Heatree Activity Centre

Heatree is a Christian outdoor residential centre based in Dartmoor National Park in Devon. We provide outdoor adventure learning experiences for children and young people. 

The Centre buildings, grounds and all aspects of the charity are held in trust and governed by Heathercombe Brake Trust (HBT). Heatree was opened by HBT as a full-time Outdoor Activity Centre in 1990. The charity continues to fulfil the original aims set up by Miss Quantick in helping children and young people, especially those with disabilities and from deprived backgrounds, within a Christian ethos. 

Venture Beyond is a GAP Year scheme for young adults who want to serve at our outdoor activity centre on Dartmoor. This is an opportunity to gain experience in all aspects of a busy outdoor centre, working across the different departments in housekeeping, catering, maintenance and the outdoor education team. 

Venture Beyond volunteers will learn how to share their Christian faith by venturing beyond what a typical GAP year can offer and learn skills that will help make a positive difference in impacting and shaping young lives. 

With the help and support of the SWYM Be Transformed Programme, volunteers will gain valuable and appropriate training, provided by SWYM, that will serve them for a lifetime, and make connections and memories that will last forever. They will leave Be Transformed with a greater understanding of their calling and purpose, as well as new skills, lasting memories and new friendships. Volunteers will also be provided with resources to help develop their practical ministry skills, including leading groups, teaching children and young people and developing time management and productivity. 

At Heatree our vision is for children and young people to encounter God through adventure.

Outdoor adventure and learning provide a space in which to create these opportunities and has been the essence of our activity centre for over 30 years. We seek to enable thousands of young people to hear the Christian gospel message in a safe, exciting and adventurous environment. 

Our mission is to facilitate outdoor adventure learning experiences through which children and young people can discover more about the Christian faith and have life-changing encounters with God.

It is our hope that young people leave this place with a deeper understanding of a God who loves and cares for them as they begin or continue their faith journey. 

We have a team of highly experienced and dedicated individuals who are right at the heart of what we do. Governed by a board of trustees, the charity’s operations are overseen by the CEO and Centre Manager with the support of the Senior Leadership Team. 

Heatree is based in the stunning and wild Dartmoor National Park in Devon. We mostly provide residentials for schools and groups across the South West but often have groups from further afield.

Our estate is around 180 acres, with extensive green spaces, playing fields, woodland and moorland, which groups love to explore during their free time. Whilst most of our activities are based on-site, our prime location near open moorland allows us to also offer activities off-site such as rock scrambling, stream scrambling and wilderness walks on Dartmoor. 

At Heatree we believe that taking part in an adventure residential is an important and highly beneficial life experience for all children. We know that time spent outdoors plays a significant part in supporting and improving mental health, alongside physical, spiritual and emotional development. Our approach to outdoor adventure education has been developed over 30 years of practice and is rooted in experiential, hands-on learning, which ensures a personalised and engaging approach. 

Surrounded by the beauty and wilderness of Dartmoor National Park, throughout our activity programmes we create opportunities to help children and young people explore and learn about the Christian faith. We bring complex ideas and beliefs to life through Bible stories, Thought for the Day assemblies, activity debriefs and our first-hand experience and wonders of the natural world. 

We inspire and encourage young people to step out of their comfort zone, teach them how to face challenges and build trust and meaningful connections with others. We teach them the importance of effective communication, showing how it can strengthen their confidence and resilience, and how these skills can be applied far beyond their time at Heatree. During this pivotal stage in their lives, we are passionate about guiding young people as they discover their unique strengths and establish their sense of identity.