2025 off to a busy start!

Welcome to our first newsletter of 2025! The year is well underway, and we’ve already seen young people embracing new challenges and adventures. This year, 290 young people will step out?their comfort zones, building resilience, confidence and teamwork?- key skills for shaping their futures. Every Youth Adventure journey is unique?and we’re here every step of the way, providing the support each young person needs to reach their goals.

Read on to discover what's ahead for our young people and how you can get involved in making a difference...

What’s in store for 2025

You might be familiar with our annual programme of activities, but no two years are ever the same. Each group of young people brings their own challenges and goals, keeping our Programme Managers busy finding new ways to inspire, engage and provide the right support to help them achieve their ambitions.

We’re kicking off the 2025 Programme this half term week with a mix of adventure, creative and team challenge Activity Days for our younger group. They will be spending time with farm animals and ex-race horses, learning skills like cooking and bushcraft, and playing lots of games and team challenges. Meanwhile, our older group will continue their Pathway Days with a ‘Give Back’ day, volunteering on a community conservation project.

We've also just trained a new group of Young Leaders - they all took part in our Adventure Programme a few years ago and have now turned 18. With our support, they’re coming back to volunteer alongside our team, helping current participants reach their goals.

We currently have 20 mentoring partnerships up and running; it’s fantastic to see how dedicated the young people are to working towards their goals. Their sessions have included everything from skateboarding, crocheting and skiing (yes, skiing in Wiltshire!), to pottery painting, golf sessions and local treasure trails, plus lots of relaxed café meet-ups for games and a chat.

We love hearing from young people about their journeys beyond our programmes. Recently, we caught up with some former participants to find out what they have been up to and reflect on their YAT journey - read their stories here.

The Resilience Programme in Somerset continues with young people bringing all their energy to the monthly activity days. In January, the theme for the day was ‘Challenge', and both groups took part in animal care activities designed to push them outside their comfort zones.

Some arrived afraid to go near the animals but by the time they left us they were confidently handling chickens and getting up close with goats. For others, simply attending was a huge achievement, especially for those who are currently struggling to attend school at all. The Youth Adventure Trust provides a space where they feel safe enough to?come, spend a day away from home and challenge themselves.

Watch this space for more tales of adventure, more success stories, more photos and more updates as 2025 progresses!

Ella’s Story: Small Steps, Big Changes

Ella’s story reminds us all of the power of human connection and the impact that trusting, supportive relationships can have in helping young people overcome their challenges and build resilience.

Ella was referred by her school to our Adventure Programme to help her build confidence, resilience and have time for herself away from home. Read Ella's story here.

Join their journey

If you’re feeling inspired and want to get involved - whether as a volunteer on our activity days, residential camps or challenge events - Jon Rich, our Volunteering Lead, would love to hear from you!

We're particularly looking for support with our Somerset Cycle (26th April) and Wiltshire 3 Peaks (21st June) challenges. If you're able to help, please contact Jon on 07469 886523 or [email protected].

Ways to get involved

Ready to step out of your comfort zone this year?

Whether you want to conquer peaks under the night sky, take on an epic cycle challenge or enjoy a fun day out with your family and friends, our challenge events are calling! Sign up now to one of our events and get an exclusive 10% discount using the code YAT10 when you register.

Curious but want to find out more first? We're holding two 30 min online Q&A's on Wednesday 5th March - no commitment, just information! Book your spot here.

Reel Adventures

Be among the first to watch the highly anticipated Women’s Adventure Film Tour 2025! The tour brings another inspiring line-up of short films, sharing the journeys of remarkable women pushing the limits of adventure. This year’s selection is packed with stories of determination, courage and triumph - guaranteed to captivate and inspire. Watch the trailer and grab your tickets here.

Did you know you can make a difference every payday?

Payroll Giving (or “Give as You Earn”) lets you donate to your favourite charities directly from your gross pay - it’s simple to set up, and you pay less tax! Just ask your payroll or Benefits/CSR team to get started. If your company doesn’t have a Payroll Giving scheme yet, setting one up is quick and easy, and a great addition to their Corporate Social Responsibility efforts. Find out more here.

Inspiration Corner

Where we share interesting articles, books, podcasts or events to inspire you to get outside for your own adventures...

National Outdoor Expo

One of the biggest community meet-ups of the year, bringing together inspirational speakers, cutting-edge technologies and the best in gear, all under one roof. And you can be there with us! We have 100 free tickets to help inspire you to get outside. Use code YAT at the checkout, and as part of your ticket you'll also get access to the National Cycling Show. Click here for tickets.

Tune Into Forests

Thanks to YAT Ambassador Alastair Humphreys for highlighting this one… If you need a breather and can’t get to an actual forest, Tune Into Forests from around the world, and unwind wherever you are. People have recorded the sounds of their local forests so you can escape, relax and preserve.

Give the gift of adventure

We are only able to support young people through this challenging and uncertain time thanks to the support of people who volunteer, donate, fundraise or leave a gift in their Will. We know times are hard at the moment, but if you are able to give a gift to support young people, it will make a huge difference. Thank you.