Youth Group Activity Programmes
At Southampton Water Activities Centre (SWAC)
Our Youth Group Programmes are designed to give young people exciting, positive and confidence-building experiences on and around the water. Similar in structure and quality to our primary and secondary school programmes, these sessions are tailored specifically for youth organisations, combining fun, challenge and learning in a safe, supportive environment.
Based at Southampton Water Activities Centre (SWAC), we work with a wide range of youth groups to deliver memorable activity days that support personal development, teamwork and wellbeing.
Who the Programmes Are For
We regularly work with:
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Scouts, Explorers & Guides
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Sea Cadets, Army Cadets & Air Cadets
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Youth clubs and community groups
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Home-education and alternative provision groups
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Charity and outreach youth organisations
Programmes are suitable for mixed abilities, including young people with little or no prior watersports experience.
What Activities Are Available
Youth groups can choose from a mix of land- and water-based activities, depending on age, confidence and group objectives:
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Powerboating – handling skills, safety awareness and teamwork
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Dinghy sailing – learning to sail, working together and problem-solving
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Paddle sports – kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding
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Raft building – planning, construction and testing as a team
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Multi-activity days – combining several activities for variety and engagement
Sessions can be adapted to be calmer and confidence-focused, or more challenging and progressive for older or more experienced groups.
Learning & Development Outcomes
Like our school programmes, youth group sessions are built around clear outcomes, including:
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Teamwork & communication
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Confidence and resilience
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Leadership and decision-making
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Personal responsibility and safety awareness
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Physical activity and wellbeing
Many groups also use our programmes to support:
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Badge work and award schemes
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Personal development targets
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Engagement and motivation for harder-to-reach young people
A Safe, Supportive Environment
All activities are delivered by experienced, appropriately qualified instructors, with safety at the heart of everything we do. Sessions include:
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Clear briefings and age-appropriate instruction
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Well-maintained, industry-standard equipment
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Progressive challenges matched to the group
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A welcoming, inclusive approach for all participants
We are used to working with youth leaders and adapting delivery to suit different group dynamics and needs.
Flexible Programme Design
We recognise that no two youth groups are the same. Our programmes can be delivered as:
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Half-day or full-day sessions
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One-off visits or repeat programmes
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Confidence-building taster days
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Skills-focused progression sessions
We’re happy to work with group leaders in advance to shape a programme that aligns with your aims, timetable and budget.
Practical Information
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Age range: typically 8–18
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Group size: adjusted to activity mix and supervision requirements
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Location: Southampton Water Activities Centre (SWAC)
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Season: available year-round, subject to conditions and activity choice
Enquire About Youth Group Activities
If you’re planning an activity day, residential programme or ongoing youth engagement project, we’d love to help.
Contact SWAC to discuss a bespoke youth group programme