AS a child I was never one for scaling trees or getting my hands dirty. I always favoured indoor pursuits: reading and writing, or playing with my treasured Sindy dolls, writes Emily Bridgewater.

Nowadays, little has changed, although I am a little more interested in my own wardrobe than that of my favourite Sindy.

So, when I was invited to the Upton Warren Outdoor Education Centre for an afternoon of windsurfing, canoeing and sailing I agreed with much reservation - my idea of water sports usually involves a long, hot bath with gallons of bubble bath and a big bar of chocolate!

However, last Friday afternoon I threw caution to the winds and joined the hundreds of children enjoying the vast array of outdoor activities there.

The county council-operated centre has been open for 15 years and offers outdoor activities predominantly for children living in the authority's area. There are also adult sailing clubs in the evenings.

Leader Phil Ascough promised an action-packed afternoon, but warned me I would need a change of clothes because I was likely to get wet.

After I arrived, and a brief tour of the centre, with its classrooms and changing facilities, I was kitted out with a life-jacket. We took to the water in a powerboat, before I was then "thrown in at the deep end", sailing a boat of my own.

I was left in the capable hands of Al Forsyth, a 12-year old from Stratford-upon-Avon, who had been enjoying a week-long sailing course with his brother.

We took it in turns to steer and take charge of the sail. Al was clearly proficient after a week's instruction and we manouvered the boat safely around the lake with little trouble.

Soon it was time for my second activity, but windsurfing was off, due to not enough wind, so I joined students from Bromsgrove School who were kayaking.

Nick, my instructor, was a student at Worcester University and has just completed a Higher National Diploma in Outdoor Recreation Management.

Many centre staff are university students who work there during the summer. There are also 10 full-time members of staff.

I was shown how to navigate the kayak and was soon exploring the areas of water at the side of the lake.Finally, I faced my biggest challenge of the day - the seal launch. This is a wooden slide which used to launch single canoes. Phil described it as a mini-log flume.

From the water the drop did not look so steep as when I was sat at the top, awaiting launch. My heart pounded. Moments later I was racing down the slide. As my canoe hit the water there was an almighty splash and I was soaked from head to toe.

It was exhilarating and I recommend to anyone, even the least athletic to try it.

The centre is open all year round and also offers archery, pond-dipping and a low ropes activity course. For more information call 01527 861426.