Speaker Meeting, 6.15 for 6.30pm

Over 25 years the Youth Adventure Trust has helped more than 3,800 vulnerable youngsters between the ages of 11 and 14 by providing for them more than 27,000 activity days which will help them reach their potential and to lead positive lives in future.     

Young people meeting the classifications of “vulnerable” or “disadvantaged” are referred to the Youth Adventure Trust by their schools.  In the Swindon area there are 3 schools involved: Swindon Academy, Ridgeway and Lawn Manor Academy.  Referrals also come from Swindon Young Carers.  

Over the course of a 3-year programme the youngsters will stay a week at a time in 3 residential camps: a Mountain Camp in the Brecon Beacons,  a Coastal Camp in Swanage and a Forest camp in the Forest of Dean.   A couple of years ago the Rotary Club of Swindon North committed to funding one young person.  Currently, the cost is £3,600 per individual.  

Our guest speaker was Louise Bird who is Director of Fundraising.  The Youth Adventure Trust charity is based in Swindon and works throughout all of Wiltshire.

Louise said: “Learning in an outdoor environment is a key part of a young person’s development. We have seen how a long-term early intervention at the age of 11 successfully equips young people with the hope, confidence, skills and resilience to last a lifetime.”

“ Currently we have 54 young people from Swindon but as from September we can make more places available.  We are talking to another School with regard to them sending us referrals.  After the 3-year course has been completed we have mentoring and bursary schemes for those that want to continue until they reach the age of 16.”

Related page: You made my son smile - something I've not seen for a long time

Youth Adventure Trust Website