CHANGING YOUNG PEOPLE’S LIVES. FOR THE BETTER. FOREVER.
YOU TURNED MY LIFE AROUND Michael
2
BEFORE THAT WEEK IN THE LAKES, I HAD NO PLANS FOR MYSELF. I was going to become a painter and decorator. I didn’t think I was much good at anything else. Being part of a team, speaking up, solving problems under pressure – it made me realise I could be useful, help others out, make things happen. It’s why I’ve gone back to college. I want to qualify as a youth worker. And I always set my alarm clock now. I love that feeling I first had in Ullswater of being woken up to get things done. It’s something I never want to lose. It’s who I am now.
3
SEVEN DECADES OF EXPERIENCE. ONE AIM. 4
OUR WORK CHANGES LIVES. IT’S WHY WE EXIST. Since our foundation in 1941, The Outward Bound Trust has helped over 1 million young people to learn new skills, discover untapped capabilities, and broaden their outlook. Our work as a charity is more relevant than ever. We know this because we painstakingly research and measure our social impact. In 2011, 86% of young
people told us that their Outward Bound experience helped them to better understand how others feel. It also improved their confidence and self-esteem. It’s the personal stories we encounter day to day, however, that convince us most. This booklet presents three testimonials that tell you almost all you need to know about what we do. 5
I’D NEVER SEEN SAND BEFORE. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO HATE IT. Chelsea 6
Spending a week camping in Wales, having to wear great clunking boots, sleep in a dorm – it was the last thing I wanted to do.
But after my second day, something happened. I felt different. The air was amazing, and all the grass and greenery, it was everywhere, it made me feel really calm.
At the beach, I had to take my boots off just to feel sand between my toes for the first time. I’ll never forget that day. It’s the day I told myself ‘I can do this’.
7
NATURE IS A POWERFUL TEACHER 8
A REMARKABLE AMOUNT CAN HAPPEN IN FIVE DAYS What we do is simple. We take groups of young people out of their comfort zone and give them adventures they never forget. For many, this is their first experience of wilderness – of limitless stars overhead, mountains and greenery as far as the eye can see, sometimes even something as simple as the sight of sheep – and it dramatically changes their perspective. And then the real adventure begins: within. Having to face new challenges in the company of peers, and experienced instructors, gives rise to new and intense emotions. It changes people, for the better. Forever. 9
NO LONGER SECOND BEST Dougie
10
I REACHED THE TOP FIRST I never knew what it felt like to come first. My older sister was always the best, or the first, or something better than me. Always putting me down. It was the same at the camp to begin with. I didn’t know how to lace up my boots – the instructor had to teach me – it wasn’t a great start. But on our full day expedition in the hills around Loch Eil, I was the first to make it to the top. I was king of the mountain, and still am. I can stand up for myself now.
11
PLEASE HELP Michael, Chelsea and Dougie would not be the people they are today without the help of people like you.
12
30,000 UNDERPRIVILEGED YOUNG PEOPLE
Next year, we are looking to extend our help to some 30,000 underprivileged young people. So we would be thrilled if you would consider becoming a Friend of the Trust.
13
BECOME A FRIEND OF THE TRUST AND HELP YOUNG PEOPLE FIND THEIR WAY IN LIFE “Inspiring young people to fulfil their potential through challenging outdoor activities is the main aim of The Outward Bound Trust”.
PLEASE HELP
HRH The Duke of York KG, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, The Outward Bound Trust.
Pledge us our suggested minimum donation of £5,000, and you can be confident that your contribution will go a long way. The entire sum goes directly towards funding our bursary scheme – the principal way in which young people like Michael,Chelsea and Dougie can benefit from the work we do. Alternatively, with a minimum pledge of £25,000 each year, you would become one of our Best Friends and join our inner circle of trusted advisors and benefactors.
In return, we’ll invite you to see our work firsthand at one of our centres, and meet some of the young people we work with. We also pride ourselves on creating a calendar of unique and exclusive social events throughout the year that will help you understand the work we do while also enjoying something a little out of the ordinary.
14
EVERYONE NEEDS A FRIEND
15
To become a Friend of The Trust, or for more information, call our Friends Team on 020 3301 6481 or visit outwardbound.org.uk/friends
Outward Bound速 and the Compass Rose are each registered trademarks of The Outward Bound Trust. Registered charity no: 1128090 in England and Wales; no: SC040341 in Scotland. Company reg no: 6748835. Whilst all stories and images depict actual Outward Bound速 participants, some of their names have been changed to protect their identities.