The difference you make
Since 2021 We’ve helped 178 young people discover what they’re capable of.
With the support of schools, funders, volunteers and donors, we're helping young people across Yorkshire build confidence, resilience and hope for the future.
Because every young person deserves the opportunity to realise their potential.
The need for our work
Across Leeds, too many young people are growing up without the opportunities and experiences that can open their eyes to what’s possible - making it harder to discover their strengths, realise their potential and imagine a future beyond what they know.
One in three families lives in poverty.
Around 17,500 children and young people are estimated to be experiencing a probable mental health condition.
More than 1,000 young people are not currently in education, employment or training.
Thousands of children need additional educational support to reach their potential.
Basecamp exists to give young people life-changing experiences they might not otherwise have access to.
Our Response
Sources
Leeds City Council: Director of Public Health Annual Report: Children and Young People (2022) - View Report
Leeds Joint Strategic Assessment (2024) - View Report
Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership - Annual Date Report (2025) - View Report
For us, success isn't reaching the top of a mountain. It’s seeing a young person believe they can climb it.
Using the Outcomes Shooting Star, we measure success through lasting changes in confidence, communication, contribution, relationships, learning and aspirations for the future.
Our greatest measurement of success is stories from the people who have experienced Basecamp first hand.
Read Their Stories
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![Close-up of a young boy wearing a gray Nike beanie, a blue jacket, and a gray hoodie with a black hood, holding a small plant seedling over a black metal container filled with ashes and paper, outdoors on green grass with stone structures in the background.]()
The Journey That Was Just What He Needed: Jayden’s Story
“They helped bring him back to his happy self and gave him a new found sense of confidence, and had him doing things I never thought I would see him do!”
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![A person climbing an outdoor rock wall wearing a blue helmet and casual clothing.]()
Two Years On: Tom’s Story of Reflection
“The staff on Basecamp are people who I will never forget for the rest of my life. They were very helpful to the team and the children and they always had the best activities in store for us.”
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![A woman hiking in a mountainous landscape with colorful hills and valleys in the background, dressed warmly with a purple jacket, green scarf, beige beanie, and hiking poles.]()
A Parent’s Perspective: Zaina’s Triumph
"In the narrative of Zaina's life, Basecamp played a pivotal role - a place of solace, growth, and friendship"
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![Young girl standing on rocky terrain in outdoor landscape with water, hills, and cloudy sky in background, wearing red outdoor jacket and holding a hiking pole.]()
From Quiet Beginnings to Unstoppable Confidence: Hayley's Story
“I would say that Basecamp has been a completely life changing experience for me.”
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![A group of children and a woman in outdoor hiking gear standing around a stone pillar on a mountain summit, with a scenic landscape of green fields, hills, and water in the background, under cloudy skies.]()
The Adventure That Changed Me Too: Gilly’s Volunteering Story
"I come ready to give my all, but honestly I get so much more back from the experience. I feel part of something really special."
our Partner Schools
Our Supporters
