The Connecting to Nature programme combines nature-based activities with ways to develop mindfulness skills.
These are designed to connect or reconnect young people to the natural environment, helping them learn the steps to nature connectiveness.
This opportunity is provided by YHA (England & Wales).
About this opportunity
This day stay is offered at 10 different YHA locations across Cumbria, Derbyshire, East Sussex, Gloucestershire, North Yorkshire and Surrey. It will offer an afternoon and morning of outdoor activities (these will vary by location).
The programme will include a short briefing to the group to set the scene for the day. It will then usually be split into three distinct 90-minute activity periods, with one delivered in the morning and another two sessions delivered in the afternoon.
The activities will aim to immerse participants in sessions that use nature at the core of the activity. This day visit will provide opportunities for young children to focus and reflect on how the activities and experiences make them feel.
Need to know
How it works
Activities vary by location and may include:
- shelter building
- fire lighting
- guided walks
- team challenges
- habitat studies (YHA Castleton Losehill Hall only)
- environmental art
- natural craft activities (YHA Holmbury St Mary, YHA South Downs and YHA Truleigh Hill only)
- mindfulness activities
Learning outcomes
Participants will learn the five steps to nature connectiveness and a range of mindfulness techniques.
What to bring
Packed lunch is provided.
As a guide, all participants should bring the following:
- day bag (small rucksack) to carry items out on activities
- warm hat and gloves
- old shirts or t-shirt
- pair of old trousers (possibly old tracksuit, not jeans)
- jumper or warm top (2 thin ones are better than one thick one)
- warm and waterproof coat with hood and waterproof trousers
- old trainers for use on wet or muddy activities
- walking boots and ideally a pair wellies (especially for YHA Boggle Hole)
- spare pair of socks
- suncream and insect repellant
- water bottle
There is a strong possibility that participants will get wet and muddy during their stay, so new and expensive items of clothing are best left at home.
All medication should be handed into the group leader with a note stating what it is, what it is for and the method and frequency of use. Medication should not be left in the bunkrooms or around the centre.
All valuables should be kept with participants or handed in at reception. We encourage participants not to bring valuables with them and to keep pocket money to a reasonable level, in small denominations if possible.
Access guidance
Please refer to YHA accessibility statements for individual hostels.
Most, but not all, activities are suitable for all level of physical needs, however, this is hostel and activity dependent. Where possible we will do our best to alter activities or practices to make them as accessible as possible.
In terms of activities, none of the projects or grounds are likely to be suitable for participants with a physical requirement. We will endeavour as much as possible to offer bespoke opportunities.
Dates and locations

YHA Castleton Losehill Hall
Hope Valley, Derbyshire, S33 8WB
Various mid-week dates available from September - November 2021

YHA Grinton Lodge
Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL11 6HS
Various mid-week dates available from September - November 2021

YHA Hawkshead
Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QD
Various mid-week dates available from September - November 2021

YHA Holmbury St Mary Surrey Hills
Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6NW
Various mid-week dates available from September - November 2021

YHA Ilam Hall
Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 2AZ
Various mid-week dates available from September - November 2021

YHA Langdale
Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9HJ
Various mid-week dates available from September - November 2021

YHA Ravenstor
Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 8SS
Various mid-week dates available from September - November 2021

YHA South Downs
Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 6JS
Various mid-week dates available from September - November 2021

YHA Truleigh Hill
Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5FB
Various mid-week dates available from September - November 2021

YHA Wye Valley
Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 6JJ
Various mid-week dates available from September - November 2021
Sample timetable
YHA Connecting to Nature Day Stay
Day one
10:00 - 10:30: Welcome, activity and safety briefing
10:30 - 12:00: Environmental art
12:00 - 12:45: Lunch
12:45 - 14:15: Fire lighting
14:15 - 16:00: Shelter building
16:00 - 16:30: Final debrief and review
16:30: Depart
Sign up for updates
Get regular updates on Generation Green including new opportunities, progress on the project and stories about the young people who are taking part. See our Privacy Policy.