Year 6 residentials can bring a mix of excitement and nerves for children, parents and teachers alike... What will we do? What if the food is horrible? What if I get homesick? What do you mean there’s no WiFi?!

These are all genuine questions we hear each May as we welcome Hardwicke Primary School to the TRAC Outdoor Centre, just outside Newent, for their Year 6 residential.

They’re questions we take seriously because we know staying away from home can be a big step for some young people. Over the years, we’ve developed a residential programme that gives children the chance to have fun, try new things, make lasting memories and step outside their comfort zone, all in a safe, welcoming and encouraging environment.

TRAC offers beautiful grounds that become home to the school for the duration of their stay. Unlike some larger residential providers, there’s no waiting in queues for activities or moving around to fit in with other schools. Instead, the site is yours to enjoy, giving young people the freedom to explore, play and make the most of every moment alongside their classmates and the Sportily team.

During the Hardwicke residential, pupils enjoy a wide range of activities including go-karting, Archery Tag, the zip wire, climbing wall, adventure playground, inflatable obstacle course, above-ground caving, boating on the lake, arts and crafts, sports, team-building challenges, Minute to Win It games, pool, air hockey, basketball and football. There's always something new to experience.

Over the years, we’ve seen young people conquer fears, take on new challenges, encourage one another, discover hidden talents and laugh until their sides hurt (and occasionally the teachers too!).

Alongside the activities, we also spend time exploring what we call Life Tools. Through fun and interactive sessions, we look at topics such as confidence, resilience, perseverance, communication, teamwork and conflict resolution. These are valuable conversations as pupils prepare to leave primary school and begin the exciting transition into secondary education.

The feedback from both pupils and teachers reminds us why we love what we do. Every residential is shaped around the individual school. We take time to listen, understand what each school wants from the experience and build a programme that reflects those goals. We don't simply do a residential for a school, we do it with them.

At Sportily, we're passionate about creating unforgettable experiences where young people can grow in confidence, strengthen friendships and create memories that last long after they return home.

If you're part of a primary school looking for a Year 5 or 6 residential, we'd love to chat. Get in touch to find out how we can create a TRAC residential that's tailored to your school and your pupils.