Canoeing, Kayaking & Outdoor Learning Near Bridgnorth
Bear Creek Adventures delivers outdoor activities for schools and youth groups across the River Severn, Kinver Canal, and local outdoor scout venues including Ryhdd Covert and Kinver Scout Camp.
Based near Bridgnorth, we work closely with schools and uniformed organisations across the Shropshire and the Midlands, providing safe, well-structured activity days, canoe trips, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and training.
We work with
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Primary and secondary schools
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Scout, Guide and Cadet groups
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Youth organisations and clubs
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Home education groups
All sessions are planned with educational outcomes, safeguarding and logistics firmly in mind.
choose your outdoor adventure
River Severn Canoe Day Trips
For secondary schools and uniform groups. Our canoe day trips offer a full day on the River Severn, focused on teamwork, confidence and practical paddling skills.
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Students travel together by canoe
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Emphasis on communication and group decision-making
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All equipment provided
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Clear safety systems and supervision
These days work particularly well for Year 7 team building, enrichment days, and uniform group activities.
Duke of Edinburgh Canoe Expeditions
Bronze · Silver · Gold
We are an approved Duke of Edinburgh Award provider, delivering canoe expeditions on the River Severn.
Each level includes:
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Two structured training days
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A practice expedition
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A final qualifying expedition
We are AALA licensed for canoeing activities and hold £10 million public liability insurance, giving schools confidence in both safety and compliance.
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School Activity Days at Local Scout Camps
We deliver multi-activity days at Kinver Scout Camp and Ryhdd Covert Scout Camp, offering a range of engaging outdoor activities. Sessions may include woodland and bushcraft skills, climbing, archery and team challenges. These days are ideal for end of SATs rewards, Year 6–7 transition or enrichment and wellbeing programmes, all delivered by qualified, DBS-checked instructors in a supportive outdoor setting.
Canoe Trips & Water Activities for Youth Groups
We also work with Scouts, Guides and Explorers, Cadets and Home Education Groups, delivering outdoor sessions designed specifically for youth and uniformed organisations. Activities are adapted to suit age, experience and group aims, with a strong focus on participation, teamwork and confidence. Sessions encourage young people to work together, develop new skills and enjoy being active outdoors in a safe, supportive environment.
GUIDED Kayak trips - Kinver Canal
Book a shorter 90-minute kayak session for your pupils, introducing the basics of kayaking in a fun, supportive setting. Sessions include simple paddling skills and games to build confidence and enjoyment on the water. We can organise multiple sessions for schools wishing to run short courses for pupils. Woodfired pizzas can be provided on request for an additional charge during school term time.
First Aid Courses
Our first aid courses provide practical, confidence-building training for teachers, pupils and home education groups. Through realistic scenarios and clear instruction, participants learn essential life-saving skills, emergency response and casualty care. Courses can be delivered to staff or young people, adapted to age and setting. Led by an experienced instructor, training supports safer schools, youth groups and outdoor learning environments and meets recognised standards for educational settings.
Safety, Experience & Local Knowledge
Based near Bridgnorth, we have over 40 years of combined paddling and expedition experience on the River Severn and surrounding waterways.
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Our team works on the river and canal throughout the season
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Activities are delivered by qualified, experienced instructors
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We hold an AALA licence for canoeing activities
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£10 million public liability insurance
We understand the local river and canal conditions, access points and seasonal changes, allowing us to plan activities appropriately and safely.
Locations We Work In
We deliver school and youth group activities across:
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The River Severn
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The Kinver Canal
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Kinver Scout Camp
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Ryhdd Covert Scout Camp
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Other suitable local outdoor venues
Our work is focused on the Bridgnorth, Kidderminster and Kinver area, making us a practical, local choice for schools.
What Schools & Groups Need to Provide
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Transport to and from venues
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Members of staff or group leader for pastoral support
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Personal clothing and footwear
We provide:
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All technical equipment
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Qualified instructors
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Safety systems and supervision
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Clear booking information
frequently asked questions
Do you work with primary and secondary schools?
Yes. We work with primary and secondary schools. Activities are age-appropriate and adapted to suit the needs, experience and objectives of each group, whether that’s a first outdoor visit, a transition day or a curriculum-linked activity. Our River Severn canoe trips are more challenging and so best suited to year 6 and above.
Are you AALA licensed?
Yes. We hold an AALA licence for our canoeing activities, which is required for working with under-18s on rivers. We also hold £10 million public liability insurance, giving schools and groups confidence that activities meet recognised safety and operating standards.
Where do activities take place?
Activities are delivered across the River Severn, the Kinver Canal and at local outdoor venues including Kinver Scout Camp and Ryhdd Covert Scout Camp. Our work is focused in the Bridgnorth, Kidderminster and Kinver areas and so are accessible to schools and groups in Shropshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire and the Midlands.
Do you provide all equipment?
Yes. We provide all specialist equipment required for activities, including boats, paddles, buoyancy aids and safety equipment. Schools and groups only need to provide suitable clothing, footwear and packed lunches where required.
Can activities be tailored to our group?
Yes. We regularly tailor sessions to suit group size, age, experience and learning aims. Activities can be adapted for team building, confidence, transition, enrichment or award requirements such as Duke of Edinburgh.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly for peak periods such as late spring and summer terms. Early enquiries help secure preferred dates and organising staffing as well as allow time for planning and paperwork.
