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Grenville House is supported
by British
Seamen's Boys' Home Registered Charity No 306947 |
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History
Grenville House was built in 1859 by the 'British Seaman's
Boys' Home' charity as an orphanage. Social changes saw
the need for Grenville House diminish leading to its temporary
closure in 1988. Two years later it re-opened as the Nautical
Venture Centre continuing its work with young people,
particularly local schools. In 1995 the name finally became
established as Grenville House Outdoor Education Centre.
Since then continued growth and an increasing reputation
both regionally and nationally has seen expansion in all
aspects of the operation. Major ongoing investment in
the buildings, the facilities and the development of Outdoor
activities has led to Grenville House building a solid
base of schools, Colleges and Youth and Community groups
coming to use the centre annually. Initially the centre
developed as an associate member of the Devon Discovery
group of outdoor centres forming close links with Devon
County Council Education Department. Whilst still acknowledged
by them, Torbay Council, which now has unitary status
actively promotes Grenville House in the Torbay area.
Consequently the majority of schools coming to the centre
are from within Devon and Torbay.
Since 2006 DCS has recognised Grenville House as a leading provider of outdoor education in Devon and consequently we are one of a handful of establishments holding Category 'A' status.
The Grenville House Approach
Our main purpose is to uphold the remit of the charity
which seeks to enhance the social and personal development
of young people by maximising the centre's location, its
facilities and through sensitive use of the local outdoor
environment. Residential groups have sole use of the centre
during their stay and are free to use the facilities as
they wish. All that is required is that Grenville House
is handed back in the condition that it was received.
In order to help groups achieve this the centre's own
general guidelines are established upon arrival, and the
leaders can set any others specific to the group responsible.
The ethos of the residential experience, providing the
opportunity to appreciate ownership, mutual respect and
teamwork is further aided by the groups' involvement in
the day to day domestic care of the centre. Rotas are
set up by visiting group leaders to ensure that everybody
contributes to the daily routine of cleaning, washing
dishes, setting tables for meals, keeping dormitories
tidy etc. Many groups return to Grenville House annually
and they help to maintain the high standards provided
through their care of the centre and its facilities during
their stay. Our professional and dedicated staff aim to
provide a warm, relaxed and friendly atmosphere in comfortable
surroundings. We endeavour to be as flexible and adaptable
as possible using all available resources to ensure that
the visit goes according to plan. There is no such thing
as an 'off the shelf'programme as each group has different
needs therefore whatever the option required it can be
tailor-made to suit. |
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