In October 2024 YAT launched its first programme in Somerset. A new location and a new group, but the same goal; build resilience and self-confidence in the young people we work with.
Two groups of 15 young people, referred by their schools, embarked on a year-long journey filled with outdoor adventures, creative projects, and unforgettable experiences – all designed to build self-confidence and resilience through support and challenge.
A Nervous Start
The first day was a mix of nervousness and excitement for the young people. Meeting lots of new people can be daunting at any age, but especially if your confidence, and self esteem are low or you struggle socially, and you might be expected to step way outside of your comfort zone in front of them all. Most of us can remember being a nervous or self-conscious teenager, possibly most concerned about what other people think of us, but as the day unfolded and young people were welcomed by a supportive, kind and fun environment, we could see them start to settle into things and feel their sense of hope that this could be something really special as well as helpful for them. The day served as a great introduction of what was to come over the year as young people took part in team challenges, archery, orienteering and even a high flying rocket building task which was memorable to say the least! Supported by YAT staff and skilled and dedicated volunteers, the first day had been a real success. As the months progressed the activity days kept coming.
I’ve gotten over my worries of meeting new people!
Jack, age 12yrs
In December the young people developed their cooking skills making quesadillas, Welsh cakes and festive treats. January’s Activity Day featured animal care and woodwork. It was warming to see how excited the young people were about collecting eggs and holding a chicken for the first time, and how all sense of worry and self-consciousness melted away given the opportunity to cuddle a rabbit or guinea pig.
February brought with it bushcraft and rain – lots of rain! A further opportunity to build resilience not only with fire lighting, whittling and shelter building but by braving the elements and showing mental toughness in extremely wet and muddy conditions. The positivity and camaraderie from the volunteers and staff, along with plenty of fun forest games, kept spirits high and demonstrated what can be achieved when things don’t always go exactly as planned!
Building Connections
As the months progressed the groups had the opportunity to get to know each other more and really bond at our making and creating Activity Days in March. The young people got crafty using traditional methods of weaving and wool dying, lantern building and working on a community project.
This day had a more relaxed and calm feel as young people concentrated on their projects, providing an atmosphere and opportunity for relaxed chat with the staff, volunteers and young people finding out lots about each other. It allowed for them to form further as a group before the more challenging adventures to come. The more relaxed nature of the days highlighted the strength and importance of our volunteers, who have been with the young people from the start, modelling positive behaviour, sharing jokes, riddles and providing endless encouragement despite challenges and frustrations.
A practical problem solving day followed in April with groups getting out in the Quantocks and Black Down Hills for a search and rescue themed Activity Day. Basic first aid and map reading sessions in the morning prepared the young people for an afternoon searching for a pretend casualty, taking care of their basic needs and administering first aid, then locating a suitable area for a helicopter to land.
It’s been a great opportunity for her to try things she never would have considered having a go at herself and step out of her comfort zone. She is much more willing to have new experiences and at least give things a go.
Parent, Resilience Programme Participant
May brought with it the first really big adventure activities for the young people; a coastal day down on the Jurassic coastline. A day full of challenges – and with challenges came the opportunity to showcase the resilience they have been building, and grow even further. Confronted with coasteering – jumping into the sea from cliffs – and rock climbing, the young people had plenty of opportunity to dig deep, support one another and push themselves outside of their comfort zones. With encouragement and guidance from the staff and volunteers, young people had the chance to test themselves, each of them choosing a challenge right for them.
The Journey Isn’t Over But The Impact Is Becoming Clear
With two Activity Days still to go, and a big adventure on an overnight two day trip, the feedback so far speaks for itself. In a recent survey 100% of the parents reported the programme so far had been a positive experience for their child, and 100% felt that it has helped their child become more confident.
So far, the whole experience has been awesome and such a positive experience for her. Her confidence has grown, she isn’t shying away from being uncomfortable so much and will tackle things that previously she would refuse to join in, and she is slowly getting an appreciation of how good being out and about and testing herself makes her feel good. So a massive thank you to all of you
Parent, Resilience Programme Participant
Our programme helps young people identify and practice skills that can help them in their everyday lives away from the programme and into the future, building the resilience they need to overcome life’s challenges. With their biggest adventure just around the corner, we have already seen a huge difference in these young people. They have grown as individuals and as a group, and we are sure they will take the remaining challenges in their stride with the encouragement, support and guidance of the Youth Adventure Trust team.