Taking young people out of their usual environment and exposing them to new experiences and people is a key part of the Aldridge Foundation’s Bright Futures programme. Bright Futures is for young people who are facing challenges and need extra support to remain productively engaged in education and on the best path to fulfil their potential. The programme combines an in school coaching programme, designed and delivered by our senior youth worker, and outdoor experiences, delivered by partner organisations, to increase young people’s confidence and develop their key life and employability skills.

During their stay at Nant BH Outdoor Education Centre in Snowdonia, young people participated in a range of activities from canoeing and hiking to gorge scrambling and foraging – extreme fun but this experience was about so much more than that. It provided the perfect setting for young people to step completely out of their comfort zones, challenge themselves physically and mentally to try something new and develop their social, communication and leadership skills. Ellie said: “This trip has has taught me how to do things I never thought I’d be able to do and given me opportunities to try things I’ve never done before.”

Immersed in nature and with the lack of phone signal removing the pressures of keeping up on social media, young people were able to be fully present and connect with each other and their surroundings. Many of them commented on how peaceful it was, with Zac saying: “This trip has improved my friendships and allowed me to make new friends. I’ve enjoyed getting away from London life, spending time outdoors and pushing my boundaries. I’ve tried new things, learnt new skills and gotten away from 24/7 technology.”

The experience was a crash course in the Aldridge Attributes (creativity, determination, problem solving, passion, teamwork and risk-taking) and we saw real transformation over just a few days. The young people quickly realised the importance of teamwork, which helped them to recognise not only their own strengths but those of others too. They showed determination in completing every challenge they faced, overcoming fears and helping others to do the same. They were rewarded with the sense of achievement and increased confidence that comes from embracing adventure and understanding the risks that come with it.

In between all of the planned activities, there were the little moments too – playing football at dusk whilst trying to avoid the midges, evening walks with incredible views and a new appreciation of the habitat, vegetation and geology surrounding them, sleepy group breakfasts in pyjamas and excitable dinner chats, sharing the highlights of the day. There were table tennis tournaments, late night hot chocolates and skimming stones on a lake. Sing-alongs in the minibus and long train rides home. All of these little moments were important experiences too, chances for connection and reflection. From the moment young people set off travelling, to the moment they got home, they were developing their social skills, exploring new environments, discovering new perspectives and experiencing joy in both the big and little things.  

These young people not only return home with new friends and memories to last a lifetime but also an increased confidence in their skills and the ability to recognise the value of these skills and apply them to everyday life. Following the Summer holiday, we’ll work with these young people to understand how they can use their new and increased confidence in these skills to benefit their home and school lives.  We’ll work together to help them set targets for the new academic year – targets to help keep them focussed on learning and coping well with life as they prepare for exams, further education and beyond.

Following the trip, we asked young people to reflect on the skills they had developed. Here’s what they said:

69% of young people said they overcame a fear

100% of young people said they developed teamworking skills

63% of young people said they developed their creativity

100% of young people said they felt more determined

75% of young people said they demonstrated passion

100% of young people said they felt more confident when risk-taking

56% of young people said they developed problem-solving skills

It helps you overcome your fears and helps you get a deeper appreciation of nature and proves that you can do anything you set your mind to.

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