Our Activities Manager, Ian Boorman has been working with the Youth Hostel Association in helping deliver its 2009 Summer Camp based  Derwentwater Youth Hostel.

Do it 4 Real gives opportunities to young people aged 10 – 16 to meet new people, try exciting activities and most importantly have fun with a week of action and adventure at a summer camp.

Our team of instructors, led by Simon May,  delivered activities such as climbing, abseiling, gorge scrambling and orienteering. There was an emphasis this year on giving youngsters the opportunity of taking part in the John Muir Award which has been an overwhelming success with excellent feedback from the youngsters involved.

The Award challenges you to do four things:

1. Discover a wild place – your summer camp surroundings and where you do your activities
2. Explore it – get to know these places and the nature that they have
3. Conserve a wild place – do something to make a difference
4. Share your experiences of nature and wild places during your time on summer camp – this has included a life tree, poetry, drawings and messages on the display area at the Hostel.

The activities provided at the Derwentwater Camp count towards this Award. As a reward for showing awareness, discovereing and exploring wild places, taking care of the environment and sharing their experiences many of the participants will receive a John Muir Award certificate.