Two weeks prior to camp we had our online volunteer briefing, which was a chance to run through the programme, hear what groups we’d be in and get a feel for what lies ahead. Despite being on Mountain Camp before, I still had the same mixture of nerves and excitement.
On the day itself you could sense the butterflies — not just from the young people, but also from the volunteers. Arriving at camp and walking up the hill to camp felt like the beginning of a proper adventure. Following dinner we headed out on an evening walk to gain our bearings and to chat to the group about what to expect from our week in the mountains.
Mornings start early at camp! Alarm clocks are set for 6:30am and we meet for a volunteer briefing at 7am, clutching our first coffee of the day. One of the fun camp traditions is deciding how to wake up the young people. Sometimes it’s loud music, sometimes it’s banging pots and pans, and sometimes it’s a loud game of hide and seek! Whichever we choose we make sure we start the day as positively and joyously as possible.
Our first day on Mountain Camp is always a big one, with the brilliant Call of The Wild activity staff leading the way, young people receive lots of encouragement and support.
When you have a young person in your team who is reserved and lacking in self-confidence, you do everything you can to empower them. When they show signs of confidence, and seem about to commit to a challenge, you cheer them on from the sidelines. And out of the blue, they’ll surprise you! They’ll abseil down a rock face or squeeze through a tunnel in a cave and when they realise they’ve succeeded, their sense of joy is palpable! You stand there beaming with pride, trying to contain your happy tears!
Hannah, Programme Volunteer
The Mountain Camp programme is full on and includes caving, climbing, gorge walking, canoeing and a mountain expedition. My favourite is the gorge walking. A scramble up the river to a waterfall which we jump in from – it’s absolutely exhilarating. It’s where you really see your group come together. One of the young people was nervous, yet the group made sure they felt safe and supported. Watching them encourage one another was such a lovely moment for me and is exactly what camp is all about.
I witnessed the young people challenge themselves throughout a busy week of activities. They all went from strength to strength with confidence and resilience growing at a rate of knots. Yes, as a volunteer you have to work hard to cajole and guide them through their personal challenges and emotions but it’s rewarding and challenging in equal measures.
Paul, Programme Volunteer
Evenings at camp are as memorable as the daytime activities. My favourite is YAT Bingo. Who knew bingo could be so funny, entertaining and engaging. Our group especially loved the fashion show that follows the problem solving tasks, where I was nominated by the young people to be dressed up in whatever fancy dress items they won. Striding down the cat-walk alongside two other fashion-forward volunteers was hilarious.
The final part of every day at camp is a group review session, where we remind one another of everything we have achieved, we share and celebrate our successes and review our aims for camp. Encouraging the young people to praise one another is particularly memorable (and emotional).
The Youth Adventure Trust provides a unique and supportive environment centred on core values and standards underpinned by comprehensive training to ensure volunteers are fully prepared and supported. The Adventure Programme is well structured to ensure all the young people maximise their potential. It really is a very special and unique charitable organisation.
Fiona, Programme Volunteer
The days are long and sometimes tiring, but you’re never alone. The team are always there with a cup of tea, a chocolate biscuit, a word of encouragement or some humour to lift everyone’s spirits. By the end of the week, the group had bonded so closely, young people and volunteers alike, and the memories we made will remain for a long time.