Why is an organisation like YVP needed?
In general we aim to cater for three types of groups:
- Groups training for an expedition - We provide an education environment where practical outdoor skills are taught. For example, on a typical expedition we teach day and night navigation, building shelters, preparing food, caring for equipment. This experience is invaluable to any groups wishing to undertake their own adventure.
- Team Building - Outdoor adventure activities have been shown to encourage young people to become involved in developing their interpersonal, social and communication skills. They provide a sense of achievement, build self-confidence, and teach responsibility. These qualities result in many groups (particularly transition year students) incorporating our activities as team / leadership training.
- Gaisce, the President's Award - The President's Award contains a venture section. This part of the award requires a walk of certain distance (depending on award being sought) and at least one overnight. Many organisations do not have the ability to undertake such expeditions safely. Adventure Centre's are often prohibitively expensive and participants are often not given the independence and responsibility that are at the core of the President's Award experience. YVP can help organisations provide creative, challenging expeditions that reflect the requirements, spirit and goals of the award.
Note: We do not charge for our services and cater strictly for young people between the ages of 16 and 26 from Dublin. If you are from outside this area we will not be able to accompany you on an expedition but may still be able offer advice or assistance in planning.
Our Services
- Medical - A number of our leaders are qualified paramedics with Dublin Fire Brigade. This provides your group with advanced first aid facilities on your expedition, reassuring guardians and facilitating insurance.
- Supervision - Our current leaders are all members of the Reserve Defence Forces and are also experienced in working with young people. We bring a lot of experience in planning and conducting outdoor activities with large groups of young people.
- Insurance - We will always require that groups have adequate insurance and can help in organising this in conjunction with participants and their parent organisation.
- Routes - We have fostered relationships with land owners and Coillte and can organise suitable camping locations throughout Co.Wicklow. We also have access to and first hand knowledge of most terrain and routes around Co.Wicklow.
- Equipment - We provide specialist camping and outdoor equipment such as cooking equipment, sleeping systems and water proof clothing. For information on the equipment we can provide and the items we recommend participants acquire themselves see here.
- Training - As qualified instructors with the Defence Forces, our leaders will teach map reading, route planning, navigation, survival, outdoor ethics, dealing with hazards, moving safely over steep ground and coping with emergencies. Through numerous games we also teach confidence, leadership and teamwork.
