The Wilderness Foundation UK provides opportunities for a range of education and youth support programmes in Britain, South Africa and elsewhere which draw on the special benefits that wilderness can provide. These include leadership skills and personal development programmes.
Wilderness Trails – South Africa
The Wilderness Foundation UK in partnership with The Wilderness Leadership School in South Africa, has for over twenty years been organising wilderness experiences for young people from the United Kingdom.
Expeditions are organised and tailor made for groups limited to a maximum of eight participants per trail. We are currently expanding our programme to include Tanzania. Each has its own spectacular charm and beauty and the topography and wildlife remains distinct.
Walking on foot and sleeping under the stars gives young people perhaps the closest link to the natural world that they have ever experienced.
“Here in the wilderness your senses really start operating. At first you just see. Then you begin to look… You hear… then you start to listen. You touch… but only later do you begin to feel” – K.J. Thompson
Each trail offers a range of life training skills such as leadership, planning and organising, decision-making, outdoor skills, teamwork, self-esteem, social/group skills, communication and the interface between environmental and social issues.
In addition, time for personal reflection and solitude provides the opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery and connection with the earth, so that participants may return replenished and with fresh insights.
Fundraising for this opportunity provides money management, project planning and developing initiative skills. The Foundation gives trail participants ideas and support for fundraising.
The wilderness trail lies at the heart of the journey to Africa, and flexible planning accommodates other opportunities, such as a visit to the Anglo Zulu War battlefields, Zulu community stays, conservation and community programmes. We also have a new Scottish and Welsh trails programme.
Examples of Participating Schools & Organisations
- St James’ School Twickenham
- Brentwood School
- Norfolk Army Cadet Force
- Felsted School
- Clouddog
- Essex Army Cadet Force
- Farlington School, Surrey
The Wilderness Foundation UK is a member of the Young Explorer’s Trust. YET provides a national scheme in which venture plans are evaluated and those that meet the high standard set by the Young Explorers’ Trust are awarded YET Approval status., which also may include compliance with BS8 8848.
