Adventure is vital. We can prove it.
Travel and adventure are crucial to young people’s growth, but so many are missing out on experiences that can transform their lives.
Welcome to our experiment. Over three days, we took adventure away from Alastair Humphreys, a professional adventurer who thrives in the outdoors. Meanwhile, we gave five children a unique adventure away from home to see how much they gained. Watch what happened.
Everyone deserves the Adventure Effect
The first night away from home. The first trip to the countryside. The first scramble up a mountain. Moments like this are vital to our growth. But too many young people are missing out on these experiences. Something must change.
As a charity, we create unique opportunities for young people to discover the world and their potential in it. Last year alone we welcomed 425,000 guests under 26, while 8,000 children with challenging lives received free and supported breaks with us. Why? Because where you go changes who you become.
Experience it yourself, help others to enjoy it too
Stay
Discover 150 hostels and 45 campsites where you can enjoy the Adventure Effect.
Join
By becoming a YHA member, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits and support our cause.
Give
Whether it’s a donation, regular giving or fundraising, you can help make the moments that matter.
Volunteer
Put your skills to good use or learn new ones, whilst making a positive impact on young lives.
Learn more about our experiment
“Why adventure is so important”
Alastair Humphreys, adventurer
“Why we loved our adventure”
Lily-Anne, Efe, Malachy, Caitlin, Harry
“Why adventure is vital as children grow”
Karen Pine, Professor of Developmental Psychology
Why do more children need the Adventure Effect?
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Only 1 in 5 children regularly play outside
(Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment pilot study: visits to the natural environment by children, Natural England, 2016)
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Just 5 minutes of ‘green exercise’ can improve a child’s mental wellbeing
(What is the Best Dose of Nature and Green Exercise for Improving Mental Health? A Multi-Study Analysis. Environmental Science & Technology, 2010)
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85% of children age 6-12 long for more adventure in their lives
(OnePoll, 2010)
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Children who regularly play outdoors are happier, healthier and more confident
(Natural Connections Demonstration Project, 2012 – 2016: Final Report. Natural England commissioned report.)
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Residential breaks help young people learn to build relationships
(The Impact of Residential Adventure Education on Primary School Pupils, 2012)
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12% (c 1.3 million) of children stated they rarely visited the natural environment
(Natural England 2015)
These statistics also appeared in our film. We’re grateful to the sources.