Survival Activity Day

Challenge for Survival – A Curriculum-Linked Outdoor Adventure for Year 5

Bring your KS2 curriculum to life with an imaginative survival‑themed experience inspired by real-life survival stories from famous historical characters. Designed with Year 5 pupils in mind, this full‑day outdoor programme blends teamwork, problem‑solving and hands‑on learning in a memorable woodland setting.

Shipwreck Scenario: Shelter • Fire • Water

After being lost at sea, shipwrecked in a storm and washed ashore on an uninhabited island, the crew (pupils) must work together to survive until rescue arrives. With only a small selection of salvaged items, they must think creatively, use natural resources and apply key survival skills.

Salvaged equipment includes:

Kettle and pan
Water
Flour
Sail cloth
Rope
Matches

Using these items — and what they can forage from the woodland — the crew build a shelter, light a fire and make simple bread to stay alive. This activity links beautifully to topics such as exploration, natural resources, materials, forces, and historical survival stories.

Timings:

We are open 9.30am – 4.00pm and we can design a programme to fit your timings within our operating hours.

Please specify your times when making an enquiry.

Quest for Survival: A Journey into the Unknown

The children will learn that their chances of survival are greater when they can work together as a team. Their mission is to overcome a number of physical problem-solving tasks on their own exciting journey through the woodland.

Challenges may include:

Glacier Crossing
Snow Blinded
Frozen Sea
Man Overboard

Each task reinforces the importance of teamwork and mirrors the real‑world challenges faced by explorers throughout history.

High Ropes Adventure: Jacob’s Ladder • Crate Stack

Now in character, the crew can extend the challenge, by taking part in one or two high‑ropes activities (depending on timings). Climb the rigging to the crow’s nest to search for land or have a go at stacking crates of provisions to prepare for the voyage. These activities build confidence, resilience and bravery in a safe, supportive environment.

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Why Schools Choose Outdoor Elements

Well organised, a good amount of time for each task, plenty to do and everyone was able to join in at once. A fantastic day!

Brookside Primary School

Additional Info

Outdoor Elements Activities Limited was established in 2001.
Registered centre at LCC (EV231).
All instructors are fully trained/qualified in the activity, have been DBS cleared and first-aid trained.
All activities are instructor-led.
Outdoor Elements staff will provide all activity, safety and emergency equipment.
Written risk assessments are available for all activities.
We hold Professional Indemnity, Civil Liability & Employers Liability Insurance cover.
We do not hold an AALS license. This is because none of the fantastic activities we offer to schools or groups of young people under the age of 18 (not accompanied by a parent/carer) come under current licensing regulations.