Who are we

Our aim is to make any visit to Woodlands Adventure enjoyable, educational & memorable. During the course of the visit we provide encouragement so that those attending can realise previous hidden abilities and natural talents. 

Our staff team has a great deal of experience and are national governing body (NGB) qualified. All staff undertake a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme in order to give comprehensive instruction to, and meet the needs of visiting groups. They have considerable expertise instructing clients with physical and mental impairments.

Woodlands Adventure caters principally for young people aged 7 upwards. Due to our comprehensive range of activities each group’s programme is tailored to meet their needs a few weeks in advance of their visit. Types of programme include multi activity days, home education groups, NVQ & GCSE adventure modules, team building, Etc.

The Birmingham Boys and Girls Union

Woodlands Adventure & Outdoor Learning is operated by The Birmingham Boys and Girls Union which is one of the oldest Birmingham children’s charities, having being founded in 1906. Bourne Vale has been our headquarters since 1968.

Registered Charity - 1120499
Patron - The Lord Mayor of Birmingham
Company Limited by Guarantee - 6311234
Registered in the UK
Registered Office - 446 Kingstanding Road, Birmingham, B44 9SA

Accreditations
  • Investors in People
  • Institute for outdoor Learning (I.O.L) - organisational member
  • British Association of Youth Clubs (B.A.Y.C) - Life member
  • British Canoe Union (B.C.U) - Approved Centre
  • Council for Learning Outside the Classroom - Quality Badge
  • Adventure Activities Industry Advisory Committee - Adventuremark
BCU BAYC AAIAC
IFOL IIP LOTC
Keypoints in our History

1906 - Birmingham Street Children's’ Union founded by Canon Carnegie, one time rector of Birmingham Cathedral. First headquarters were at Cathedral House, Newhall Street, Birmingham.

1924 - Land for Woodlands Camp purchased by Sir Roy Pinsent to give opportunities for poor children to escape the city environment and experience the benefits of the countryside.

1932 - Kyrle Hall, Sheep Street, Aston became the headquarters of the Birmingham Boys and Girls Union and was the principal centre for all the youth clubs in the city.  It was so popular that it had to be rebuilt in 1936 to incorporate much improved facilities.  It was particularly renowned for its youth theatre and boxing clubs

1968 - Compulsory purchase of Kyrle Hall to make way for Aston University. Our headquarters were transferred to Woodlands Camp, Bourne Vale, Aldridge, Walsall which is set in 36 acres of countryside.

1969 - The first recreational hall was constructed at Woodlands.

1972 - The Warden’s quarters and office were built.

1976 - The first dormitory block was built enabling the Camp to offer residential visits for those who preferred indoor accommodation to camping.

1978 - A sports hall was completed with the aid of funding from the Sports Council.

1981 - The first climbing wall was erected in an area of woodland.

1998 - The existing dormitory block was replaced.  the new building accommodates 56 children plus group leaders.

2000 through 2003 - The climbing wall was replaced, and re-sited in the woodland, by a much improved climbing tower with full scale climbing/abseiling facilities.  A bouldering wall was then developed.  The aerial runway was re-sited on the other side of the lake and a new tower was constructed.  This enabled the assault course to be extended and greatly improved.  All this comprehensive restructuring enabled us to institute and operate a range of team building courses which can be booked separately.

2005 through 2006 - The main recreational building was replaced with the Saintbury Building.




 


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Woodlands Adventure
for your Birthday Party?
Sunday Afternoons

£15.50 per person

Minimum group of 12

By having your party here with us, you will be assisting us to achieve our aim of benefiting disadvantaged children 

Become a FRIEND of
Woodlands Adventure
The only way we can continue our work is to increase the number of FRIENDS who contribute to the fund.

If you feel our work is worthy of your support please call
0121 353 7329