Their Stories
Challenge, Growth and Belonging
Every young person, volunteer, supporter and partner has their own Basecamp story.
This is where we share the moments that matter most: the stories of courage, friendship, adventure and personal growth. Whether it's a young person discovering confidence for the first time, a volunteer finding a new sense of purpose or a community coming together to make a difference, these stories capture the lasting impact of Basecamp.
Behind every programme is a person whose life has been changed.
Explore our latest stories and discover the difference your support makes
Coming Out of Her Comfort Zone: Kaitlin’s Story
“One thing that stood out to us as parents was how supportive and approachable the Basecamp leaders were. They took the time to get to know Kaitlin as an individual and regularly kept us updated on her progress.
Receiving feedback about how much she had grown in confidence and how much more she was engaging socially meant a great deal to us.”
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 and the sense of belonging and family that Basecamp offers is something truly unique."
A Once-In-A-Lifetime Opportunity: Maliha’s Basecamp Graduation Speech
“If I was to summarise this Basecamp year in one sentence it would be, ‘A once in a lifetime opportunity’ because, yes, I might get to do stuff like this again like hiking and canoeing, but the thing that I won’t get to do again is make the same relationships and meet new people who also come on this programme for the same adventures.”
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. The instructors were extraordinary, they were very helpful to the team and the children and they always had the best activities in store for us.”
The Legends of Basecamp: A Poem From A Young Person
So here’s to Basecamp, our second home,
Wherever we wander, wherever we roam.
You hold our hearts, our memories dear,
and we’ll be back, year after year.
Adventure As A Road to Inclusivity
What do a white working class boy from Gipton and a Syrian immigrant from the other side of Leeds and a different school, have in common? Society would tell us very little. But for the fact they are standing side by side, at the entrance to a cave, feeling equal parts fear, apprehension, excitement and joy at the challenge before them. They put an arm around each other, take a deep breath, and step into the darkness…
From Quiet Beginnings to Unstoppable Confidence: Hannah's Story
When we first met Hannah, she couldn’t make eye contact with staff and spoke too quietly for us to hear, often only answering with ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
A Parent's Perspective: Zaina's Triumph at Basecamp
“Initially hesitant to trust others, Zaina discovered her own resilience and courage through the unwavering support of Basecamp. More than a recreational escape, Basecamp became a transformative space for Zaina.”
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!”
More Than Adventures
Behind every mountain climbed, every campfire shared and every challenge overcome is a story of personal growth.
We share these stories to celebrate the incredible young people, volunteers and supporters who make Basecamp what it is and to show what's possible when people are given the opportunity to thrive.
