Take 5 minutes to read her account of a recent trip to Dolygaer outdoor centre as part of the Amser Young Carers programme, and the support and inspiration she found from others there. The Amser Young Carers programme allows young people who have caring duties to experience outdoor activities for fun and to meet other young carers.
Maybe after reading this you’ll be inspired to go out and try something new yourself!

Esther writes:

“As an outdoorsy single Mum, I am always looking for new adventures and experiences for me and Marcus, my 15 year old. So when Leila offered us the chance to take part in a 2 day outdoor activity experience at Parkwoods Dolygaer, I leapt at the chance. I’d walked through the centre in November when walking in preparation for my Hill and Moorland Leader training, and had wanted to take Marcus there one day, so this was an amazing opportunity.

We arrived late morning, and got settled into our shared room before our first lunch. Then our first activity. Marcus and I both enjoyed climbing in the past, so we were excited to try the ‘Squirrel Run’, a vertical obstacle course for two people at a time, followed by a zip wire.

Waiting in line, and forming part of the team of belayers, I watched the girls in the other groups taking on the challenge, overcoming their fears, recognising and honouring their boundaries, and supporting and encouraging one another. It was a joy to watch them, and Marcus and I got more excited for our turns. We talked about how we weren’t going to turn it into a race, but I saw the competitive glint in his eye and knew he wanted to beat me! I knew I wasn’t going to race, but I had to make sure I got to the top!

After the Squirrel Run, we all moved to the Zip Wire. This looked far more intimidating – a series of staple steps in the side of a tall tree, leading to a zip wire that spanned the small valley to the centre. As we were taken through the safety instructions, Marcus and some of the girls decided this wasn’t for them, while an equal number strengthened their resolve and determined to do it. I was asked to help out, clipping the girls into the safety harness, and supporting them as they climbed.

This was one of my favourite parts of the whole time. Although I got too cold to be able to eventually do my own climb, I loved spending this time with the girls, supporting them as they climbed, coaching them to overcome their nerves and achieve their goals. They were so brave, so determined, and so supportive of each other. Even when a couple decided to come back down, the group had nothing but support and encouragement for the efforts made, and reassured their friends that they had made a great effort.

After a delicious vegan evening meal, we were back into the woods for bushcraft. The groups were tasked with building a shelter, which they all did really well considering how dark and cold it was, and sat around a fire learning about fire safely, and life as an outdoor instructor. There were smores and everyone had a lovely time before settling in for the night.

The following day I got up early to enjoy a sunrise walk. With my phone torch lighting the way, I walked up from the centre towards the forest, and back, a walk of about 2 miles. As a keen hiker, this was such a gift for me to be able to do this, and I was overjoyed when I saw and heard a buzzard, as well as blackbirds, thrushes, wrens and robins.

After a filling breakfast, we enjoyed a canoeing activity. One of the girls had a lot of experience with canoeing, so when I had to opt out half way through due to pain, she was able to take the lead with my group. My pain meant that I left Marcus with the group for this time, and while I was sorry to not be able to take part, I was pleased that he got to enjoy some of the activity without me. He came back with big smiles and happy memories of games, getting a bit wet, and laughing lots.

I spoke to a number of the girls about their experience at the centre. Some of them had enjoyed outdoor activities in the past, but some hadn’t, and they told me that their experience at Parkwood had left them wanting more. This is what’s so wonderful about The Outdoor Partnership providing activities like this. Without this, these girls might not have been able to have the experience of challenging themselves in this way, spending time outdoors in the beautiful surroundings near Pontsticill, and discovering how much they can achieve with the right encouragement.”