29/01/2009 12:15:00
Fun is firmly back on the agenda for young people this summer after YHA received another Government grant for its Do it 4 Real activity camp programme.
More than 10,000 places are available on the 2009 scheme, which will take place at 25 locations around England, offering action-packed, five-night breaks to 10 to 16-year-olds.
And thanks to a £12.7million award from the Department for Children Schools and Families, YHA will be able to offer subsidised rates for all camp places for the next two years.
Camps run for the six weeks of the school summer holidays from Sunday July 19 and include: Adventure Expedition, Performing Arts, Watersports, Quest, Action Adventure and Go Extreme.
Helena Wysocki, aged 13, from Norfolk, attended Di4R Action Adventure at YHA Crowden, in the Peak District, last year.
She said: “The activities were fantastic, with days so packed, we were busy all the time. There was no chance to be homesick or upset about anything but if you were, the team leaders would always be chatty and friendly and very kind and helpful.
“The location was fantastic too and we didn’t need to travel too far to any of the activities. I am now trying to persuade my mum and dad to let us all go again.“
Bookings are now being taken from all young people in the age range who normally reside in England.
Prices start at just £49 for participants from families who are in receipt of Working Families Tax Credit, free school meals, Income Support or who are ‘looked after’ – ie in care.
Young people from families who are in receipt of Child Tax Credit pay £150 each, while places at £299 are available to all.
Prices include five night’s accommodation, food, activities, equipment, expert tuition and transport to and from designated pick-up points. The cost of each place would be between £450 and £600 without DCSF support.
Availability for returning campers will be limited this summer so anyone who has previously attended is advised to book early to guarantee their first choice.
YHA Chief Executive Caroline White said: “Di4R is all about making fantastic, fun adventures available to young people at a price that every one of them can afford.
“That’s crucial for us because providing opportunities for young people to experience adventure through travel is a core part of our charitable objective and consequently, this scheme is very dear to our hearts.”
Caroline said Di4R had been extremely successful through its previous four sell-out years with around 43,000 young people already benefiting.
“It’s clear from the many letters we receive and from first hand reports and visits to camps that the enjoyment young people get from Do it 4 Real is immense,” she added.
“That’s why we’re absolutely thrilled that DCSF has agreed to support this great scheme for another two years.”
For brochures, booking forms, camp programme details and more information on Di4R visit www.doit4real.co.uk or call now on 01629 592530.
Do it 4 Real is run by YHA in partnership with: PGL, Brathay Trust, Field Studies Council, Outward Bound plus a wide range of other accommodation and activity providers.
Almost 10,000 attended camp last summer, the first for which DCSF had provided funding. Financial assistance was provided for the first three years of the scheme through the BIG Lottery Fund.