“I consider myself incredibly lucky to have grown up in the countryside, it instilled in me a complete love of the outdoors and adventurous activities; climbing, hiking, running, cycling, I love it all. My career has been incredibly varied, I’ve worked abroad, in offices, at home, and in schools. With all its variety, I’ve always been highly motivated to give back and help people. I feel incredibly lucky to have found an organisation like YAT, that combines my passion for the outdoors and drive to help young people thrive.

During my time training to be a teacher I was struck by how many young people don’t have access to the outdoors. I have seen first hand the positive impact being outside and active can have, and truly believe that everyone should be able to access it, no matter your circumstances. Prior to starting at YAT I was able to volunteer on both the Resilience and Adventure Programmes and have seen the positive impact YAT is having on young people’s lives.

Adventure activities have given me so much, so to find an organisation dedicated to building young people’s confidence and resilience through adventure, just as I experienced, is incredibly exciting – I can’t wait to get stuck in!”

The post Introducing our new Programme Manager appeared first on Youth Adventure Trust.

“My first memory of the Youth Adventure Trust (YAT) was walking into the meeting room at school in Year 7. When I was offered a place on the programme, I felt nervous but also full of excitement. I had never done anything like this before. Back then I was extremely shy and anxious. I hated stepping outside my comfort zone and struggled with communication and trying new things. I also found it difficult being put into unfamiliar situations without knowing how to cope. Speaking in front of crowds—or even to people around me—was something I really struggled with. The programme allowed me to be myself while also showing me that I could do anything as long as I believed in myself. It helped me dig deep into who I was and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.

After completing the Resilience Programme, I was lucky enough to be offered a place on the Mentoring Programme. I was incredibly fortunate to be matched with my mentor, and we created so many special memories together. One particularly phenomenal day was our final trip, where we visited Bath. We explored the art museum, went for pizza, and then finished the day with ice cream and a visit to the bookshop of my dreams!

My mentor taught me how important it is to set goals for myself and actually believe that I can achieve them. She helped me break things down and showed me that even small steps matter. Because of her support, I’ve already achieved one of my goals — being able to play for a women’s football team — which is something I’m incredibly proud of. She always believed in me, even when I doubted myself, and that gave me the confidence to keep going. I’ll always be grateful for everything she’s taught me and for the impact she’s had on my life.

Being part of the YAT programmes, I slowly began to take small steps, such as talking to people more. Towards the end of my time on the programme, I even went for Head Girl. This involved standing up in front of the whole school and speaking—something I could never have done without the support of the Youth Adventure Trust.Being part of the Youth Adventure Trust has been an amazing experience, and I couldn’t recommend it enough to others if they are given the opportunity. The staff are absolutely lovely and make every day even more special. If I could go back and do it all over again, I would without hesitation! Thank you for everything!!“

Reflecting on Casey’s time with YAT, we were delighted to see just how much her confidence had grown, and how many opportunities she was now involved with, both at school, but also her local community. Casey’s mum articulated how she felt the YAT programmes had impacted her when we spoke at the end of the Mentoring Programme:

“Whenever she comes home from anything to do with YAT, a different child came home. It was like a weight, whatever, had gone on in her head before she’d gone, she came back more positive, more upbeat, saying ‘Mum I want to do it again!’ It’s been brilliant all round. She soaked it up like a sponge and thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it. 

When she was coming up from Year 6, she did struggle with her confidence, she did struggle with her self-esteem, her resilience wasn’t great – to then all the things that have been instilled in her, using techniques that she takes into school with her and uses and she takes it outside with her, she puts them in place – all those things are massive. 

All the things that the programmes have given her she’s taken on board and it’s just part of her everyday life now and it’s amazing. She knows when things become tough she takes herself away or she’ll talk with one of us. But she’s already answered all her worries in her head with a technique that she knows she’s going to do or she’ll come back with ‘this has annoyed me, but I’m doing this’ and she’s just telling you but this is the plan of action and I believe it’s what every step of the programme from Year 7 has given her, and she soaks it up like a sponge and puts it out there.”

We have every confidence that Casey will go on to great success, using all the tools and skills she has developed, alongside her positivity, enthusiasm and boundless zest for life. We wish her all the very best with her plans of becoming an English teacher, and look forward to hearing updates from her in the future.

Well done Casey, and thank you for sharing your YAT story. 

The post Casey’s story appeared first on Youth Adventure Trust.

Volunteering with young people has improved my management skills, my self confidence and I get a huge sense of achievement from seeing the impact on the young people.

Three-quarters of the respondents reported having volunteered with us for a year or more. This speaks volumes about the commitment of our volunteers but also of the longevity of our volunteering roles. It demonstrates that for many, volunteering is not just a short-term activity, but that it has become a sustained, rewarding and enjoyable part of their lives.

It has been an absolute privilege to work with the young people and to see their confidence and resilience grow. There is a real sense of shared community and support across the volunteers and staff. You really can make a difference.

With regards to wellbeing, a staggering 92% of the respondents agreed that volunteering has helped them to feel happier and 88% agreed that volunteering has improved their overall wellbeing. 75% of the respondents strongly agreed that volunteering gave them purpose, whilst 50% said volunteering had improved their health and fitness.

When it came to measuring the impact of volunteering on their interpersonal skills and mental toughness, we once again saw an overwhelmingly positive response across all areas. 98% of the volunteers surveyed said that volunteering gave them a sense a purpose, and the same number again said that volunteering helped them to gain new knowledge. 96% of the volunteers surveyed agreed that they had met like-minded people, 83% agreed that volunteering had improved their communication skills and 78% agreed volunteering improved their resilience and mental toughness. 79% agreed volunteering had increased their self confidence, 83% agreed volunteering had improved their communication skills and 79% agreed volunteering had improved leadership skills and teamworking skills.

And finally 100% of the volunteers surveyed stated that volunteering has had a positive or very positive impact on their lives and 100% of the volunteers said that they would recommend volunteering with the Youth Adventure Trust to others.

Volunteering with the Youth Adventure Trust has become one of the most meaningful things I do. It’s given me a deeper sense of empathy and helped me understand just how much some young people have to cope with.

Our survey has unequivocally shown that volunteering with the Youth Adventure Trust improves mental and physical wellbeing, happiness, resilience and social connections, whilst supporting a cause that resonates. It offers personal, emotional, and social benefits, is engaging, interesting and rewarding and is something that can certainly be recommended to others.

If you’d like to learn more about volunteering or know someone that might be interested please email Jon Rich, Volunteering Lead, at jon@youthadventuretrust.org.uk

The post Our Volunteering Impact Survey Says… appeared first on Youth Adventure Trust.

Young people have had a great time doing a variety of activities and their positive attitude and openness to new experiences has really impressed us. This year’s sessions have included football matches in Swindon, learning to crochet, playing badminton, trying out archery, having their very first driving lesson, going horse riding, high ropes challenges, indoor skiing and even a trip to the Houses of Parliament! Plus many walks, board games, art sessions and cafe trips. The lower key sessions enable mentors and young people to build their relationships, spend time focusing on aims and planning their year together, and much needed one-to-one time talking and sharing concerns or worries with a kind, empathic, interested, and available adult. 

For some young people, mentoring sessions have been a great way of helping them explore future aspirations and career opportunities. This year, mentors have organised visits to college open days, the local fire station and arranged meet ups with RAF personnel to find out about life in the military. One mentoring pair even worked together to find and secure the young person’s work experience placement at a local charity shop, where she helped throughout the summer.

By October, it was time to say goodbye to the young people who were now at the end of their mentoring relationships and had reached the culmination of their three year long adventure with YAT. We wanted to acknowledge this special moment with Celebration Events for the two original Adventure Programme groups, and invited young people, mentors and YAT staff previous and current to come along for an evening of games, pizza making, reflection and fun!

Our mentors support young people in a myriad of ways, depending on their personal interests and motivations, individual needs or challenges. At the end of the year we find out from the young people what they think about the programme, how they feel mentoring has helped them. Here are some of the things they identified this year:

“I think it’s a really good programme because it helps a lot of people, especially young people that struggle with dealing with their emotions, socialising and just finding who they are in themselves. There’s nothing bad about it, it’s all good!” Amy,  15 years

“My mentor has helped me to control my emotions because normally if I get really mad I’d get all loose, whereas now if I get really mad I just think, it’s just not worth it.” James, 15 years

“If there was stuff I couldn’t talk about at home I could talk to my mentor about it. I’m more confident – I can now do stuff without thinking ‘I can’t do this anymore’ because we tried lots of different things. I learnt I could be a lot more active from the mentor programme” Milo, 15 years

As another inspiring year draws to a close on the YAT Mentoring Programme, and a new one begins for our next cohort, we want to say a huge thank you to all our volunteer mentors for all their enthusiasm and commitment to making such a difference, and to all our young people for being brave, positive, committed and a whole lot of fun! We look forward to seeing what new adventures our new group gets up to in 2026!

The post YAT Mentoring: Connection, Adventures and Beyond appeared first on Youth Adventure Trust.

Our inspiring participants from the Wiltshire and Somerset areas pushed themselves by taking on the Wiltshire 3 Peaks Challenge, the Somerset Cycle or the Summit Under Stars. They tested their endurance to help young people build their own resilience through outdoor adventure and one-to-one support.

Louise Balaam, our Director of Fundraising and Engagement says “We’re delighted that so many people have chosen to take on a Youth Adventure Challenge this year. It’s fantastic that the community has embraced the idea of pushing boundaries to raise much-needed funds for our charity.”

The funds raised will go directly towards helping us deliver our long-term outdoor adventure programmes. This vital funding enables us to transform the futures of local young people, equipping them with the essential skills, confidence, and resilience needed to face their own personal challenges.

“I’ve just had an amazing time. I’d recommend it to as many people as I can and I really want to thank the people that fund it for us – thank you.” – Young Person, Youth Adventure Programme.

If you’re feeling inspired by the dedication of this year’s participants and are ready to take on your own challenge, register your interest via the link below or contact Philippa@youthadventuretrust.org.uk to find out more.

The post Local Fundraisers Go the Distance: Wiltshire and Somerset Communities Raise £22,000 for our Young People appeared first on Youth Adventure Trust.

We know this time of year can be busy, so we’ve put together a few quick and easy fundraising ideas you can do in your community, with friends or at your workplace. Every penny you raise will go directly towards transforming the lives of vulnerable young people through our outdoor adventure programmes and one-to-one support.

Your Guide to Festive Fundraising

Here are a few simple ways to bring the Christmas spirit – and some vital funds – to the Youth Adventure Trust:

• The Christmas Jumper Day Challenge: Turn your office or school’s annual Christmas Jumper Day into a sponsored event! Ask everyone to donate £2 or £5 to wear their brightest, sparkliest and most ridiculous festive knitwear (tag us in to your socials as we’d love to see photos!).
• Festive Bake Sale & Hot Chocolate Stand: There’s nothing more warming than a homemade mince pie or a cup of rich hot chocolate (hot chocolates are a camp favourite with our young people!). Set up a stall in your school, in your work canteen or at a community event. Keep the goods simple and charge a small amount for a delicious treat.
• Wreath or Decoration Making Workshop: If you’re crafty, host a simple workshop. Charge an entry fee and teach friends or neighbours how to make a beautiful, simple Christmas wreath or paper decorations. It’s a great social event with a charitable twist!
• “De-Clutter and Donate” Sale: Use the pre-Christmas clear-out as an opportunity to raise funds! Ask friends and family to donate one high-quality, unused item. Hold a small pop-up sale in your home, community or work space – think stocking fillers, fancy biscuits or books.
• Shop and Support (For Free!): Shopping online this festive period? Raise free donations for Youth Adventure Trust when you shop 6,000+ stores online using Give as you Live Online!! Sign up easily at Give as you Live Online and select Youth Adventure Trust as your cause, and every time you shop through their portal, a percentage of your purchase is donated to us.

Your Christmas Challenge: Building Brighter Futures

Taking on a quick fundraiser is an incredibly rewarding way to give back this festive season. Not only will you have fun getting into the Christmas spirit, but you’ll be directly helping a young person gain the skills and confidence to thrive through a life-changing adventure.

We’re here to help you every step of the way, providing tips, support and resources to make your event a huge success.

Ready to sign up and make a difference this Christmas? We can’t wait to hear your ideas!

To register your event and get your fundraising pack, please contact Natalie on natalie.levin@youthadventuretrust.org.uk today!

The post Get Festive and Fundraise: Quick and Easy Christmas Ideas! appeared first on Youth Adventure Trust.

“I’ve been passionate about working with young people for a long time. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, or community projects, I’ve always been drawn to the kind of work that gives young people space to grow, explore, and just be themselves. Joining YAT felt like a natural next step – the values, the energy, and the commitment to creating safe and empowering spaces really stood out to me.

I grew up in rural North Wales and was lucky to have the outdoors on my doorstep – mountains, coastlines, woods – and I know how powerful nature can be when it comes to building confidence, connection, and wellbeing. I love being outside, and part of what motivates me in this work is helping make those experiences more accessible to everyone, regardless of background or where they live.

Before starting this role, I went on a long-distance bike trip through Europe, India, and Nepal – an incredible experience that only deepened my belief in the enriching power of outdoor adventure. Being on the move, meeting new people, and spending so much time in wild and beautiful places reminded me how valuable those opportunities are – and how important it is that more young people have the chance to experience them too.

Over the summer, I had the chance to visit a few of the camps, and it’s safe to say they left a big impression. From the laughter around the campfires to the quiet moments of reflection, I saw firsthand how powerful this work is. One moment that stuck with me was watching a group of young people supporting each other to take on a canoe challenge; there was so much kindness, encouragement, and resilience amongst the group, and it really brought home why this work matters.

I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and being part of an organisation that brings real lasting impact to the lives of young people.“

The post Introducing our new Adventure Programme Manager  appeared first on Youth Adventure Trust.

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.

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 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.

The post What Goes Around, Comes Around appeared first on Youth Adventure Trust.

The group, aged 14 and 15 years old, had already spent time on previous YAT programmes, but this was something completely new. As they arrived in Plymouth and made their way through the many boats they caught their first glimpse of the ship, a traditional tall ship. There were certainly some nerves as to be expected, but these young people had been supported through many challenges during their time with YAT, and had developed the resilience, self-confidence and social skills needed to take on new challenges. 

Life at sea started with getting to know the ship, where to sleep, how to move safely on deck, and how to work as a team. As the voyage got underway, each young person took turns at helming the ship, hoisting sails, scrubbing decks, preparing meals, and navigating their way through the waters. The weather could not have been more suitable for sailing; sunshine and calm seas put the wind in the sails of the young people and allowed confidence to grow. 

With the fortune of good conditions throughout the voyage, the group covered a good distance and made it to their goal of Falmouth whilst stopping at beautiful bays and remote coves, enjoying walks along the shore and sharing laughs over dinners around the galley table. Every day brought a new challenge, a new lesson and the team began to bond. 

Day-to-day sailing provided opportunities from nature spotting to quiet moments of reflection. There were opportunities to learn knot tying, navigational skills and become competent crew members. Every single participant found themselves challenged. Some overcame seasickness and nervousness around water; others stepped into leadership roles and developed independence. 

One of the most memorable moments of the week came part way through as the group arrived in Falmouth and were treated to an amazing aerial display by the Red Arrows, an unforgettable experience to say the least.

The next task was to make it back to Plymouth by the very next evening, in time for the British firework championship. This wasn’t going to be easy, but the group had built resilience, a positive approach to challenge and team work skills from their many YAT experiences. With a collective effort and a common goal, the group worked hard and achieved their aim – anchoring off in Plymouth in time to witness the British Fireworks Championships from the perfect vantage point. A fitting way to end their last night of an incredible adventure. 

By the time they returned to Plymouth the transformation in each young person and the group was clear. The journey down was one of nerves and anxiety about new people and a new challenge. However, the journey back could not have been further from that as stories were shared and games played to pass the time. These young people were different; confidence had grown further; fears had been faced; new friendships had been formed.

Feedback from families echoed the incredible growth the young people experienced.

My daughter loved it. She did not want the trip to end! She said she loved learning whilst out at sea, and she took away a great deal of confidence from the trip. She felt that she was trusted by the adults on board, which meant so much to her. She enjoyed the challenges she faced and just did not want it to end.

Parent

This was an amazing opportunity and both my son and us as parents are really grateful for that. My son seemed to come back more grown up and confident than ever. He was inspired by his experiences and also took away things from the people around him. He particularly enjoyed the chats with the skipper and hearing about his sailing adventures. Great organisation too. Transport provided is such a help. Something like this would not ordinarily be financially viable for us so it is special to get the chance to do this through the charity and definitely something my son will never forget. Plus, a great thing to help him start build his CV.

Parent

The impact of the voyage will extend well beyond the ship. One sailor offered advice to others considering the opportunity;

Take it. No matter how anxious or scared, take this opportunity because it is an opportunity of a lifetime. You will not regret it.

Jamie, age 15

The Youth Adventure Trust would like to extend a huge thank you to the Island Trust, the brilliant crew of the Johanna Lucretia, volunteer drivers and all the supporters who made this voyage possible. It is through these experiences that young people can push past their limits, believe in themselves and discover their potential. Along with their RYA competent crew certificate and plenty of stories to tell, every young person walked away with a new sense of what they are capable of. We were delighted to have the chance to offer this opportunity to some of our young people after the YAT programmes, and are so incredibly proud of how they continued their resilience building journey, showcasing all their learned in their time with us. Congratulations to all the young people on completing this memorable and adventurous expedition!

The post Riding the Waves of Summer appeared first on Youth Adventure Trust.

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.

The post My Mountain Camp Journey – A Volunteer’s Story appeared first on Youth Adventure Trust.