A Year in the Life of an Outdoor Activity Instructor
Our Outdoor Activity Instructor Beth Turrell shares her experience of a busy and varied year, where no two days are ever the same, which is what makes the role so special.
Throughout the two years I have been at Nene Park Trust, I have worked with people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, helping them step outside their comfort zones, try something new, and discover what they’re capable of. Whether it’s sunshine or showers, nervous first-timers or confident returners, every session brings fresh energy and new stories.
My favourite activity at Nene Outdoors has to be archery. There’s something incredibly rewarding about introducing someone to the sport and watching their focus sharpen with every arrow. Archery isn’t just about hitting the target — it builds hand–eye coordination, balance, patience and confidence. The sense of achievement when someone lands their first bullseye is unbeatable.
One of the best parts of running archery taster sessions is seeing such a wide range of participants. From 8-year-olds proudly showing off skills they’ve practised with their plastic sets at home, to families laughing and turning it into a friendly competition (sometimes with dinner duties at stake!).
Expanding our sessions to include adults-only and women’s-only opportunities has been a fantastic step forward, creating welcoming spaces where everyone can feel comfortable, supported and empowered to give it a go.
When the school season begins to approach, there’s always a real sense of anticipation across the team. We know that soon we’ll be back on the water, building rafts, setting sails and helping hundreds of young people experience the outdoors in ways they may never have imagined.
The months ahead are always busy — filled with paddling, problem-solving, teamwork and plenty of laughter — but what makes it truly worthwhile is witnessing the transformation that happens right in front of us.
Some children arrive feeling nervous, unsure even about putting a foot in the water. For some, it’s their first time away from home. For others, it’s simply the fear of trying something completely new. And then, slowly, something shifts. With encouragement, patience and a supportive environment, that hesitation turns into curiosity. Curiosity turns into confidence. Before long, the same child who once stood anxiously at the water’s edge is splashing confidently in a kayak, smiling from ear to ear.
Those moments are why we do what we do.
When the school term ends and the holidays begin, the learning certainly doesn’t stop — it simply takes on a different kind of adventure.
Our holiday clubs create a fun, supportive environment where children can explore the outdoors in their own way. Without parents or teachers by their side, they’re given the space to grow in independence, build confidence, and discover what they’re capable of.
For many, it’s a chance to try something completely new — whether that’s paddling for the first time, aiming at a target in archery, or working as a team to build and problem-solve. For others, it’s about forming new friendships, laughing together, and creating memories that will last long after the holidays are over.
Holiday clubs aren’t just about keeping children busy; they’re about giving them opportunities. Opportunities to step outside their comfort zones, to connect with others, and to experience the outdoors in a way that feels exciting, empowering and fun.
Winter brings a different kind of creativity. When the paddles are packed away and the sails are lowered, I swap buoyancy aids for paintbrushes and put my creative skills to work. It’s time to add a little whimsy to our Winter Festival and help the elves prepare for the most magical season of all.
From painting festive characters to creating colourful focal points in our festival space, it’s all about bringing joy and wonder to those who visit. There’s something incredibly special about seeing families step into a space filled with colour, imagination and excitement — knowing you’ve played a part in keeping that magic alive.
It’s a wonderful way to round off the year.
Being an outdoor instructor isn’t just a job — it’s about helping people build confidence, connect with others, and create memories that last a lifetime.
