. Argyll's Secret Coast is the ideal adventure playground, and is only 2 hours from Glasgow.
1. Exposure to diversity and new friends
Kids learn the world is a big place with lots of people, who might do things differently than they are used to. And what could be better than learning this in a safe, family environment with positive role models teaching them new skills every day. Navigating and building new friendships teaches children to be socially confident, a skill that will always stand them in good stead as they grow up and leave home for university and the wider world.
2. Self-esteem boost
When children are staying with us residentially, they become more confident at making friends whilst slowly and safely learning to survive in the big bad world without Mum and Dad. Sailing, as an activity, is a great confidence booster as they master the skills required to manoeuvre a boat and perform at their best. Succeeding out on the water and working with the elements, gives children the sense that they can achieve anything they put their mind to. Coupled with a residential stay, the benefits are without a doubt multiplied. We get enormous satisfaction watching our regular residential children slowly mature into confident young adults, helping the younger and newer children get the most out of their week at Tighnabruaich.
3. Develops independence
When children stay with us, they are empowered to take care of themselves under the watchful and experienced eye of Fiona, and the results are priceless. Children learn that they can thrive away from their parents - and vice versa! We have all listened incredulously at how well our children have behaved/ slept/ picked up socks/ etc when away from us! In a small, caring, family group, children want to respect others and be capable - this can only be good news for parents. Children lacking in confidence will begin to trust their own abilities, and those already confident will continue to thrive.
4. Home from home
The residential school never exceeds ten children living together in the house at Carry Farm in purpose built accommodation, with Fiona, Derek and their family. The children are encouraged to come into the kitchen for a chat at any time, are asked to feed the chickens and donkey, collect eggs, make their beds and generally muck in! It is home from home, with a few extra kids and change of face giving out the usual instructions, from teeth brushing to setting the table. The home cooking is all made by Fiona and the keen bakers amongst the children can help to ice the chocolate cake or make the waffles. The relaxed family environment never fails to bring out the best in all the children who enjoy mixing with each other regardless of age.
5. Active and outdoors
Not only will the children spend all day out on the water, but after a hot shower and good food, and if the weather permits, it is then back outside for our evening activity. Whether we are toasting marshmallows down on the beach, swimming in the bay, playing games at the stunning Ostel Bay or going out on the RIB for some action, it is sometimes hard to bring them in when time for bed. Of course, it does not take them long to fall asleep! We encourage electronic devices to be left at home, although understand that for some it is a step too far! However, those prone to spending too much time on their phone find that real interaction is actually really good fun. In fact, by the end of the week when they are packing to go home, it can sometimes be hard to find the phone as it has long been forgotten!
Tighnabruaich Sailing School run residential courses for children during their school holidays. Places are limited each week so check availability and prices on our website. And please do not hesitate to contact Fiona or Derek if you have any questions or concerns.