The two-night residential at Langdale youth hostel in the Lake District was a trip they could not otherwise have afforded due to the cost-of-living crisis.
In addition to all accommodation and activities, YHA (England & Wales) was also able to provide a bursary to contribute to the school’s transport costs.
Mr Blake, Headteacher at Dene House Primary School who accompanied the students on the trip, said: “The residential has made a profound difference by enriching the pupils' educational journey, enhancing their personal development, and creating lasting memories that contribute positively to their growth and well-being.”
As part of the two-night stay at the youth hostel, the Dene House Primary pupils got to explore the Lake District and its caves, build shelters, search for minibeasts and build campfires.
Mr Blake added: “The residential trip to YHA Langdale in the Lake District has been incredibly important for our primary school pupils for several reasons. Firstly, it provided a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a natural environment, which is a stark contrast to their everyday urban surroundings.
"This experience fosters a sense of adventure and curiosity about the natural world, encouraging them to appreciate and understand the importance of environmental conservation.
“The residential experience has noticeably boosted the students' confidence, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and try new things, leading to a significant increase in self-esteem and a can-do attitude.”
The Dene House students join more than 25,000 young people living in England’s most socially disadvantaged areas, who are benefitting from Generation Green 2 funding.
Dene House School is located in an area of extreme deprivation with nearly 60% of the school’s pupils eligible for free school meals.
YHA (England & Wales) is part of the 15-strong Access Unlimited coalition of not-for-profit youth organisations, school residential outdoor providers, and organisations managing protected landscapes, delivering Generation Green 2 funded activities.
Generation Green 2 is funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) as part of its ongoing support of access to nature.
YHA’s share of the £4.5million funding pot is helping to provide more than 4,000 fully-funded one or two night residential trips to youth hostels for schools based in some of England’s most deprived areas.
The recent Schools for Nature report, published by WWF-UK, shows outdoor learning can have a positive impact on pupils’ mental health and wellbeing. The report found that pupils in less affluent areas are less likely to experience the benefits of spending time in nature. This has consequences for their physical health, mental wellbeing and quality of education.
Children who are more connected with nature are usually happier and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature connection also leads to more willingness to take action to help wildlife and the environment.
James Blake, Chief Executive YHA (England & Wales), and Chair of the Access Unlimited coalition commented: “Since 1930 YHA has been committed to helping young people connect with nature and the outdoors, especially those with least access, like those from Dene House Primary.
"It is through the power of partnerships, like Access Unlimited, that we are able to deliver impact at scale across our youth hostel network. This project brings the vision of a night under the stars for every child one step closer.”
Delivery of Generation Green 2 began in Spring this year and has, so far, enabled more than 6,000 young people to take part in experiences across England. Demand for Generation Green 2-funded activities from schools and groups has been extremely high, however there is still availability.
To find out more and access free resources to help young people connect with nature visit www.yha.org.uk/generationgreen.