Residential camp (but not PGL) for 13 year old

[iontheprize]

Any recommendations for a summer camp (5-7 days) for a 13 year old who likes adventure activities and bushcraft? He's done PGL and really enjoyed it but he thinks he like something a little more adventurous /less spoonfed fun. Or where he got to do an activity more than once. I'm looking at Outward bound but would love any other avenues to explore. Something like a cadet or scout residential but he's not any of those things yet!

Would may be look to bring a friend or his 15 year old brother

The Scouts have an awful record of deaths and serious injuries. Many of the leaders do the course, but only actually lead trips once or twice a year. Much better to go with something where staff are at it 52 weeks a year, or at least a full summer season. As for specifics, I'm afraid my kids are younger and ideas stop at 11!

I'd look at something more specific, then general at that age, with TRAINED instructors & staff.

Scouts isn't an option as... he isn't a scout. But I suppose I meant something more outdoorsy than PGL. Build a fire and cook your meal on it sort of thing. Archery with real kit rather than play kit. Maybe a local outfit rather than a national chain. Have found a few potentials online but would of course love recommendations

You should look at Plas Y Brenin summer camps for teens
You won't get better trained instructors than at the National Outdoor Centre

My son and niece went to mill on the brue in Somerset last year and loved it. They are going back this summer - son nearly 12 and niece nearly 13. Goes up to 16 I think. My sister and I went in the 80s and it’s one my ng best memories from childhood. The Welsh outward bound one sounds good too though!

I should add they do all that - hike far away and build a camp and cook over the fire, kayaking, raft building, archery etc. it was like stepping back in time arriving there, and zero screens. It’s the same family running it now as when we went in the 80s

I second Mill on the Brue. It’s excellent.

there’s one at Cuffley in Hertfordshire too.

https://campwilderness.co.uk/

i do t have any experience or recommendations for this one, but I’ve been considering it for my children.