Since joining the Youth Adventure Trust in June, my journey has been as varied and dynamic as the camps themselves. Having had the privilege to experience Coastal, Mountain and Forest Camps from both a volunteer group leader and employee perspective, I’ve come to appreciate the profound impact of the work we do and the dedicated people behind it.
Adventures and laughs along the way
From the get-go, I was welcomed by a team of smiling, supportive staff whose encouragement made each day fun. Coastal, Mountain, and Forest Camps have not only offered stunning scenery but also a treasure trove of experiences; from learning the fine art of packing (trust me, it’s an art!) and that crocs are essential footwear, to discovering that perfecting coffee is a nuanced skill where less really can be more! Forest Camp, in particular, was a memorable experience and sleeping alongside the fire was a personal highlight.
The impact on young people
Seeing the young people transform throughout the camps has been truly inspiring. I’ve witnessed moments of surprise and sheer joy. For example, when a young person, initially hesitant about caving, went from thinking it wouldn’t be fun to beaming with excitement after leading the group. The joy a young person demonstrates when they discover something they are good at, or learning about jobs they didn’t know existed from our volunteers, demonstrates the profound impact we can have on their self-esteem, aspirations and confidence.
Even at the most challenging times there is support and a genuine feeling on camp that we might just be lighting the spark that makes a difference to a young person’s life
Mountain Camp Volunteer
Learning from volunteers
I have witnessed that our volunteers are the heartbeat of our programmes. Their tireless dedication, often in the face of challenging circumstances, is nothing short of heroic. It’s a tough role that demands immense energy and patience, and the exhaustion is real! However, their kindness and practical tips (like knee pads for caving!) were invaluable to me. Their support and camaraderie made the hard work more manageable and incredibly rewarding. I’d also like to acknowledge my colleagues’ kindness and patience, who not only brought energy and jokes to my camp experience when it was needed, but who also patiently walked me through the pre-camp preparation, administration and planning.
In terms of changing me: it has further developed my understanding of how difficult the lives of some of these young people are and how resilient they have learned to be at this young age
Forest Camp Volunteer
A heartfelt thank you
I’m deeply grateful for the warm welcome offered to me from my work colleagues, volunteers and activity providers, for moments of joy felt when seeing young people thrive and also for the lessons learned from our amazing team of volunteers. The shared passion for making a difference, coupled with their camaraderie, jokes and laughter, has made my personal journey fulfilling and memorable.
As I continue my role with the Youth Adventure Trust, I look forward to more adventures, learning opportunities and the ongoing privilege of contributing to our collective mission. Here’s to perfecting the art of bag packing, kit selection, brewing coffee and the ever-present challenge of evading woodland critters!