The Adventure That Changed Me Too: Gilly’s Volunteering Story

Gilly has been volunteering with Basecamp for just over a year. When Gilly first discovered Basecamp, she was looking for something completely different from her day job.

Working as a nurse in an Emergency Department in North Yorkshire, she spends her professional life caring for others. Outside of work, you'll usually find her walking in the countryside, enjoying live music, crocheting, reading, or exploring the countryside in her beloved camper van.

Despite her full and active life, Gilly was searching for something more.

"I was looking for something outside of work that gave me a sense of purpose and connection."

That search led her to Basecamp.

Although she admits to feeling "a little teeny bit apprehensive" before her first residential, those nerves quickly disappeared as she got to know the young people and the wider Basecamp team.

Since then, Gilly has witnessed countless moments that she'll never forget. One of the most memorable came at the end of a programme when a young person named Alfie threw his arms around the volunteer team during graduation.

"Alfie giving us all the biggest hugs and telling us he'd miss us all will stay with me for a very, very long time."

For Gilly, it's these genuine moments of connection that make volunteering so special.

Over the course of the programme, she watched young people achieve things they never thought possible.

"On the very first residential I watched some young people take their very first tentative steps across Malham Cove, really anxious and nervous. To then see them six months later jumping into gorges without blinking says it all."

Gilly has seen the transformation of confidence, self-belief, friendships and the way the young people see themselves time and time again. Gilly’s biggest surprise, however, has been how much the experience has changed her.

"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."

When asked what she'd say to someone thinking about volunteering, her advice is simple:

"You'll never regret the things you did try. You might regret never giving it a go though. If you're considering it, just do it."

For Gilly, Basecamp is about far more than volunteering. It's about being part of a community that changes lives - both for the young people's and your own.

Thank you, Gilly! We are so grateful you are a part of our team.

To learn more about our volunteering programme check out our Volunteer With Us Page.