Our outdoor education
Our Story
The charity started in 1987 when Peter Mumford, then Bishop of Truro recognised the need to find a positive way to engage disadvantaged young people, to ensure they unlocked their potential. Soon after, The Bishops Forum was created and the charity was founded with Goodygrane Activity Centre growing from abandoned granite quarries overlooking Falmouth bay. One of the earliest memories was of a child abseiling down a rock face in a wheelchair, being watched by a young person who’d been excluded from school. That person went on to be an instructor and today, we continue to see Cornwall’s most vulnerable children realise their own potential. Our outdoor education centre now supports ~4,000 children and young people a year through charity programmes, tailored school residentials and NCS.
What we do
Our mission is to support children and young people on a journey of positive change. We give them the tools to identify and overcome their own challenges, and give them an overall sense of empowerment. We are passionate about enabling them to overcome barriers to education, work and social interaction. We provide:
Charity programmes that support those facing life’s toughest challenges.
School residentials that build communication, teamwork and resilience.
NCS programmes that teach people skills and get them excited about the future.
Team away days for corporates that are fun, build your team and support us!
Our facilities and activities
One Unique Classroom!
We run a huge range of activities that are designed to challenge, excite, teach new skills and overcome barriers. Our activities include: Via Ferrata, Zip Wire, quarry-steering, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, abseiling, indoor climbing, archery, watersports, bushcraft and more…
HIGH UP ACTIVITIES
CLIMBING: We have a range of exciting outdoor and indoor climbs for all abilities.
ABSEILING: Try our accessible abseil ramp, or take the sheer drop down the Prussic Wall!
ZIP WIRE: Try our dual zip wires. They’re speedy, with amazing views!
WATER ACTIVITIES
RAFT BUILDING: Work in a team to plan, build and row your raft across the quarry.
KAYAKING: Go solo or in pairs, work together or in teams. Get ready to wobble!
CANOEING: Work as a group to get around the quarry, play games and jump in!
LAND ACTIVITIES
FOREST SCHOOL: Learn to build dens, make fires and cook outdoors!
ADVENTURE QUARRY: Team building games at their most fun - work together or risk getting a dunking in the quarry water!
ARCHERY: Take aim and develop focus.
NATURE TRAILS: Unwind and explore.
Our team & job opportunities
Friendly
We're a friendly bunch. Keen to deliver a high quality service.
Committed
Resilience is our middle name. Hey, it has to be, the sun doesn't always shine in Cornwall!
Compassionate
We care. About experience, development and making a difference.
Join Us at BF Adventure!
BF Adventure is a great place to volunteer and work. We’re dynamic, diverse and different. If you’re interested in being part of our team, we have a great range of opportunities to gain experience and develop new skills. We are also always keen to add skills to our Board of Trustees. If you’re interested in finding out more, drop us an email, give us a ring on 01326 340912 or come in to say hello!
Here’s what we have to offer:
Please complete and send through an application and equal opportunities form to jobs@bfadventure.org using the links below.
BF Adventure is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. We can only accept applications through our application form and the successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check.
Patrons of the Charity
About the Bishop of Truro
- Bishop Philip was ordained as a deacon in 1988 and priested in 1989. He served his curacy at Gerrard’s Cross and Fulmer in the Diocese of Oxford, and then served as the Vicar of St James’ Church, West Streatham, in the Diocese of Southwark, from 1992 to 1998.
- In 1998 Philip joined the Church Pastoral Aid Society, initially tasked with helping churches develop youth and children’s ministry, then serving as head of ministry and ultimately as the deputy general director from 2004 to 2007.
- In 2007 Philip moved with his family to Paris, where he was the chaplain of St Michael’s Church.
- In 2012, Bishop Philip became the executive leader of the Church Mission Society, enabling networking across the Anglican Communion and beyond. Philip oversaw the operation of all CMS’s mission in 40 countries, leading a community of around 3,000 members and supporting around 350 people in mission around the world.
- Bishop Philip was consecrated on November 30 by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, and was welcomed to the Diocese of Truro in 2019.
Bishop Philip said: “I am delighted to be asked to be patron of BF Adventure. I have been immensely impressed by the work of BF Adventure, since first I saw it. In any area where many young people suffer from very significant deprivation, low self-esteem and limited aspirations BF Adventure builds skills and confidence and demonstrates to young people just what it is they are capable of. I’m honoured and proud to be associated with it.
“The Bishop of Truro has had a long association with the charity. The charity was set up by one of my predecessors, Bishop Peter Mumford, who recognised the need to find positive ways of engaging with disadvantaged young people. The connection continued under Bishop Tim Thornton’s tenure with a trustee role.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to now play my part in this important work.”
