As we set off down the M4 to our destination (Newgale YMCA) it was a beautiful morning in London with sunshine and blue skies.
As soon as we paid our £11 to cross the Severn bridge into Wales, guess what, the heavens opened! Packed tightly (and safely) into our mini bus were ten young people from the Royal Borough of Kingston (some accompanied by suitcases big enough to sustain a life abroad for six months) and three YMCA staff.
As the week unfolded, we got to know each other. We laughed a lot, argued a bit, some talked non-stop and some were quiet. We slept little, squeezed into wetsuits and we had some fantastic outdoor experiences. We threw ourselves from rocks into the sea, we kayaked around some of the beautiful coastline eating seaweed as a snack along the way.
We encouraged those that were fearful and cheered on those who were fearless. We jumped through the crashing waves, we wore dirty clothes (especially the boys) and odd socks. The staff became dab hands at finding new ways to dry clothes and towels quickly while finding quick methods to get young people into wetsuits (not easy).
We trusted each other on the rock climb and listened to each other on the high ropes. We made fire with sticks and drank nettle tea, toasted marshmallows and reflected on our week away. A good time I feel was had by all. Each person had the opportunity to try something new, make new friends, learn to be that little bit more patient, understand that we are all different and build the confidence to “just give it a go”.
This is a week I will remember and have already started to plan the next one!
Emma Wiles
Head Of Children's Work
YMCA London South West