27^thMarch 2013

YHA re-launches affordable summer camps with new horse riding, water sports and eco experiences on offer

YHA (England and Wales) has re-launched its popular summer activity holidays for 10 - 17 year olds. With new locations, activities, a monthly payment option, 20% discount for friends and siblings and funding of 40% for youngsters in receipt of free school meals, the revamped camps are now even more attractive to youngsters and more affordable for parents.

YHA Summer Camps, formerly known as Do it 4 Real, has introduced three brand new experiences - Equine Adventure, Watersports Plus and Eco Adventure - to its summer camp line-up.

The addition of the horse riding, eco and watersports adventures to its existing Go Extreme, Action Adventure, and Performing Arts experiences, means the Youth Hostelling charity will offer six activity camps this summer.

The four-day, five-night camps are being run from 28th July until the 30th August at seven Youth Hostel locations throughout England; including London, Gloucestershire, Cornwall, the Lake District, Midlands and the Peak District.

More than 60,000 young people have taken part in YHA's camps to date and there are 1,000 places, costing from £335, available for youngsters this year. Prices include all accommodation, activities, tuition, meals and evening entertainment.

Caroline White, YHA (England and Wales) Chief Executive, explained: "Making the new YHA Summer Camps more affordable, through the introduction of payment plans, discounts and bursary funding, was a key aim in the re-launch of our summer holiday experiences for young people. We appreciate that many families are living in tough economic times, however we want to ensure their youngsters continue to be given the opportunity to try new activities, face new challenges, learn new skills and make new friends while being looked after in a safe, fun and challenging environment. Without fail young people grow in confidence when attending a YHA Summer Camp.

YHA anticipates huge demand for its range of adventure camps following the 2012 Olympic legacy which has inspired youngsters to take up sport. YHA Summer Camps give young people the opportunity to experience activities such as horse riding, archery, windsurfing and dinghy sailing which they might not normally have access to.

Equine Adventure summer camp at YHA Edale in the Peak District combines expert tuition in riding and stable management with outdoor pursuits, including high and low rope courses, archery, orienteering and a walk up Kinder Scout.

Eco Adventure, held at YHA National Forest introduces young people to the magic of nature at the nearby Conkers Centre in a carbon neutral camp this summer and the opportunity to take part in an eco-project achieve the John Muir Award.

At Lee Valley and Golant Youth Hostels, YHA has joined forces with UKSA (UK Sailing Association) to deliver an exciting range of water-based activities in the new Watersports Plus camp. At the camp expert tuition is provided by UKSA instructors in kayaking, windsurfing, dinghy sailing, raft building and paddle boarding.

For further information, or to make a booking visit www.yhasummercamps.co.uk

Ends.

Photo caption

YHA's revamped Summer Camps are now even more affordable and feature something for everyone, from horse riding to high ropes.

Notes to Editors

About YHA

YHA is a charity with a clear mission: to inspire all, especially young people, to broaden their horizons gaining knowledge and independence through new experiences of adventure and discovery.

YHA has a network of around 160 diverse hostels and camping barns throughout England and Wales - often situated in exceptional locations. These welcoming and sociable spaces are open to everyone.

They have strong beliefs and a passion for what they do. By encouraging a spirit of adventure, they aim to inspire people of all ages to discover the world around us.

YHA helps young people take part in educational or recreational visits with their friends or classmates by providing financial support from YHA's bursary scheme, Breaks for Kids. In 2011, YHA provided 5,553 of these funded trips.

In 2011, YHA recorded 1,719,348 overnight stays and had 218,054 members.

Further information about YHA can be found at www.yha.org.uk

For further information

Anna Melton

In the Works PR

Mob: 07837 108559

Email: anna@intheworkspr.co.uk