The centre is run by a group called 'The Barn Outdoor Pursuits Association' which
is a registered charity. The purchase and refurbishment has been
supported by the Lottery
Fund with additional support by
Staffordshire County Council to provide facilities enabling programmes
for personal and social development of young people in Wild Country.
The Association is founded upon the principle of equality of opportunity. Programmes
based on physical, mental and group work challenges in the outdoors can develop
the individual's inter-personal skills, self- discipline and self-confidence. The
resulting increase in self-esteem and sense of self-worth can underpin a positive
contribution to society.
It has always been our policy that fees charged to young people should be kept to
the lowest level possible to break even. Over the years we have subsidised these
fees by holding dances, jumble sales, etc. and have received a small annual grant
of £300 from Staffordshire
County Council. This grant was substantially increased of late.
It has also always been our policy that all groups of young people must be accompanied
by leaders suitably qualified and more recently covered under the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority for the activity
they are going to undertake.
Our objectives
Section 3 (Objects) of our constitution
states the following: The objects of the association are, by associating together
the inhabitants of Staffordshire and other surrounding areas including the Welsh
Region and Local Authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort
to:
- provide, in the interests of social welfare and the advancement of education, facilities
for recreation and other leisure time occupations for the young people of Staffordshire
and other surrounding areas, being facilities
- of which those persons have need by reason of their youth, disablement, or social
and economic circumstances and
- which will improve the conditions of life to such persons by promoting their physical,
mental, social and interpersonal wellbeing and, in any manner which is or hereafter
may be deemed by law to be charitable;
- maintain a centre called The Woodlands Centre to provide low cost short stay accommodation
in Snowdonia to enable and encourage young people and families of all denominations,
creed or colour to take an active part in Outdoor activities or family learning
and the associations conventions and responsibilities of communal living;
- maintain and Manage the centre (whether alone or in co-operation with any local
body) in furtherance of these objects;
- promote such other charitable purposes as from time to time be determined.
Please read more from our constitution.
The Committee
Find out more about the
executive committee
that run the centre.
Our history
We have been a operating since 1959. Find out
more about our
history.