Garry Townsend is the Director of Outdoor Pursuits at Treverton College in the Midlands
1. What is outdoor education and how is it different from physical education?
In Outdoor Education we use adventure activities (such as hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, orienteering and camp craft) and nature as a tool to take students out of their comfort zones where they learn problem solving skills and consequence. The core difference to physical education is that there is not only a strong emphasis on physical development but on personal growth as well. A lot of time is spent reflecting and solving problems both as a group and as an individual. As physical education is an important base to traditional sports so outdoor education plays an important role in developing the base needed for Outdoor Adventure sports. These sports are also referred to as lifestyle sports as well, meaning that one can participate in them throughout ones’ life as an individual or as a team.
2. What did you study and how did you end up doing this work?
I studied a Sports Management Diploma and had an IMM in Marketing after leaving school. When I decided to change direction in my life from working in traditional sports to opening my own Adventure Company I then went and qualified as a Mountain Guide and Abseil Supervisor.
I was a Director of Sport and running the Mazda Mountainbike Academy at Stanford Lake College when I decided I wanted to rather follow my passion for the Outdoors. At the time I was a competitive Adventure Racer and I had already developed many skills that would help me to open an Adventure Company. At first I used to guide tourists in the mountains and do small team builders but over time I built up a good reputation organising expeditions for Schools and that has become the backbone for my company today. Townsends Adventure Lifestyles runs normal school camps, team builders and the Treverton College Outdoor Pursuits programme.
3. What do you want the pupils to learn from this and how will that benefit them later in life?
I would like students to learn how to solve problems and sometimes with limited resources as well. I would also like them to develop their self-confidence and self-esteem by overcoming challenges that they never dreamt they would be able to overcome. In life we will always be faced with challenges and obstacles that we didn’t plan on encountering and having a skill set and confidence to tackle these problems will be a benefit later in life.
4. What do you think makes you good at what you do?
I enjoy the challenge of the logistics in an environment that is continually changing. I also think that the many years of experience I have in organising expeditions makes me realise what is important and what is less important. Above all however I think my Adventure Racing experience although it was many years ago still to this day helps me to adapt and find solutions to the different problems that I need to solve in my work.
5. What did you want to be when you were a child? Why?
I always wanted to be a professional sportsman. I always dreamt of being a professional ultra-distance runner or a golfer. I always loved sport in general as a kid but running seemed to come naturally to me. During high school I would spend 2-3 hours a day on my running training before then going to other sports practices. Although not a natural golfer I have always been drawn to the game and enjoy the challenge of Golf.
6. What would you like to change about your job? Why?
The fact that society in general and therefore school students as well are seemingly less adventurous than they used to be. Outdoor Education is always more effective and enjoyable when students have an adventurous spirit. If more children were exposed to the outdoors at a younger age they would be more willing to embrace the outdoor opportunities that came their way.
7. What is your get-ready-for-work routine?
This would differ if I was at the office for the day or if I was out on a trip. Should I be at home my ideal start would be to get up have a cup of coffee and rusks on my patio overlooking the spectacular Treverton College Dam. I would then have a light breakfast, see my wife and kids off to school before then doing an hour of exercise. I would then go into the Outdoor Pursuit Centre and start my work day.
Should I be on a trip I would try to have a coffee and breakfast using my hiking stove usually before heading out on the tasks for the day. Depending on the tasks for the day my start time could vary greatly!!!
8. What is the best piece of career advice you have ever received?
“You have got to pay school fees”. You will never achieve in any field unless you take your time getting experience in that field. You will have ups and downs but you need to learn your trade just as one learnt when going to school!
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