Imagine: a flock of birds flying away, their flight mirrored in the lake; all of a sudden, a gust of wind whistles through the trees, crinkling the surface of the water. You are on the banks of Lake Erne, in the heart of a preserved natural area. You embark on a canoe trip to explore the many islands and corners of the Lakeland in Northern Ireland. As you canoe along, you can catch a glimpse of horses and sheep resting on the banks, a glimpse of Crom Castle. Then you stop on one of the islands for the night and set up the camp with the help of your group leaders. Around the fire, jokes and anecdotes from the whole world are told in English before a well-deserved night’s sleep under the tent. Then you travel back across the lake to the course centre, after taking all your waste with you and checking that the place has been left intact.
The only trace of your stay will be in your head, in the form of a better awareness of the fragility of an exceptional natural area… and unforgettable memories!
Photo landscape / aerial picture of the site
The “Leave No Trace” excursion is the highlight of the new “Adventure Ireland” programme for juniors in Northern Ireland. In addition to putting sustainable development at the heart of its organisation, ESL is committed to taking another step forward by offering environment-oriented language holidays in the heart of preserved areas.
Of course, we first thought about our junior students when we decided to launch this new type of courses: juniors and teenagers today are the ones who are going to shape tomorrow’s society. They have been aware of the dangers threatening our planet from a very early age. They are also the ones who make sure to develop good habits at home when they discover new horizons. It was, therefore, up to us to provide our younger students with a language programme designed to raise their awareness of environmental issues, in accordance with their values and ours.
Photo 2 girls in a canoe
Following this line, the Adventure Ireland programme intelligently combines English courses, sports activities and exploration of renewable energy sources. With a wide range of activities to enjoy together with young English-speaking students on summer camp on the same site, the lessons go out of the classrooms. A great opportunity to combine studies with pleasure!
It is not by accident that the centre offering this camp for juniors is a pioneer in the use of renewable energy. Since its creation 30 years ago, the lakeside complex has equipped itself with a wood burning heater, solar panels for electricity and hot water and a 100% natural, self-powered waste water treatment plant.
An exceptional experience off the beaten track to train tomorrow’s green citizens!
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