Discovery Outdoors: Empowering Students through Outdoor Learning and Community Engagement

Introduction to Discovery Outdoors

Discovery Outdoors, founded by John, is a social enterprise based in Sheffield, focused on improving educational practices through outdoor learning. The initiative aims to create an engaging, hands-on educational experience for students, particularly in secondary schools. By promoting outdoor learning, the organisation offers a unique approach to education, enabling young people to explore nature while developing practical skills. Since its inception just a few months ago, Discovery Outdoors has rapidly built relationships with local schools, businesses, and universities to deliver its mission.

The Journey of Discovery Outdoors

John’s journey towards founding Discovery Outdoors stems from his background in education. Having run a consultancy focused on secondary education, John saw the gap in outdoor learning opportunities and decided to take action. His desire to make a difference in the UK’s educational landscape led him to explore social enterprises. After connecting with the Sheffield Social Enterprise Growth Accelerator (SEGA) programme, John received valuable mentorship and advice that helped shape his vision for Discovery Outdoors. Through SEGA, he found essential support, from refining his business plan to connecting with the right people and organisations.

Support from the Sheffield Social Enterprise Growth Accelerator (SEGA)

The mentoring program offered by SEGA has been instrumental in John’s development as an entrepreneur. His mentor, Jodie Marshall, guided him in building a solid business plan and transitioning from a hands-on educator to a business leader. The support has been particularly impactful in shaping his mindset as a business owner rather than just an educator. Jodie’s mentorship also helped John navigate the complexities of running a social enterprise, including managing finances, HR, and planning for long-term sustainability.

Beyond business planning, SEGA provided essential networking opportunities. John was introduced to people who could provide expert advice on various aspects of running a social enterprise, such as insurance and risk assessments. Through SEGA’s connections, Discovery Outdoors has been able to collaborate with organisations like Sheffield University’s landscape architecture team, local councils, and businesses that share a passion for community development and environmental sustainability.

Building Community Relationships and Expanding Impact

One of Discovery Outdoors’ key successes has been building relationships with local schools, businesses, and organisations to create impactful outdoor learning projects. The enterprise has worked hard to bridge the gap between schools and businesses, providing schools with the resources they need and offering businesses the chance to support educational initiatives. The collaboration with Sheffield University’s landscape architecture students, for example, allows the enterprise to offer high-quality products while benefiting from the energy and passion of students eager to get involved in community projects.

Local councils have also played an important role in supporting Discovery Outdoors. They’ve been invaluable in offering networking opportunities and providing encouragement. The connections made through the council’s local area committees have helped Discovery Outdoors gain credibility, making it easier to access funding and other resources.

The Challenges of Starting a Social Enterprise

Like many early-stage social enterprises, Discovery Outdoors has faced challenges in securing funding. Most grant applications require businesses to have been operating for at least two years, which posed a barrier for John’s young organisation. However, the support from SEGA and local councils has helped overcome some of these hurdles. The ability to access small-scale funding through SEGA’s grants, as well as mentorship and advice, has been crucial in laying the foundation for the enterprise’s growth.

John acknowledges the difficulty of navigating insurance and other operational details for a new business. With the help of SEGA, he was connected to an insurance provider that understood the unique needs of social enterprises, which ultimately allowed Discovery Outdoors to get proper coverage for their activities, such as pond dipping with young people. The ability to rely on experts for these practical aspects has been invaluable to the enterprise’s growth.

The Future of Discovery Outdoors

Looking ahead, John is excited about the future of Discovery Outdoors. The enterprise is building a strong foundation through its partnerships, networking efforts, and commitment to delivering high-quality educational experiences. However, as the organisation continues to grow, one of the key challenges will be ensuring that these relationships remain sustainable and impactful in the long term. John plans to continue refining his business plan and using SEGA’s support to navigate the next stages of growth.

Discovery Outdoors is also focused on improving its digital presence, recognizing the importance of telling its story effectively through social media and other channels. By sharing the impact of their work with corporate partners and the wider community, the organisation hopes to engage even more people in its mission to transform educational practices.

Conclusion

Discovery Outdoors exemplifies the power of collaboration and community engagement in improving educational practices. With the support of SEGA, local businesses, and universities, John and his team are creating lasting change in the way young people learn and engage with their environment. By continuing to build strong partnerships and leveraging the expertise of their network, Discovery Outdoors is poised to make a significant impact on outdoor learning for years to come.