ATKV Drakensville sets new standard for outdoor learning in South Africa
ATKV Drakensville has reached a proud milestone as its Environmental Centre becomes the first service provider in South Africa to receive SA AIA LOTC/ABL verification.
Learning does not have to happen within the four walls of a classroom. Sometimes, the most valuable lessons are found outdoors, where learners can explore nature, discover new skills and learn through hands-on experiences.
ATKV Drakensville has reached an exciting milestone in this field, becoming the first organisation in South Africa to achieve Service Provider Verification for Learning Outside the Classroom (LOTC) and Adventure-Based Learning (ABL) from the South African Adventure Industry Association (SA AIA).
This achievement recognises the ATKV Drakensville Environmental Centre’s commitment to responsible programme delivery and marks an important step forward for outdoor education in South Africa.
Raising the standard for outdoor education
Situated near the foothills of the magnificent Drakensberg Amphitheatre, ATKV Drakensville provides a natural setting for learning, exploration and adventure. Its Environmental Centre offers educational experiences that encourage learners to engage with their surroundings while developing an appreciation for nature and the environment.
The SA AIA verification initiative aims to strengthen quality, accountability and responsible practices across the outdoor learning sector. Unlike ordinary membership, verification involves an evidence-based assessment of the systems and processes that support the safe and responsible delivery of programmes.
The assessment covers several important areas, including governance and accountability, safeguarding and duty of care, risk management, staff competency and supervision, emergency preparedness, operational procedures, incident management and continuous improvement.
For ATKV Drakensville, achieving this verification is a significant recognition of the importance of having appropriate systems and processes in place to support meaningful outdoor learning experiences.
Working together helps the industry grow
ATKV Drakensville participated as the founding pilot provider during the development and testing of the SA AIA Service Provider Verification Framework.
The process included a review of documentary evidence, engagement with staff and an on-site verification visit. By opening its operations to this assessment, the Environmental Centre helped SA AIA test the framework in a real-world environment and identify opportunities to improve the process for future applicants.
This collaborative approach is helping to establish a practical foundation for other organisations involved in school camps, outdoor education, adventure-based learning and experiential programmes.
Jessi Sunkel, Executive Director of SA AIA, acknowledged ATKV Drakensville’s willingness to participate in the pilot, noting that its contribution helped strengthen the framework for providers who will follow.
ATKV Drakensville is also recognised as the Founding Pilot Provider of the SA AIA LOTC/ABL Service Provider Verification programme.
Where learning and adventure come together
At ATKV Drakensville, the Environmental Centre provides opportunities for schools and groups to combine education with the beauty of the outdoors. Activities can include guided nature walks, hikes and environmental learning experiences that encourage learners to discover more about the natural world around them.
The verification milestone reinforces the importance of thoughtful planning, competent supervision and responsible programme management in creating these opportunities.
It is important to note that verification does not guarantee that incidents can never occur or replace applicable legal, insurance or activity-specific requirements. Rather, it provides an additional level of assurance that appropriate systems and processes have been assessed against the relevant SA AIA framework.
Looking ahead
As SA AIA continues to roll out its verification programme across the outdoor learning sector, ATKV Drakensville’s participation represents a meaningful contribution to the development of industry-wide standards.
For ATKV Resorts, the achievement reflects the value of creating opportunities for learning, discovery and personal growth alongside memorable family and group experiences.
Johan Outram, head of the Environmental Centre, says that quality is always the starting point.
“At Drakensville’s Environmental Centre, we believe that to be the first-choice destination for ABL/LOTC camps, we need to offer the best possible product. The Environmental Centre’s guides have been registered tour guides for several years, specialising in a variety of adventure-based and experiential learning activities,” says Johan.
“Through our collaboration with SA AIA, we aim, as pioneers in the accreditation process, to bring all levels together in a single process to ensure that clients can be confident in the quality of the services provided. SA AIA’s verification of the Environmental Centre provides a seal of trust earned through a rigorous accreditation process.
“What does this mean for the client? Drakensville’s Environmental Centre is the first-choice destination for camps and tours, with quality assurance at every level.”