This year we’ve been supported by a number of volunteers who themselves were previously young people on our programme. Involving them in our work has been one of the highlights of the year for the team; they add a new layer of support to our current young people as they can truly empathise with their experience. Here are some of their stories:
Becca’s Story
One of the most memorable moments of the year has been meeting Becca, who completed her Adventure Programme in 2015. Becca reached out to volunteer in June and subsequently attended our annual Programme Volunteer Training Weekend. She volunteered at Forest Camp in August, exactly 10 years since being in the Forest of Dean as a programme participant!
When I joined the programme I was going through an incredibly difficult period of my life. I was balancing caring responsibilities for my father with finding my feet in a new school.
The experience was a catalyst for a series of events that brought me to where I am today. Without the confidence and independence that the Youth Adventure Trust instilled in me, I would have been unlikely to join the Army Cadets or to travel to Kenya to volunteer.
Becca’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact our programmes can have and the platform it offers. Her drive and motivation to give something back and the perspective she offers is invaluable.
I hope that I can help contribute to the diversity of experience within the volunteers and provide a different perspective.
Danielle’s Story
In February Danielle found herself at the summit of a mountain, which she first climbed with the Youth Adventure Trust back in 2003. Staring out across the Welsh landscape she realised she wouldn’t have been standing there if it wasn’t for her time on the programme.
How has the Youth Adventure Trust changed me? I don’t know where to begin, genuinely. I’m really passionate about it and I’m so glad I found you.
On returning home she tracked down the Trust and contacted us offering to take on the challenge of volunteering herself. She volunteered at this year’s Wiltshire 3 Peaks fundraising challenge event and aspires to volunteer on the Adventure Programme, as well as completing next year’s Wiltshire 3 Peaks.
I am one of the lucky children you supported and was put forward as I was a young carer. I have wonderful memories of my adventures in Wales and Scotland. It very much shaped my life and I’d love to give back!
At the time I did not know quite how big an impact it would all have on me. I still think fondly of the volunteers who helped me and the things they imparted on me. It’s changed who I am. I felt cared for and respected.
Danielle vividly remembers the small things, something as simple as being offered a cup of tea or being asked how she was feeling. For her, it was the sense of community, the kindness of the adults and the feeling of being cared for that stuck with her, and that has inspired her to volunteer.
Ben’s Story
Ben completed his Adventure Programme in 2018 and has kept in close contact with the team since then, updating us as he finished school, college and recently university. Ben began his YAT journey at the end of Year 7, during a particularly tough time in his life;
I lacked confidence and resilience. I believe these were the reasons I was selected to participate in the programme.
Ben’s stand out memory from the Adventure Programme was on Forest Camp where he recalls bravely leading his peers out of the cave system;
Many of my peers were nervous but with some encouragement I confidently led everyone out. I remember my Programme Manager telling me I was brave and I believe this was crucial in increasing my self-confidence.
Last year Ben put himself forward to be one of the Trust’s volunteer Young Leaders, attending training in January and volunteering on local day activities afterwards. Next year he’ll be volunteering at Coastal Camp for the first time. Ben’s motivations to volunteer were simple;
To give back to an amazing charity which has shaped the trajectory of my life’s course and to inspire the next generation of young people.
Volunteering with the Youth Adventure Trust has allowed Ben to enhance his leadership skills and to utilise his skills and experience to help young people to maximise their time on the programme.
The Youth Adventure Trust has given me confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose, first through completing their programme and then by volunteering to inspire and support others on their own journeys
We are confident there’ll be many more stories like Ben’s, Becca’s and Danielle’s as former participants volunteer to help the charity continue its work supporting vulnerable young people; and who better to guide young people through their Youth Adventure Trust programmes than those who have walked in their shoes.