This half term, our Resilience Challenge is in full swing with over 130 children and adults all stepping out of their comfort zones to build resilience – and fundraising to enable the vulnerable young people to get back outside safely. One of those taking part, Rachel Lewis, shares her experience of the challenge so far:
“As we see our virtual Finishing Line approaching, we are lining up with the other Youth Adventure Trust athletes; not in competition but in solidarity, cheering and encouraging each other on to reach the target we have each set for ourselves.
“People from different parts of country have set their own challenges to walk, run or cycle to raise not just funds for an inspiring organisation, but to raise resilience in ourselves at a time when perhaps it is needed more than ever.
“We are a family of four living in Dorset, with two young children; aged 3 and 1. Our challenge was to cover 25km of local walks this week. We’ve had great fun exploring footpaths, alleyways, fields, rivers and woodland. We’ve spotted birds, collected sticks, watched tractors and even seen our local sewage station (the children were enthralled). We’ve splashed through puddles, walked in the rain, trodden in dog poo and been blown about by the wind. Our hallway is covered in muddy footprints, the washing machine has been on the go all week but our cheeks are rosy and the children are happy (and sleeping really well!!)
“The resilience challenge has given us a focus for our walks and a target to aim for. It has pushed us to walk further, to go outside despite the wind and the rain, and helped us discover where all our sewage goes…
“So thank you, Youth Adventure Trust, for setting this super challenge and a big Well Done to all the other adventurers, athletes and puddle-splashers who will be reaching their finishing line in the next few days. We’re already thinking about where we might go next and we hope others will continue to go on adventures of their own.”
Thank you Rachel and the Lewis family!