How Our Short Break Weekends Are Structured
- The Adventure Service
- 18 hours ago
- 4 min read
Like routines, the way weekends are structured is important to you as Adventurers.
Knowing what’s happening and when means you can relax, enjoy the experience, and focus on the adventure itself.
Because we go on plenty of short breaks each year (30 in 2026 alone!), we’ve got the routine of a weekend down to a fine art.
Every weekend follows a familiar rhythm, with plenty of space for the great outdoors, downtime, and everything in between.
Here’s what a typical short break weekend looks like for you
Friday Evening – Settling In
4:30pm: You’ll be dropped off at your closest centre, ready to start your short break. Once everyone’s arrived, the bus sets off for the centre we’re staying at that weekend. This is the moment the adventure begins!
5:30 - 7:00pm: When we arrive, you’ll be shown to your room by one of the Support Workers or Instructors. You’ll have some time to unpack, make up your bed, and get comfy before dinner. It’s also a chance to wander around the centre, say hi to friends, and get used to the space that’s going to be your home for the weekend. More often than not, one of the day service groups will already be there and busy in the kitchen, helping to get dinner started.
7:00 - 10:00pm: After tea, we’ll wash up together, then enjoy a relaxed evening. This could be chatting with friends, playing games, or just chilling out before heading to bed around 10pm. Friday nights are all about easing in and getting ready for the adventure on Saturday.
Saturday – Adventure Day
8:30 - 10:00am: After a good night’s sleep, you’ll head down for breakfast. Over toast, cereal, or a full plate of cooked breakfast, you’ll be told the plan for the day. You’ll find out which group you’re in and join your Instructor and Support Worker for the day. You'll pack your own lunch for the day, pack your bag, get your kit ready, and head out.
10:00am - 3:00pm: You’ll be out most of the day, doing whatever activity is on that weekend’s plan. It could be exploring caves at Giants, summiting Kinder, or paddling out on the water at Tittesworth. Every short break is different, but once you’ve tried one, you’ll get to understand the pattern and when things happen. You’ll be out in the fresh air, learning new skills, challenging yourself, and achieving things you might not have thought possible.
Take a peak at the Saturday of a Short Breaks 3:00–7:00pm: By mid-afternoon, it’s time to head back to the centre. After a busy day, getting changed into something comfy is always a welcome feeling. Then it’s dinner prep or washing-up duty, depending on your group. (Yes, even on a short break, the pots still need doing!) Afterwards, there’s time to relax with your friends before the evening fun begins.
7:00 - 9:00pm: Saturday evenings are disco time. We’re always amazed that Adventurers still have the energy after such a big day, but somehow you always do. Music goes on, and the dance floor fills up. Whether you’re throwing out big moves or just enjoying the atmosphere, it’s one of the best parts of the weekend.
We LOVE a Disco 9:00 - 10:00pm: After all that dancing, we slow things down. Everyone gets ready for bed, winding down ready for another good night’s sleep at around 10pm.
Sunday – A Slightly Slower Day
8:30 - 11:00am: Sundays are much slower and more relaxed. After the disco the night before, there’s a bit less energy in the room, but that’s exactly what Sunday is for. Around 11am, a full English breakfast is on the table - sausages, bacon, eggs, beans, and all the extras. It’s the perfect chance to recharge and enjoy time together with your fellow Adventurers.
11:00am - 1:00pm: After breakfast, it’s all hands on deck to get the centre back in shape. Everyone helps out, whether that's hoovering, sweeping, wiping tables, stripping beds, or doing the washing up. It’s a team effort, and by the end of it, the centre looks just as good as when we arrived on Friday.
Day 2 on our Short Break Weekend 1:00 - 3:00pm: With the jobs are done, it’s café time. Depending on the centre we’re at, we’ll either head out on foot to a local café or stop off on the journey home. Whether it’s hot chocolate, cake, or a sandwich, it’s the perfect way to round off the weekend. Remember to bring some cash with you in your rucksack!
3:00–4:30pm: Once we’ve finished at the café, we make our way back to our day service centres. Parents and Carers will be there to collect you at around 4:00pm. By then, you’ll probably be tired, happy, and full of stories to share — an Adventurer who’s packed a whole lot into one weekend.
Every short break weekend has the same structure, but no two are ever quite the same.
The activities, the people, the conversations, and the moments you’ll remember are always unique.
What never changes is that you’ll be building independence, learning skills, and achieving your potential through adventure.
Have You Booked Your 2026 Breaks Yet?
We’ve got 30 short breaks lined up for 2026. Already, more than 70 Adventurers are booked in and getting ready for their weekends away.
Each break has the same structure you know: Friday arrival, a full Saturday of adventure, Sunday café stop, but the activities make every single one different.
Caving, climbing, paddling, hill walks… you’ll never run out of things to try.
Spots are filling quickly, so if you want to be part of it, now’s the time to book.
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