The problem

Falkirk council are planning to confirm the closure of Falkirk Outdoor Activities at their budget meeting in February 2017.

This petition aims to

block the closure of Falkirk Outdoors and allow them to continue their great work.

Here is why the services provided by Falkirk Outdoors are so important:

(a) They take Falkirk's school-age kids out of the house, away from their screens, and into real live adventures: canoeing, climbing, gorge-walking, camping, rock climbing and bushcraft. They do this safely, with brilliant instructors. All the necessary equipment is provided.

(b) Through the programme offered to schools by Falkirk Outdoors, kids from all social and economic backgrounds have the same access to these experiences, which might only otherwise be available to kids whose families can afford it.

(c) Through their easter/summer holidays programme, they provide affordable childcare with a difference - the kids are out adventuring, getting exercise and fresh air, working as a team and learning about nature. Who else provides childcare like this in the Falkirk area?

(d) They provide an incredible range of adventures to adults in Falkirk (and further afield) through their outdoor activities programme - rock climbing, abseiling, snow-holing, ski-moutaineering, avalanche training - again at an affordable price, so available to everyone no matter their income.

For example, you get transport from Falkirk to the mountain, a full day of training on hillwalking in the snow, how to use crampons, how to use an ice axe and transport all the way back - for £31!!!

Because transport is provided, those without their own car can access these great adventures too.

(e) Once we grow old and grey, Falkirk Outdoors will still look after us, taking us in their minibus to experience beautiful walks in the company of other like-minded folk, getting us out and about, keeping us fit and happy in the company of others.

(f) For all of the groups mentioned above - old, young, well-off, not so well-off, the impact of taking part in these activities on keeping us happy and healthy - physically and mentally - cannot be underestimated.

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