Equipped for the great outdoors

Youngsters from South Elmsall pitched their tents and lit their stoves in the great outdoors when they were taken on a camping adventure in North Yorkshire.

St. Luke’s Youth Centre organised the trip following a Community Grant from Wakefield and District Housing (WDH) that enabled them to purchase camping gear for the expedition – and the promise of many more in the future.

The group used the £1,000 fund to invest in tents, camping stoves, pots, pans and cutlery – and the children used the equipment to spend three nights at Hollybush near Thirsk.

Richard Walker, a member of WDH’s Local Management Committee, said: “We were really impressed with both the enthusiasm shown by the youngsters towards the project and the level of commitment shown by the leaders.

“The skills they learn and develop in different environments will benefit them and the community now and into the future.”

The youth centre club, known as The Shed, has been running for three years and aims to provide local youngsters with skills for life by offering chances to harness their social and creative talents.

Youth pastor Steve Ward said: “We were over the moon when we received the grant, which was more than we expected. It provided us with everything we needed to give the children – most of whom hadn’t been camping before – a great outdoors experience.

“They learned to ride horses, spray paint, play musical instruments, and they also had a go at craftwork. We’ll certainly be using the camping equipment to its maximum.”