About us
community adventure on the doorstep
Since 2016, we've been committed to transforming Baggeridge Adventure from merely a high ropes course into a first-class adventure day centre. Situated in the heart of the Black Country community, we provide a safe yet thrilling environment for people of all ages and abilities. Our development has been supported by generous funding from organisations such as The National Lottery, Sport England, Enovert Trust, European Social Funding, and Resonance Ltd.
Our mission is to make outdoor learning accessible to everyone, and this philosophy is at the heart of Challenge Academy's diverse offerings. By harnessing our expertise and experience, we create valuable learning opportunities that foster personal growth. Our success comes from encouraging participants to step outside their comfort zones in a secure and enjoyable setting.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
Our resources and training have been developed and produced exclusively by our Directors over the past 10 years, with input from fellow professionals. We have now worked on a number of projects relating to the design, implementation, training and accreditation for challenge activities and larger scale outdoor learning facilities and tasks. Work to date includes:
meet the team
We have the knowledge, skills, experience and attitudes required to make an impact. All of our staff, permanent and part time, are passionate about active outdoor learning and its’ far reaching benefits for lifelong learning.
Mel Ellis
Mel is a qualified PE teacher and retired RAF Squadron Leader (Physical Education Branch) who specialised as a Parachute Jump Instructor during his 16 year Service career. Key military roles have included leading the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, managing the leadership and physical fitness programmes of officer cadets at RAF College Cranwell, and commanding the RAF Parachute Training School After leaving the RAF Mel then spent 10 years directing operations at Closer to the Edge Ltd – he is now at Challenge Academy, having a more ‘hands on’ involvement to develop the wide range of services and products. Mel is an Accredited Practitioner for the Institute of Outdoor Learning.
Greg Brookes-Clayton
Greg is a qualified teacher with significant experience in the field of Special Educational Needs (SEN). Prior to joining Challenge Academy, Greg completed his teaching career as Head of Pupil Referral Unit in Derby City. Over the past few years Greg has developed an exceptional offer for the Education Sector, fine-tuned his own facilitation skills and worked tirelessly to have his training CPD approved and nationally accredited by Ofqual. He is now responsible for the Learning and Development within Challenge Academy CIC and is busy extending the offer to Education, Criminal Justice, Welfare to Work, Care, and Health sectors. Greg is a qualified trainer for Mental Health First Aid.
oliver barker
Ollie grew up in a remote forest near Baggeridge Country Park. He has a degree in Education Studies and Sports Science and is an experienced high ropes instructor and facilitator, having worked previously for 'Go Ape' in Sherwood Forest. Ollie is responsible for operations at Challenge Academy, he ensures that systems are regularly inspected and safe, staff are suitably trained, qualified and that programmes are delivered to the highest standard.
After university Ollie travelled the world, traded in Hong Kong, coached rugby and worked for 7 years as a telecoms engineer. He is fluent in Makaton and is much faster than Josh over 100 metres.
Annabel Lyth
Bels is a fully qualified high ropes instructor and outdoor specialist, having arrived after a year of travel and study in Europe. She studied German at Stuttgart University and is also a fluent Bulgarian speaker, she has also worked as an au pair. Bels is responsible for keeping up morale amongst the team with nonsensical chatter, mostly about films and nothing.
Jess Crook
Jess is the newest member of our team, having just returned from Alaska where she worked on wilderness camps for Girl Scouts. She has a level 3 in youth work, a degree in Society, Culture and Media and has been volunteering since the age of 14 for purpose-driven organisations working with young people. In her free time she climbs, listens to Josh And Bels stories, and spends time in the gym taking selfies.
Chris Smith
Chris, a retired teacher of 30 years, is a qualified ropes instructor who acts as both an integral part of the adventure hub team and specialises in taking our mobile equipment into schools, youth organisations and corporate settings. He has 24 years experience as Head of PE at The Kingswinford School, meaning he is well-equipped to deliver outdoor activity with the aim of developing participant’s soft skills. With an emphasis on fun, he believes outdoor activity can bring about instant rewards and ‘light bulb moments’ for individuals, groups and instructors, where everyone involved can achieve and learn something about themselves.
Josh Hawkes
Josh arrived in Summer 2022, having completed 2 arduous tours of duty as an outdoor practitioner at other outdoor adventure centres. He has also travelled extensively in the USA mainly as a football coach. He is a fully qualified high ropes instructor and is responsible for delivering our community courses. His hobbies and interests include kayaking, paddle-boarding and football and football.
please get in touch
Information
Baggeridge Country Park, Gospel End Rd, Sedgley DY3 4HB.
You will find us just below the park tea shop. Park your vehicle, pay for parking and walk down the track.
01902 671072
Office Hours Mon-Fri 0900 - 1600
challenge academy cIC
our purpose
We passionately believe in the power of the active environment to reboot, challenge, educate and empower so that people can find their purpose, focus mindset and unlock potential.