FREE Outdoor Experience for Young People in North Powys
This August, Radnorshire and Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trusts are leading a unique free outdoor camp for young people aged 14-18. This wild creative camp is made possible by ‘Stand for Nature Wales’, a Wales-wide project looking to empower young people to take action for nature and climate. The camp is funded thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery and the National Lottery Community Fund through the Climate Action Fund.
The purpose of the Wildlife and Climate Summer Camp is to give young people a platform that allows them to share their concerns about the future of our local wildlife and climate and not only learn about nature-based solutions and positive action, but actually help initiate a campaign.
This is an incredible opportunity to meet likeminded people, all well as an amazing chance to learn from our knowledgeable staff and volunteers about nature, climate change and campaigns, and how to use art to express feelings and thoughts.
All people aged 14-18, no matter of their level of knowledge on the subject(s) are encouraged to apply.
The two Trusts have planned five whole days jam-packed with a variety of activities, such as learning about campaigns, how to create one, and deliver it. The organisers have also included wildlife surveys like – butterfly recording, setting up and checking wildlife trail cameras, recording wildflowers and much more. This camp is about inspiring young people, and to achieve that, daily campfire chats will take place with conservationists and wildlife recorders about why they chose their career path and how they got where they are. The result of this camp will be an exhibition, providing participants with a platform to share their passion for wildlife and amplify their voice about climate issues! A variety of artwork, which was created during the Wild Ideas events that have taken place across North Powys over the past three years, will also be displayed at the exhibition. The camp aims to spark a debate in our youth that moves us towards simple, community solutions that carry nature and Welsh culture into the future.
The camp is set to take place at The Willow Globe, near Rhayader, from Monday the 31st of July to Friday the 4th of August, with overnight camping and all meals covered. The Willow Globe is an outdoor living theatre, surrounded by wildflower areas, woodlands, and many other magical hidden places that the participants can explore in their search for inspiration.
Participants will work closely with staff members from both Radnorshire and Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trusts, as well as Creative Director and Actor, Ralph Bolland. In addition, every evening a new inspirational speaker will be leading the campfire conversations.
Ben Porter, Radnorshire Wildlife Trust’s Ambassador - Ecologist and Photographer, said:
“Recent data reveals how pervasive climate and ecoanxiety levels are amongst our younger generation, with such monstrous issues facing our planet, and news headlines peppering our daily lives that leave people feeling so demotivated and unsure about how they can make a difference. The summer camp is such a brilliant opportunity to counter these feelings; to bring like-minded young people together and provide an inspiring energy of hope and optimism in the face of these challenges; to spend time marvelling in nature, chatting around evening fires and learning skills that help to engage in creating positive change. I'd have loved the opportunity to get stuck into this when I was a bit younger!”
Creative writing workshop participants, said:
“To begin with I was nervous to read my writing out loud but after a while I become more confident and enjoyed it.” and “The workshop allowed me to be creative in a safe place – judgement free.”
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said:
“We are delighted that these funds awarded by the Postcode Planet Trust will help empower young people in North Powys to act for nature as they experience the outdoors, giving them an incredible opportunity to learn more about our environment and climate change. The Postcode Planet Trust’s mission is to support the environment and the enjoyment of nature, and we thank our players for raising over £1 billion to enable this mission and many other great causes.”
Places are limited, so Radnorshire and Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust would like to offer them to enthusiastic young people that would like to learn new things about wildlife, climate and themselves. For the chance to attend this amazing camp, anyone interested only needs to fill in a short application form that can be found on Radnorshire Wildlife Trust’s website. The deadline for applications is 30th April 2023.
Visit: https://www.rwtwales.org/events/2023-07-31-wildlife-and-climate-summer-camp
Or contact silvia@rwtwales.org if you have any questions.
