WHO WE ARE British Exploring Society is a world class youth lives and to the fragile environments that development charity with a unique heritage, they explore. The results are transformative founded on the belief that challenging – not just in terms of practical skills and experiences can change lives, empowering resilience, but in a newfound confidence and equipping young people with the and self-belief which they carry forward courage, skills, resilience and determination to their future life. to make the most of their future. More than this, through their adventure We give young people access to adventure together, our young people forge friendships and take them on expeditions to remote for life and become part of a unique locations where they face challenges, gain supportive and continuing community of skills and learn about themselves – as well Young Explorers with shared experiences, as acquiring knowledge relevant to their values and perspectives on the world. CONTENTS 2020 overview Our impact in more depth 3 A message from our President 18-19 Theory of change 4 A message from our Chair 20 Our long term impact 5 A progressive year 21-24 Impact stories 6 A charity of character Acknowledgements This year’s impact 25 Our gratitude to our medics 7-8 Our immediate impact 26 Explorer awards 9 Wildestan feedback 27 Leader awards 10 Our approach 28 Our community and virtual campfire 11 Expedition workshops 29 Special mentions 12 Wildestan locations 30-31 Membership 13 Wildestan Season 01 32 Our partners 14 Wildestan Season 02 Conclusion 15 Wildestan expedition 33-36 Our financials 16 Pinnacle training 37 Thank you all 17 Field notes

The quotes throughout this report have been provided by our community, including supporters, volunteer Leaders, and young people taking part in our programmes in 2020.

2 “It gave me a sense of the scale of the world – and how small the world I was rattling around in was.” Marvin Rees British Exploring Society President

475 229 TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL NUMBER OF OF ATTENDANCES YOUNG PEOPLE WHO A MESSAGE FROM THAT WE HAVE HAVE BENEFITED RECEIVED ON FROM ONE OR OUR ACTIVITIES MORE ACTIVITIES OUR PRESIDENT THIS YEAR THIS YEAR Marvin Rees, our President since 2019

Marvin Rees, British Exploring Society’s President since 2019 and It gave me a sense of the scale of the world – and how small our sufferings because sufferings produce perseverance, Mayor of Bristol, joined us as a young person on expedition in the world I was rattling around in was. I come from the inner perseverance character and character hope. Finding 1990 to Svalbard. city, single mum, not much money. We didn’t really go outside perseverance was the key to me to overcome a fear of failure our area very much. I think going up to Svalbard just blew my that had paralysed me for years. And not just overcoming alone “With my wispy beard… walking through the airport with my mind, just how vast the world was. I felt very, very vulnerable. but overcoming together. rucksack and porridge stains on my blue and black fleece. Small and very insignificant. The irony was that, in that moment of Looking around thinking, ‘who are you people? I’ve just been in We need individual resilience. We need community resilience. insignificance, I knew I was alive in a way that I hadn’t felt before. the Arctic, you haven’t.’ It wasn’t snobbery. It was an inability to I am of the absolute belief that organisations like British Exploring comprehend life back in the UK and a sense of the smallness of it. So, key to me, really, is this question of resilience. This question of Society can help make up for this deficit. how we overcome trials, how we keep it together, is increasingly The expedition was a new world for me. And what did it give If certain sections of society are getting these opportunities important; not just as some kind of abstract idea, but for the lives me access to? The sense of being in a place that was untainted, and others are not then those already advantaged are getting of individuals who end up in our public services too frequently climbing mountains that no one had ever climbed before. It’s phenomenal opportunities to build more resilience into their lives. because of the circumstances in which they were born or the very difficult to put into words – it just felt like we were breaking We’re as strong as our weakest link. It’s important that we give challenges they face. new ground. The real possibility of falling down crevasses and opportunities to everyone in society to find a significance, and never being seen again. The experience of awe. All through our I trace a big part of my own personal development back to to build resilience. expedition we could hear the crack from the snout of the glacier my expedition in 1990. Finally, we need to make sure we don’t kill the planet. The more on the edge of our camp. The freedom of that space. As the Mayor of Bristol it’s so important for me to tap into the people we can create the opportunity to engage with the wider sources of resilience for individuals and for wider society. I’ve planet for, the better.’’ used a proverb in Bristol a lot and it says: we don’t despise

3 “Wildestan is different to anything I have experienced before. I was able to meet new people virtually, the sessions were engaging and taught me things about exploring nature that I never knew.” Venus Tamjidi Young Adventurer, Wildestan 2020

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR Ian Maginnis

My expectations were high when I joined the Board of Trustees And it is not just me that thinks this. We recently received kitemark We continued to build the capabilities needed to support our in late 2019. I’d worked as an outdoor instructor and expedition accreditation from the Association of Character Education. This strategy, particularly fundraising and partnerships, and upgrading Leader for many years, so I already knew that what British is a tremendous endorsement of how we work and the benefit our ‘customer relationship management’ system, which is Exploring Society does – challenging learning and adventure our programmes and expeditions bring to young people. I was fundamental for improving how we engage with young people, in wild, remote, locations – is hugely important and beneficial really pleased to see this recognised by others outside of British partners, funders, Leaders and Members. for young people. Exploring Society. As Chair, I have taken the lead on ensuring that our corporate It won’t surprise you to hear me say that 2020 has been an governance continues to be effective, and three new trustees “But, more than this, what extraordinarily difficult year for British Exploring Society. It joined us during the year to strengthen the board team. was very disappointing that we could not offer our normal Probably the biggest thing that I have learnt during my first I really liked was that British programmes and expeditions, particularly in a year when year, is that British Exploring Society is not just an organisation, young people needed them most. Exploring Society is truly ‘open but a community working together to deliver amazing outcomes to all’, offering life-changing But we didn’t stand still: we continued to progress our strategy and impact. and positively impact the lives of young people, and are well This community has responded brilliantly during a very tough experiences to young people positioned for 2021 and beyond. Honor and her team have year. Thanks to our extremely generous donors we are in a shown amazing resilience and flexibility during the most difficult good financial position. Thanks to the passion and innovation of from any kind of background, of years, and I thank them for their hard work and commitment. our staff, the dedication and energy of our volunteer Leaders, especially those who wouldn’t We introduced a new programme, ‘Wildestan’, and it has been and the support of our partners, we have had nearly 500 normally get the opportunity.” a great success, receiving very good feedback from the young attendances at our training, adventures and workshops this year. people who participated. Wildestan is a significant development I’m proud to be Chair of British Exploring Society and to be part for British Exploring Society. We never saw it as just a ‘gap filler’ One year in, and I’m pleased to say that I’ve not been of this community. The need for what we do is more important while we couldn’t go to remote locations: it will be an integral, disappointed. Far from it: I had high expectations when than ever and will only continue to increase. While 2021 is likely and increasing, part of what we do in the future, complementing I started, but now I know that the reality is even better. to be another challenging year, I am confident that we will make our traditional expeditions. a positive and lasting impact to lives of many young people.

4 A PROGRESSIVE YEAR Honor Wilson-Fletcher, CEO

I would like to start by referring to the words 2020 we also discovered that nothing has We still want young people to forge of our President. This year we have established changed: that what young people have needed friendships and become part of a a new significance to our work. 2020 has – more than ever – was engaging access supportive and continuing community been exciting and uplifting. We have learned to inspirational Leaders, rewarding learning with other ‘explorers’ through our work. new skills, discovered new ways to deliver opportunities and a safe environment to meet Spending quality learning time with our adventure and challenge, and reaffirmed the new people and be excited by the outdoors. unpaid professional Leaders is a critical part capacity of our community to adapt and be Our mission and our purpose are always of the development experience with us – and hugely generous. We have been awed and the thing. You don’t jettison nearly 90 years we will ensure that this is central to our work. thrilled as ever by the stories of the young of experience lightly. So we didn’t. We have “The team I people we have worked with. We are clear that these are valuable tools to been responding enthusiastically to change fight the negative social impact of COVID-19 – am blessed to Everything has changed and nothing without sacrificing proven ways of working – just as they have helped for years to offset the has changed. and we have been keeping an eye focused work with have been impact of economic, educational and societal on our longer term strategy. Of course we But we started out this spring with the disadvantage. remarkable for their needed to be adept at identifying new risks recognition that as a small organisation there and opportunities for the future. The team I am adaptability, resilience was a limit to our capacity to help tackle the blessed to work with have been remarkable negative fall-out caused by COVID-19. We for their adaptability, resilience and willingness A new destination and willingness to needed to focus – quickly – on being positive to tackle new challenges. (They have been and effective. We needed to make every effort in 2020 tackle new challenges.” modelling the skills and behaviours we hope and penny count. The events of this year have to identify and foster in young people every We are delighted to be exploring the disrupted all of our normal planning and our day). We are also very fortunate to have opportunities of our new, virtual ‘eighth meet the needs of young people mid – and approach to youth development. But during partners and funders who supported us as continent’ Wildestan. We are only just beginning post-pandemic – and to keep a tight rein on the we endeavoured to adapt. Their faith in us to understand the scope of adventurous number of priorities we take on. We have done was uplifting, providing us with energy and learning it enables us to offer young people. well this year – but need to remain outwardly “…during 2020 we also impetus. On some days we really needed focused, aware of the unpredictability of the that. Our gratitude is hard to express fully. external environment. discovered that nothing Staying on track has changed: that what We will carry forward the huge amount We have refreshed our Vision and Mission we have learned this year. Necessity has for the future to better reflect our commitment to positive young people have accelerated our progression towards key community and environmental impact. So I strategic goals – starting with our capacity We met with our trustees for a virtual awayday will leave you with these. I hope you find the needed – more than to be as inclusive as possible. By ensuring in October to consider how our learning this rest of this report helpful. Thank you so much ever – was engaging we were able to measure outcomes we year might impact on our strategy. for taking the time to read about our work. have established the benefit of our ‘rapid We have reviewed our strategy and produced Our vision is for all young people to be able to access to inspirational response’ to COVID-19 – and its reassuring an update called On Track. We will share this in contribute confidently in the world. We want affinity with the rest of our work. Leaders, rewarding more detail shortly. For now – it might be useful equal access to challenging learning and learning opportunities We still want young people to acquire practical to know as a reader of this Report adventure in the wilderness as an unbeatable skills and learn about resilience with us. that, as the title suggests, we are checking preparation for adult life. our pace, scale and our bearings, rather than and a safe environment Our mission is to grow a diverse, inclusive We still want young people to experience fundamentally changing direction. to meet new people a new-found confidence and self-belief to community of empowered young people carry forward to their future life. We will continue to focus on efficiency with the skills, resilience and determination and be excited by and effectiveness and on measurement to deliver lasting community impact and the outdoors.” of impact as our model diversifies to positive environmental change.

5 A CHARITY OF CHARACTER

British Exploring Society was recognized as a Charity of Character learning aims including attainment, positive behaviour, community “Assessors were extremely in 2020 by the Association for Character Education. This means contribution and fulfilling careers. that we are deemed to align with the Ofsted 2019 handbook impressed by the British Exploring Whilst British Exploring Society can reasonably claim to have been criteria for: Society approach to equality and delivering character education since 1932, this external recognition “...developing pupils’ character, which we define as a set of is important in that it validates our work and ensures that we diversity. The organisation was positive personal traits, dispositions and virtues that informs their remain rigorous in our approach. motivation and guides their conduct so that they reflect wisely, very transparent, at all levels, Recognition of the importance of developing character by Ofsted learn eagerly, behave with integrity and cooperate consistently and in some of our most important schools, colleges, companies about the opportunity to diversify well with others. This gives pupils the qualities they need to flourish and charities is mirrored in the Department for Education, in our society.” – Ofsted’s School Inspection Handbook 2019 the demographic of young people which is putting together an advisory group where one of their We also met or exceeded the Association for Character principle tasks will be to develop school self-evaluation character who accessed the organisation’s Education’s criteria that we adopt an explicit, planned and education benchmarks – which are likely be based on the provision…it is clear that British reflective approach to the cultivation of positive character Association Kitemark. qualities. Exploring Society is committed Receiving recognition from ACE is hugely helpful and we are Tom Haigh the CEO at the Association for Character Education proud to be awarded it. It has provided rigorous re-assurance to this priority, and is making said this about their assessment work with our staff, trustees, of our effectiveness. We are committed to supporting lasting significant strides in responding Leaders and Young Explorers: character development. This award underlines our core purpose – to help build stronger futures for young people including those “Hearing directly from children and young people who benefit to this challenge.” most likely to be disadvantaged. from an organisation’s provision, provides some of the strongest Kitemark feedback report insights into the effectiveness of a charity’s character education. “It was reported that respect, “Young people who have worked understanding and empathy was with British Exploring Society developed through interactions consistently shared experiences within socially mixed groups of of inner transformation.” young people.‘’ Assessors found a programme of activity that harnessed the “Developing strong leadership power of nature and expedition to develop autonomy and responsibility. The development of character was not left is…found to be particularly to chance. The My Compass Framework, along with strong coaching skills in staff and volunteers, ensured character, virtue strong. Young people are given and reflection were explicitly explored.’’ significant levels of autonomy The Association for Character Education was set up to support and responsibility.” teachers and other educators to develop a vision and strategy for the enhancement of character education in their school/ Kitemark feedback report organisation. It works to raise the profile of its Kitemark members and of character education in the U.K. championing the effectiveness of character education in supporting wider

6 OUR IMMEDIATE IMPACT

We believe that young people need the right skills, behaviours, and confidence to tackle contemporary challenges and opportunities. In assessing impact, we consider our success in supporting young people to acquire these skills, behaviour, and confidence through our programmes. In 2020 we have been able to track: Programme impact data and qualitative feedback from young people and Leaders; The number of Explorers, Adventurers and Leaders we work with; Fundraising against strategy and annual targets; Levels of engagement with our Members. The charity provided benefits through its programmes to 229 young people (Young Explorers and Adventurers) in 2020. We secured 475 attendances from young people across our activities this year, with 80 young people attending one or more Wildestan Adventure. 135 young people attended an Expedition Workshop across 4 schools and 14 young people attended training for our Pinnacle 2022 expedition. 19 Wildestan Adventures were delivered (17 in Season 01, including 2 pilots, and 2 in Season 02 prior to the end of our financial year), as well as 5 Wildestan Expedition Adventures delivered during a week-long virtual expedition. 23 volunteer professional Leaders and Experts prepared for and delivered our Wildestan Adventures and Expedition and a further 39 have participated in induction training in preparation for programmes in 2021. In 2020, we communicated with 29 partners and schools about Wildestan and our 2021 expeditions. Image captured by William Sharpley, Young Adventurer, Wildestan 2020 “Cardinal beetle I saw this in the woods. It is a bright spectacular red. The feelers reminded me of deer antlers. The photo captured their mini world.” 7 OUR IMMEDIATE IMPACT

M‰Šn‹„Œe‘ ­i­ My Compass t  t Reporting 10 activities related to young people British Exploring Society seeks to measure the thinking about the skills needed to degree to which young people have developed make decisions that shape their lives key skills and qualities using a participant self- and the world around them. assessment tool, called My Compass. This has been in use for several years. Mg
 My Compass is designed: To guide reflective conversations with young fi ­ people; encouraging them to think about Twdd what they hope to learn from their time with 8 activities encouraged young 5 activities helped young people us and to consider any areas of their own people to think about their impact think about how well they skills or personal qualities that they hope to on the environment and what understand what causes them to build on; actions they can take to protect it. feel certain ways and how they can manage their emotions. To generate programme impact data; and To provide a basis for organisational improvement and decision making.

M¡ S ‚i Cži—c C•a¢£ Challenges to 4 activities helped young people o„ r‡ˆ reporting in 2020 to consider their confidence, During our Wildestan Expedition, Young including believing in their Explorers took part in a Wellbeing in the My Compass is designed to be completed abilities, managing setbacks, Wilderness adventure which encour- multiple times over the course of an Explorer’s celebrating their own successes, aged them to think about setting goals engagement with the charity, to assess any and understanding their values. and working towards them even when change over time. In 2020 we have been they may be finding things diicult. unable to deliver full-scale programmes and have not collected My Compass data in the usual way. However, we designed and Cu a n mapped Wildestan Adventures (see p13) P”•l„n—„e and our Expedition Workshops (see p15) 5 activities related to 10 activities related to young in schools against My Compass desired community and feeling people explaining ideas, including outcomes. Here you can see illustrated the part of a team. how they feel and think, expressing key skills and qualities shared with young themselves, and listening to others. people in 2020, and the regularity with which those themes were covered – and P˜”™ls›œi some of the responses we received from our Young Explorers in relation to those themes. 15 activities, including expedition workshops, involved young people thinking around and solving problems they have not come across before, coming up with plans to fix problems using resources available, and working in a team to find the best solution. To find out more about My Compass Reporting, 8 click here. FEEDBACK FROM WILDESTAN TOTAL NUMBER OF WILDESTAN ADVENTURE YOUNG FEEDBACK POLLS COMPLETED: 229 & 100% ADVENTURERS

For our Wildestan activities this year we collected simple poll data on fun, interactivity, learning and safety to understand the effectiveness of our new programme – and a new way of working. We also collected in-depth qualitative narratives from young people taking part in the programme. Wildestan has produced many more repeat Adventurers than 226 99% 221 97% we could have expected, and through qualitative feedback so far, it seems to produce similar positive outcomes to those reported by young people in previous years. Young people refer to more confidence, greater enthusiasm for learning, focus and ambition and enhanced communication skills. We The session was The session was ‘Interactive’ have also been told of the positive impact of having structured ‘Fun’ or ‘Very fun’ or ‘Very Interactive’ Adventures through lockdown on the overall well-being of participants. They looked forward to re-engaging with fellow ‘Wildestanis’ and to learning something new each week.

“I... could not verbally communicate until I was around 7 years of age. Wildestan is different to anything I have experienced before. I was learning how to build fires one week and then learning about birdsong the week after. I am more equipped to manage myself…Wildestan has opened my eyes to a world I have always wished to know more about...” Young Adventurer, Wildestan 2020 227 99% 229 100% “I really enjoyed Wildestan – I found it informative, engaging, and thought-provoking. Every session had different content, they were all interactive and managed to pack loads of information into less than The participant The participant felt 45 minutes… having a session every week provided learnt something safe or very safe some structure to what was a difficult time and reminded me and many others of the joys of being outside and it gave us optimism for the future and motivation to keep going.” Young Adventurer, Wildestan 2020

9 To find out more about our new Wildestan programme go to pages 13 and 14 OUR Knowledge Our expeditions and adventures provide a rare opportunity for APPROACH learning. We are supported by scientists and media specialists who, like our adventure Leaders and medics, are unpaid professionals. Together they all support our groups to find Working with young people from across the UK, different ways to engage in each spectacular or unfamiliar and with Leaders from the UK and abroad, our environment and to understand and share their experiences. expedition and adventure programmes online From cooking in the wild, basecamp management, and in the wilderness employ a unique and communications technology and water sampling to star continuous mix of knowledge, adventure and gazing, time-lapse photography and poetry our teams personal development to inspire young people develop a richer understanding of how to engage with and and help them make the most of their futures. look after the world around them which informs their actions and choices in the future.

Adventure Personal Development We work in or provide a ‘window’ onto some of the most beautiful Working with young people on the cusp of adulthood, expedition and remote wilderness areas on the planet. From rainforests to Leaders and Wildestan Experts provide Young Explorers and high mountains, each environment has a distinctive balance of Adventurers with new and transformative role models for adulthood. flora and fauna and unique features to explore. We also help Whilst not peers, our Leaders are not teachers or parents either, and young people explore wilderness close to home through Wildestan they offer young people a greater degree of control and autonomy – our online ‘8th continent’, when we cannot provide direct access around their choices and learning and the impact of those choices to the wild. Wherever and however they ‘meet’, our teams (young than they may have had in other environments. The decisions young people and Leaders together) design their own adventures, people make on expedition with us will impact on others. They will agreeing between them what and where they want to explore. have many chances to lead. Every young person will help shape On our longer adventures, they come to group decisions, make their expedition. Trained in supporting reflection, our Leaders will mistakes, share challenges and learn to compromise and support encourage young people to think about their own learning journeys. one another in an environment which is equally alien to all of them. They will help them identify their strengths, build on them, and work This unique environment offers young people new opportunities to with them to set ambitious personal targets for the future. excel and to understand their own worth.

10 To find out more about Our Approach, clickhere . EXPEDITION WORKSHOPS

To present new and relatable “I liked the ‘immersive’ adult role-models to young people; experience of going To dispel myths about the outdoors to the Amazon and – about fitness, money, suitability, and the purpose of modern having to solve adventure and exploration; different problems.” To have fun and show learning in a new, exciting context, treating our audience as adults, as we do Our Expedition Workshops are delivered on our programmes. in schools and youth organisations around the UK. These stand-alone, fun Supported by the Hartz Family and engaging sessions benefit from Foundation, we commenced delivery our nearly-100 years of experience in in early 2020 and were able to delivering adventurous learning to help reach 135 students before lockdown. young people develop skills and gain a Feedback was positive from teaching greater understanding of what going on staff and young people and we an expedition would really be like. secured several further workshops As part of our strategy review, Firm before the pandemic postponed any Footing, we’ve spent time looking at further rollout. COVID-19 restrictions the impact of changes in our own have meant that we were not able programme design, significant shifts to reinstate workshops for delivery in Explorer profile, and wider societal in schools in 2020. shifts in our approach to recruitment We are looking forward to delivering and partnership. Asking young people more Expedition Workshops with to join us on an expedition programme our recruitment partners and is a big step for them to take. Expedition providing an experience for young Workshops are content rich sessions people that helps them to not only that kick start the conversation, trust and develop key skills but encourages initial relationship to foster the confidence them to consider joining adventures in young people to consider further in the future. adventure and enrichment options such as taking part in one of our programmes. Our aims for the Expedition Workshops are: To provide valued content for our 135 partner schools and stand-alone learning for participants; STUDENTS ATTENDED To develop experience in decision- EXPEDITION making under pressure and support WORKSHOPS BEFORE strategies for positive well-being for young people; LOCKDOWN

11 WILDESTAN Scottish Highlands ADVENTURE Wildestan Adventure: These boots are made for walking (2) LOCATIONS Expert: Taff Raymond

County Czech Republic Fermanagh Wildestan Adventure: Wildestan Adventure: Leicestershire Songs of the wilderness Our fragile world Expert: Nando González Expert: Matthew Scott Wildestan Adventure: Where on Earth am I? Expert: Andy Browning Black Mountains, Wallingford Wildestan Adventure: Herefordshire Survival in the wild: first aid in a crisis Expert: Ben Watts Wildestan Adventure: When the going gets tough Expert: Andrew Knight South Wales Cambridge Wildestan Adventure: Wildestan Adventure: Survival in the wild: water Fantastic bugs and where to find them Survival in the wild: when things go wrong These boots are made for walking (1) Expert: Susannah Cass Experts: Daniel Mazhindu, Taff Raymond Dartmoor London Wildestan Adventure: Wildestan Adventure: Survival in the wild: open fire cooking Show me the ropes Recording your journey Tracks and trails Well-being in the wilderness Experts: Nick Nichol, Emma Plant Past and present Expert: James Dyer Penryn, Chichester Cornwall Mid Devon Somerset Tangmere Military Aviation Museum Wildestan Adventure: Wildestan Adventure: Wildestan Adventure: Wildestan Adventure: Leading when the temperature drops Survival in the wild: fire Leave no trace Camp life Expert: Nigel Painter Expert: Kim Singh Expert: Roly Arnison Expert: Bruce Manning

12 WILDESTAN SEASON 1 Nicholas Nichol, Expedition Manager

The journey of one Young Adventurer in What is Wildestan? particular was transformative. From joining one Wildestan is a programme of 30 minute of the first sessions and being told that she may online sessions, hosted by our Experts and require extra support from a guardian and provides access to adventure, access to our being very quiet to being part of the core group inspirational Leaders and an experience or of returning attendees, contributing, interacting flavour of expedition life and the outdoors and participating in ways that we could not to young people aged 14 – 25 anywhere in have envisaged at the start of the programme. the UK through a digital platform. This is testament to the power of the digital space, to the systems and controls that were Digital Space put in place through Zoom, how returning week after week allowed comfort levels to The move to the digital space and using increase and to see tangible progress in a Zoom as a platform for interactive digital Young Adventurer. engagement was a new step for British Exploring Society. From Wales to Czechia Season 01 Wildestan Adventures: to Dartmoor the locations and access to Show me the ropes the outside in these extraordinary times was powerful. Fantastic bugs and where to find them The journey that we went on with our Where on Earth am I? Young Adventurers was as surprising as it was engaging. Survival in the wild: water The expectation that Young These boots are made for walking (01) Adventurers would come to one or Tracks and trails two sessions was not the case and a core group of returning Young Songs of the wilderness Adventurers came to session Leave no trace after session. Survival in the wild: fire Using Zoom to deliver this programme, gave British These boots are made for walking (02) Exploring Society the control Survival in the wild: when things go wrong required to create a safe space, while upskilling both Survival in the wild open fire cooking staff and Experts in digital Survival in the wild: first aid in a crisis delivery and ensuring that Young Adventurers Leave no trace could chose the level of Daniel Mazhindu interaction. Wildestan Expert 13 To find out more about Wildestan Season 01, clickhere . WILDESTAN 19 SEASON 2 WILDESTAN ADVENTURES DELIVERED (INC. PILOTS) Caroline Hodges FBES, Head of Expeditions

The second season of Wildestan enabled us Undeterred, our Wildestan Experts developed Whilst 2020 presented limits to our to hone our new craft. The small pool of a diverse programme for the winter season, exploration in many parts of the world, Wildestan Leaders who joined us in Season tackling the challenge of shorter days with it also presented an opportunity for our 01 expanded as we opened up the opportunity everything from exercises in night navigation community to explore the eighth continent across our community, renaming them all to pre-recorded footage. The programme – Wildestan. As our Wildestan Experts and Wildestan Experts and with each offering even included a Wildestan session delivered Adventurers have embarked on this journey expertise from bushcraft to medicine, live from the Canadian Yukon where daylight together, we have learned more about the conservation to well-being. hours enabled Expert Abi Horobin to walk our Wilderness and adventure that Wildestan Explorers through the building of a traditional has to offer as well as learning more about Each Wildestan Adventure starts life as an Canadian snow shelter, called a Quinzee. ourselves. Wildestan has developed a idea in the minds of one of our remarkable committed following in its short existence Experts but this spark of inspiration goes on a Other season highlights included: and with every new session, our Young long journey before it makes it to the Wildestan A plucky team of Young Adventurers Adventurers have developed in their airwaves. Each Expert submits their idea to the working with RAF aircrew officer Nigel knowledge and their confidence. Season office team and they are then paired up with a Painter to avert disaster in a scenario 02 of Wildestan felt like a gear change in Host, a member of the British Exploring Society session all about leadership and decision the programme, for the first time, our hosts office team who can act as their guide through making in cold environments. started to watch as Adventurers taught the weird and wonderful world of Wildestan. A tour of Wildestan after dark with each other about the outdoors, sharing Working together the Expert and the host will Adventure Leader and Expedition their own experiences of what develop the idea, working on everything from Coordinator Sam Drawbridge, inviting the wilderness has to offer us, whether activities and icebreakers to bandwidth and Adventurers to learn essential skills to that wilderness is on our computer microphones to make sure the session provides find their way when darkness descends. screen, in our local park or on an the perfect balance of adventure, learning and expedition in Iceland or Canada. We fun to our Young Adventurers. Experts spend Reflective sessions from Adventure Leader know for some of our Adventurers, this countless hours writing scripts, developing Stu Meese and Doctor Sophie Redlin, inviting is the start of something much bigger slides and session resources, standing on windy Adventurers to consider the impact of the and we look forward to meeting them hillsides testing bandwidth and running multiple wilderness on well-being and working with in person one day as our adventures rehearsals to make adventures in Wildestan them to develop strategies for managing together explore new places. the best they can be. When the curtain comes expedition life with their “kit list for an up, the host acts as the intermediary between emotional rainy day”. Season 02 Wildestan Adventures: Explorers and Experts, relaying questions, Another examination of the creepy Past and present supervising activities and launching polls so our crawlies in Wildestan with Entomologist Young Adventurers can benefit from the wealth Susannah Cass Leading when the of expertise our Experts have to offer. A look at the signs, symptoms and treatment temperature drops Season 02 also presented a new challenge for of hypothermia with experienced expedition Wildestan – programming in darkness! As the medics Drs Daniel Grace and Alex Taylor. winter nights drew in, young people across the A passionate team of Young UK began leaving school after dark, and our Adventurers working with conservationist normal after school slot of 5pm on a Tuesday Jay Ham to work out sustainable solutions night, saw Experts plunged into darkness. to the climate crisis. Susannah Cass Wildestan Expert To find out more about Wildestan Season 02, clickhere . 14 WILDESTAN EXPEDITION 2 20 James Dyer FBES, Deputy Chief Leader, Expedition Training and Leadership Advisor, and Wildestan Expert

The Wildestan Expedition concept revolved On day four, the group turned their attention to science around creating and providing an immersive project development and looked at the fragility of the expeditionary experience through a multi-day natural world, discussing issues, ideas and solutions for approach, delivered daily during Half Term in dealing with climate change and sustainability. October 2020. The last day, just like on our outdoor expedition Young people who signed up attended daily programmes, was a chance to review the sessions designed to take them through skills expedition and to think about how to communicate and techniques required when setting out on and articulate their expedition experience, looking expedition. Joining at the same time each day at writing, video creation, and other media to the group of young people who took part share their experiences with others. bonded and tackled the sessions together, Delivering Wildestan in this immersive manner allowed really involving them in an expeditionary the Young Explorers to become a team (albeit remotely) experience. and to travel through the experience together, learning The week started with an introduction to the skills, interacting and developing their thinking, expedition and what to expect over the next knowledge and confidence. few days, and challenged them to think about As well as hugely impacting to the young the mental skills required when preparing for an people involved through developing friendships, adventure. Alongside their physical preparation communication and team work, this method and equipment, logistics and plans, they looked of delivering a Wildestan experience has proved at how they would prepare mentally, thinking to be an exciting way of delivering content to about developing resilience and exploring various audiences, and we’re hopeful that it ways to deal with issues and anxiety that could be used again for other groups, topics, will inevitably occur during an expedition. environments or expeditionary styles. The second day of the virtual expedition saw the Wildestan Expedition topics covered: group discussing campsites and how to choose the right places to set up their camps, looking at Wellbeing in the wilderness the type of ground and the considerations for accommodation. Camp life The third day was a chance to think about what When the going gets tough to do when things went wrong, for instance if Our fragile world someone became injured while in the wilderness. Essential first aid skills were demonstrated by Recording your journey an expert team of medics who explained ways to manage casualties.

15 To find out more about The Wildestan Expedition, clickhere . PINNACLE EXPEDITION TRAINING Bruce Manning, Chief Leader

In March we held a selection weekend to The country promptly went into lockdown. For British Antarctic Survey – to discuss choose 12 young people from the 24 who had a couple of months, we all wondered what had living in cold conditions and the choice passed the initial screening process to join us in hit us. In May, the expedition leadership team of personal equipment. Siberia for our Pinnacle 2021 expedition. realised that we would not be able to carry Further sessions planned include a out our original training and preparation. A plan Our choice was to be based on specific criteria talk by scientist Nathan Smith, British was hatched to hold monthly Zoom meetings for this expedition. We sought applicants with Exploring Society Member, Expert and to progress some preparations and to maintain some previous exploration experience, with researcher in extreme conditions. contact – helping the Young Explorers and significant drive and desire to be involved, ourselves through a difficult time. tempered with an ability to work cooperatively As I write, our Explorers are being with others. As with all British Exploring Society Our first Zoom session was in July and went informed of our Trustees’ decision to expeditions we were looking for those who well despite our lack of experience with delay our expedition until 2022. This had the potential to grow significantly and the technology. After such a long break we is very sad but must be the right gain the most from the experience. reintroduced ourselves and updated the Young thing to do. We hope that all our Explorers on the status of expedition planning, Young Explorers will be able to including how we would cope with COVID stay on our team and we will “As with all British restrictions. James Dyer, the expedition’s Deputy continue contact with them Chief Leader, then led a session on what makes Exploring Society over the next few months. a great expedition team. expeditions we were During the summer we will Our second Zoom in August followed a aim to meet in person looking for those who similar format. Values and fitness were again, for day walks in covered by James Dyer and medical the hills if circumstances had the potential to grow issues by Medical Leader Dr Sarah Wysling, permit – or via Zoom significantly and gain the who managed to find time out from her if we need to. most from the experience.” busy NHS schedule. Our September session was also virtual – led by our Knowledge Leader Neil Smith – COVID-19 was already widespread but a full and focused on potential research projects. lockdown had not yet been implemented. In the Four themes – media, environment, social end, 14 hopefuls arrived at Beaudesert Camp and physiological – were discussed. Neil where they were put through their paces by invited Young Explorers to submit ideas for our Leaders. They underwent exercises to test projects and we received several their team-working and problem-solving skills, good proposals. physical fitness, mental agility, and robustness. I think we all enjoyed the weekend. The For our fourth session in October, leadership team departed with the difficult we invited Taff Raymond – a reliably task of selecting the young people who would entertaining Leader with British Exploring be joining the expedition. We concluded that Society who has just returned from 18 every applicant met a significant portion of the months in Antarctica working for the selection criteria so we requested and were given permission to accept all 14 Explorers. FIELD NOTES

This table indicates the range, diversity and scale of activities undertaken in the UK and online between November 2019 and UK Training October 2020 in order to deliver our programmes and meet the needs of different groups of young people. Number of training days

Chief Leader Leaders Sessions Total Leader Leader Explorer Dates X Past BES Young Attendances Induction Training Training expeditions Explorers (UK & Overseas)

Amazon 2 David Bartles Smith 11 - - - - Cancelled

Himalaya 9 Jennie Richardson 6 - - - - Cancelled

Landmark 4 James Dyer 7 - - - - Cancelled

DNG 0 Daniel Mazhindu 8 - - - - Cancelled

UK Spring 8 Bruce Manning 7 - - - - Cancelled

Hartz 2 Paul Batterbury 8 - - - - Cancelled

UK Autumn 4 James Dyer N/A - - - - - Cancelled

Expedition Workshops N/A 135 - - - - - Various

1O Wildestan Every Tuesday N/A 15 196 - - Wildestan 1 73 Training 19 May 25 Aug

Wildestan 2 2 Wildestan Every Tuesday N/A 20 2 20 - - (Up to Oct 31st) Training 13 Oct 20 Oct

6 Wildestan N/A 5 69 - - Wildestan Expedition 24 Training

4 8 Pinnacle Bruce Manning 14 - 55 - - 6 X 1 Hour Postponed to 2022

17 OUR THEORY OF CHANGE

In a time of such pronounced flux and when we need to be most adaptable, it is critical for us to have a clear, consistent sense of who we are trying to help, how we help, what we are trying to achieve and the outcomes and impact we are seeking. Our Theory of Change model helps ensure that, however much our approaches to providing adventure and challenge must adapt – or where we choose to innovate, we remain consistent in our focus on the most desirable outcomes. Not everything we do delivers equal intensity of impact, as the model below indicates, but all our programmes contribute to at least some of the outcomes identified on My Compass see( p8). By sense-checking our existing and potential new activities against this Theory of Change, we can stay on track with our strategy, our mission, and, ultimately, our vision. Of course, if the needs of young people change, this model may change.

“5 of the words that came out largest in the reflective word cloud exercise asking ‘What is your favourite thing about Wildestan?’: Learning; Different; Interactive; Impact; Enjoyed” James Dyer Wildestan Expert, Past and Present, Image captured by Andres Camilo Quintero, Wildestan 2020 Season 02 Young Adventurer, Wildestan 2020 ”…for me, wilderness where you stand means that you will always be surrounded with nature and humans must embrace and learn to live in harmony with it, with respect and by caring about it.” 18 THEORY OF CHANGE

What is Society is not providing Young people need No single non-cognitive Non-cognitive skills are Evidence points to There is evidence that There is evidence that Evidence matches 'building We develop non-cognitive access to the skills & non-cognitive skills - skill predicts long-term considered as important outdoor challenging access to adventurous outdoor challenging blocks' of our approach with skills as essential the need confidence young resilience, mental outcomes. They are as, or more important activities having e‚ects outdoor activities is not activities are particularly greater impact; delivering preparation for adult life. people need to tackle toughness - to solve inter-related and need than, cognitive skills or IQ on a wide variety of equal - it is related to e‚ective for those who are through longer programmes We focus on those who will we are challenges and seize problems, work together to be developed in in explaining long term non-cognitive and income and class in the vulnerable, or who are (more than a week), and in a benefit most. Ultimately, we tackling? opportunities. and communicate well. combination. outcomes and correlate cognitive outcomes. UK. Over 90% of state failing to thrive in the ‘wilderness’ setting. want all young people to These are also called with financial stability and Cohesion, relationships schools have no outdoor classroom. have equal access to Character or soft skills. reduced crime. and living with provision. challenging learning and di‚erence improve adventure. as well as academic and financial security.

Who are we We believe everyone We work with young Our Young Explorers Our members - anyone who Ultimately, we want all who participates - people with a wide range in age from 14 has completed a young people to have here to help? Leaders and young range of experiences to 26 depending on programme with us - range equal access to challenging people - benefits. We of adolescence the programme they from 14 - approximately 104 learning and adventure are working hard to including those in care join us for. years old. achieve equity of access and those living with - insofar as the benefits disabilities. The majority outweigh the risks or of our young people challenges for a live with at least one particular young person. form of disadvantage.

UK in person Overseas in person Professional training, Activities / Classroom-based team Online adventures Online training training and training and progression to challenge activities Services expeditions expeditions outdoors careers

Live in nature Freedom Access to Challenged Recognised Rise to multiple Stretching goal setting Components Introduction of Access to Trusting and Authentic from reliable adult by new respected and and increasing boundaries Fully Immersed in nature of Change new ideas nature feel trusted responsibility role models experiences accepted challenges and limiting Leading others expectations Reflection

Increasing attainment against all measures based on depth and duration of provision

Outcomes – Skills and knowledge Making decisions that matter Confidence Individual impacts on life chances Community impacts and improved well-being including: including Greater independence, Knowledge, Technical, scientific, media, Better management of personal Improved mental health outdoor skills health and well-being willingness to address issues, to Disposition for Skills, set stretching goals Improved physical health volunteering, charitable Increased understanding of support/social action Attitudes, Evidence of purpose, direction, Better educational attainment responsibilities self-worth Reduced reliance on Behaviours Improved progression to training or welfare and state Communication Willingness to follow rules, employment intervention respect leadership A change in aspiration in education Advocacy and active Better self-expression, negotiation, or employment support for aspiration willingness to ask for help in others People and me Problem solving More positive relationships including Active social contribution with others from diverse backgrounds Active listening, advance More positive supportive relationships planning, Learning from A shift away from harmful experience, working together, behaviours/better personal safety Better teamwork and leadership communicating clearly Respect for di‚erence

Respect for the contribution everyone makes

19 OUR LONG TERM IMPACT

sporting and academic careers are aspired The reports our Explorers share with us are a The Ripple Effect to, and blossom. Our Explorers give back: they powerful starting point as we work to establish “My first expedition changed the develop principled, independent voices. They the Social Return for our work. Holly Burns, who course of my life” return as Leaders, or to volunteer. They provide looks after Explorer Recruitment, suggested we British Exploring Society Member, us funds and they enable others to have the share Venus’s story: first expedition 1969 experience they have had. ‘’For me – Venus’ story comes to mind... Our mission is to grow and celebrate a diverse, she is someone who at the start of the inclusive community of young people with the The test of time year when we had our first ‘interview’ Their varied specialisms have also taught skills, resilience, and determination to make would hardly talk on the phone and I spoke me…there is more I can do in my career, A recent study by Penn State University showed lasting positive decisions in their own lives, to her sister more than her but who now to help this planet. that the positive impact of an expedition with us and to deliver community benefit and positive picks up the phone and chats away each is still measurable after sixty years. In an online …Wildestan has…helped me build new environmental change. How do we know we week telling me about her day at school survey of 144 respondents where the mean friendships. This is something I have found are meeting our mission? and how her exams have gone…’’ number of years since their first expedition was more challenging during my school life and Holly Burns 27 years, over half agreed that the expedition I hope my ability to communicate and socialise We want to be sure that we are gathering Explorer Recruitment Officer information that matters and which helps us was one of the five most significant events during my expedition in Peru will help me improve. We look at feedback from a wide in their life. “I was diagnosed with Autism and Global when I start University. Being connected to range of stakeholders and at data from My Development Delay at age 3, I also could not nature and understanding how to navigate “It was the beginning of Compass, our Outcomes Star. This tracks verbally communicate until I was around 7 years my way through it, will help me in my career. understanding myself.” distance travelled against specific behaviours of age. My connection with the unspoken world Andrew (first expedition 1962) British Exploring Society…has included me, and skills for young people within the year has always been strong and giving nature and someone with learning and social that we work with them. But we also want wildlife a voice is truly my passion. Hopefully, I 100% of the same group said that the communication difficulties, in something that I to understand the wider social, environmental, will be studying Biological Science at university experience had had a long-term influence never thought I could be a part of. It has inspired and economic impact that participation on next year. Whilst studying Biology, Geography on how they connected with others. and motivated me, and it is an organisation our programmes can support – and over a and Photography at A-Level, I wanted to do I hope to give back to one day in the future… longer period. Over 80% confirmed the positive impact more to explore and understand nature. This It is a challenge, but I believe you have to it had had on fulfilling their potential, their is when I came across British Exploring Society be challenged to learn and understand This way of thinking about the benefit of self-knowledge, and career decisions. online. It sparked a big drive within me, to new things about yourself and the world.’’ the investment we make with each young expand my knowledge and life experiences. person we work with is called social return Every journey is different on investment. Wildestan is different to anything I have “…We were all sitting Each young person brings different life experienced before. I was learning how to First person testimony experiences to us, and the impact we will build fires one week and then learning about around the campfire have on their life will be individual to them. bird song the week after. I really didn’t know Parents, carers, teachers, partner organisations The challenge for us is to articulate how much what to expect, so it was always exciting…I looking at shooting stars and our Explorers themselves have long difference we have made and the contribution have learnt a wide range of skills and careers next to a glimmering shared with us their stories. We learn of of our work in defining a young person’s future. I could get involved in when I am older. British improved health and self-care and of safer Exploring Society and Wildestan is presented lake, listening to the relationships. Apprenticeships are secured The ‘worth’ of these various potential impacts by passionate people…They have been an and job placements won by previously shy is not all obviously monetary. But we are just inspiration to me, one day I hope to be just distant wolf howls and disengaged Explorers. Start-ups and starting to learn how we might capture our like them. They come from a wide range coming from the huge creative enterprises are launched by young overall impact using a range of proxies. This is of backgrounds and they all have so much people who never thrived in school, and a challenging process – but provides valuable valuable information in their specialist fields. forest surrounding us.” learning for us.

20 IMPACT STORIES

opportunity to be directly involved with young I feel proud and honoured to have been a Leader Allan Gibbs people outside of the classroom and without Leader on two superb expeditions. It was Alaska 1995 & Svalbard 2009 the formal academic agenda. a privilege to help, in some small way, to contribute to their success. It was It`s difficult to isolate just one memory since I have been interested in wild remote places also very rewarding to see some of there were some exciting moments as a for all of my adult life. I’ve spent the last five the Members of those expeditions Leader during my two 6-week expeditions. decades travelling and exploring with a major grow in all sorts of respects to But, besides all that, I think the quieter moments focus on the mountains. After a career in become the fine people they when we were gathered around the fire remain education and twenty years as a head teacher, are today. I decided I’d had enough of the day job and memorable too. There developed, I think, a started a new life in the outdoors. We set up a bond of sharing and understanding between very small outdoor company and for another the expedition twenty years travelled the world helping other group that would be impossible to emulate people achieve their mountain dream. As an old in a similar timescale back in civilisation. person, I’m still working and climbing mountains My last expedition was to Alaska in 1995, so, it`s both with and without clients. Some of my best been quite a while since my last British Exploring moments have been when my own family have Society expedition. I continued involvement completed adventurous trips. I presently work as a Course Director for some of the Awards offered by Mountain Training. Essentially, this “I think the quieter involves training and assessing Leaders. moments when we were I find this rewarding in that these younger folk gathered around the fire will go on to inspire yet more people into the mountains. I also sit on the board of Mountain remain memorable too.” Training Cymru and we try to improve and extend training and resources to a variety of with Mountain Rescue and was an active users. I used to have about fourteen jobs, all team Member for almost twenty years. I set of which had to fit into a matrix of the year. up an outdoor business, mentioned above. This Every year would find me working for several took me to Everest, Kilimanjaro, all over South months in the Alps. Of late, I’ve slowed down America and far afield to some very different somewhat, but still keep busy. places from the Welsh Borders where I live. The Members of the expedition of 1995 are “I find this rewarding in still in occasional contact. It’s remarkable to realise that the Young Explorers from that that these younger folk expedition are the same sort of age now as will go on to inspire yet I was then. And scary too! It would seem that for many of those young people the more people into the expedition was formative in shaping their lives afterwards. Out of all their mountains.” educational experiences, it remains, after all this time, the most extreme Going on a remote expedition is a complex and profound. That’s quite a claim, and time-consuming activity. I saw British but who remembers much of such Exploring Society as an opportunity to join with influence sitting in a classroom? like-minded folk on an exciting enterprise in some wonderful locations. I also saw it as an

21 IMPACT STORIES

Each do slightly different things but all of them spots close by and had a 24-hour solo experience. Leader Jennie Richardson involve young people enjoying themselves, They had time to reflect, write, draw, think or just Artic Finnmark 2014, Indian Himalayas learning and developing in an outdoor be on their own before returning to camp around 2015, Arctic Leadership Skills Course 2015, environment. For me, one of the biggest midnight where we had the campfire blazing and Indian Himalayas 2016, Stellar Leadership differences is the depth of the personal kettles boiling. The Young Explorers, some of whom Development Programme 2017, Canadian experience and development when immersed were initially skeptical, were all quite moved by Yukon 2017, Canadian Yukon 2018, UK in expedition life for up to a month or more. the power of that time to be still and reflect. Explorers Spring 2019, Indian Himalayas 2019 I found British Exploring Society when I was Connecting with British Exploring Society has Jennie has led with us for nearly a decade looking for ways to explore destinations further certainly been a significant part of making and she has seen many changes in her own afield. I knew I wanted a trip with more purpose life decisions, focusing on the things that ability from her experience with British than just booking a holiday. Having heard of are important to me and a better Exploring Society. another tutor becoming a Science Leader for life balance. The organisation has British Exploring Society, I thought it sounded given me the opportunity to work I grew up in the North East seaside town of exciting and fitted my skill set – so in 2013 I with people who have shown Whitley Bay, but have lived in the mountains applied to become a Science Leader. I was faith in me and given me the of North Wales for as long as I did in Tyneside. quite open minded about where I wanted to space and opportunities I love having North Wales as a base, as it go… as long as it involved mountains. At the to spread those wings… has both a good selection of mountains interview, James Dyer suggested I choose and to do it my way. and a beautiful coastline. The sea kayaking Finnmark (Arctic Norway) as a Trainee Leader opportunities are pretty special too! It is not Mentor and, as soon as he suggested it, I knew it all big days out by any means, my best buddy was the right role for me. Hestia (a sprocker spaniel) helps me explore close to home and appreciate the local As well as mentoring, I had the opportunity to adventures. get involved with most aspects of the expedition as the team was split into Fires. Since then, I Working with British Exploring Society over the have led in many roles with British Exploring years has certainly given me more confidence Society, to the Indian Himalayas, Canadian in my own abilities and judgement, enabling me Yukon and UK Explorers in Scotland. to leave my full-time job as a senior tutor for the Field Studies Council to work freelance for many One of my favourite moments was on my different organisations. first British Exploring Society expedition to Finnmark. I joined one of the Fires on a remote camp for a few days, which had a peninsular “Working with British with awesome sea view. For a few days and in a spell of good weather, the team had a Exploring Society over pretty unique plan (thanks Neil and Ellie!). the years has certainly First, heading up the mountain at the end of the peninsular to summit at midnight. given me more Being in the Arctic Circle in July meant confidence in my own the sun doesn’t really go down, it just dips below the horizon. abilities and judgement, On returning to camp in the early enabling me to leave hours, we had some hot food and then, rather than snuggling down my full-time job as a in tents, the Young Explorers senior tutor...” headed out to bivi in their own

22 IMPACT STORIES

extremely lucky to have this experience. No TV that matter and Problem solving. I feel during Member Judd Stilwell show or zoo can ever compare to seeing an my time away the things I developed the Yukon 2019 & Trainee Leader animal like this in its natural habitat, doing what most from this were managing my feelings, Programme 2021 it is meant to do. staying on track and problem solving.

In 2019 I took part in British Exploring Society’s Life on expedition was both hard and Problem solving was something everybody Canadian Yukon expedition which was all round rewarding. Once in Canada, we spent the first worked on as we were all having to adapt an incredible experience for me. I have since few days in Whitehorse preparing for our first to the environment, using the kit we had and When I first arrived back applied for a place on the Peruvian Amazon three weeks in the wilderness. In pairs, we had one of the hardest things I found on expedition from expedition, I found things expedition as a Trainee Leader. I have always to organise all of the food and equipment we was getting used to the toilet situation, so one quite tough. Imagine spending 5 weeks been passionate about anything involving the would need to keep us going. afternoon when making our camp furniture I in the wilderness where the only noise you can outdoors; adventure, wildlife, and conservation. had a rush of inspiration and created the “Judd” hear is the odd loon, then going back to a busy Since the age of 18, I have tried a few different which was basically a free-standing toilet using town full of cars. I missed spending everyday jobs but no matter how hard I worked I never “My Compass has helped a square wooden frame. It is safe to say many with my Fire who were like family by the end felt any sense of fulfilment or job satisfaction. people were happy about this addition to me with staying on track and I missed the simple routine of waking up, After some of the hardest years of my life I basecamp. packing up before getting on the move for the decided enough was enough and I needed because it helped me I developed on managing my feelings massively day. Without realising it these five weeks had to make a change. I needed to try something visually see my progress because, although I’m confident, I can be a shy changed me. I have become more organised completely different, so applied to take part person in large groups and in the past have from looking after my kit, more independent in the Yukon expedition after seeing a British and hopes for the future.” suffered from anxiety, so being around roughly and far more focused on developing myself Exploring Society advert on social media. The 70 strangers was quite tough at first but I soon which has all stuck with me to this day. I have expedition was five weeks, split up into three To get to basecamp we had a 650km journey learnt to get used to it and recognise how I feel gained various expedition skills such as route weeks trekking around the Mcquesten area north into the wilderness to a location not in these kind of situations. This helped me a lot planning, knowledge about the kind of kit to and two weeks of paddling down the Teslin far from Lake Mcquesten. After arriving at when I started a new job not long after arriving take on an expedition and how to recognise and Yukon rivers. our basecamp all of the Leaders and Young back in England. different weather systems coming in. This expedition appealed to me over the Explorers spent a day getting stuck in with I enjoyed the experience so much I have since others because there would be plenty of tasks. We needed to make basecamp feel decided to pursue a career in the outdoor opportunities for adventure, to see beautiful more like home. To help do this we built camp “I have become more industry, I have always liked the idea of this but scenery and a chance to see some wildlife furniture, rain shelters, latrines, Tippy Tappies organised from looking never had the knowledge or confidence to do that live in this amazing part of the world. (Stand up taps) and a makeshift shower using so. Thanks to the help and advice from British This was not a holiday though; the expedition a hose running from Cache Creek. There was after my kit, more Exploring Society and my Leaders, I have come was based around personal development a lot to do but this was a great chance to independent and up with a three-year plan on how I can make and the challenges that come with living in a get to know some of the Young Explorers on this possible. To help me achieve this I have remote area. We had 5 weeks without phones, the trip. What surprised me was how friendly far more focused on signed up for the Trainee Leader Programme electricity or running water which might sound everyone was, it didn’t matter who you were which will provide a wide range of training daunting in this modern age but in fact this or where you were from, we were all happy developing myself...” and experience I need to help me complete made the experience so much more special as to be there sharing this experience together My Compass has helped me with staying on my Mountain Leader award. This will be taking you’re very much in the present and so really and the group gelled immediately. track because it helped me visually see my place in 2021. I’m very much looking forward to appreciate what’s around you. To help measure each Young Explorers progress and hopes for the future. Seeing my it, especially the validation stage in the Peruvian I have many memories I could talk about but progress and to gain vital feedback, British thoughts and feelings about personal ambitions Amazon which will put all my skills to the test. one which I will never forget was being able to Exploring use a tool called My Compass which made me feel accountable in a positive way The whole experience has helped me create an watch a black bear eating berries across the is a book that tracks personal development and think about the steps I need to take to exciting future for myself. I would recommend river from us for 45 minutes on the River section before, during and after the expedition. It achieve these tasks. I have since adopted a volunteering for British Exploring Society to of the trip. Throughout the paddle trip there was is all confidential and assesses; Confidence, more organised approach to any task I must anybody, the staff went above and beyond evidence of animals all around us like footprints, Communication, People and Me, Managing do in my life and as a result have less stress and their expectations from start to finish. It’s an but wild animals can be very shy, so we were my feelings, Staying on track, Making decisions more time on my hands. adventure you will never forget.

23 IMPACT STORIES

Attenborough doesn’t quite do it justice – and cues and signs that are easy to miss in normal Anonymous Member just as I was becoming aware of all the creepy life. I have since joined the police, and these skills Amazon 2017 & Pinnacle 2022 crawlies around me, my head torch cut out. have been invaluable in my career so far. Just as I was starting to seriously panic trying to I am not yet ready to leave expeditions behind I first went on expedition with British Exploring turn it back on, a huge firefly came over in the though, and I am hoping to cross Lake Baikal to the Peruvian Amazon, and will hopefully dark and landed right next to me. It was exactly with the Pinnacle team – COVID pending! I be heading out to Lake Baikal in March on the reminder I needed that not everything was would also love to return as a Leader, because the Pinnacle expedition. At the time of the out to kill me, and calmed me down enough to my Amazon Leaders were all so diverse and Amazon expedition I was at university studying start admiring all the wildlife around me. I was inspiring in different ways. languages and international relations, and still very glad when I managed to turn my was enjoying the Scottish Highlands with head-torch back on though! the mountaineering club. I’ve always had an adventurous streak and had been finding Although on the very first night, it was one of the “Being on expedition for university somewhat challenging, so I decided moments I kept thinking back to on expedition, so long taught me to live to join an expedition as it was something I’ve just as I was thinking I’d made a massive always wanted to do and I needed a goal mistake and should have got an internship with in the moment...” for myself. It turned into so much more than air conditioning instead. I had struggled with that, and British Exploring Society has become confidence when moving to university, but the I had previously wanted to join the Army and almost an alma mater to me. rhythms and daily routine of jungle life seemed had been gutted when I failed the medical, to calm me down. There was no point stressing but the Leaders had shown me such a about the deadline that was over a month diverse range of jobs that I had never even “Cooking especially away, it was all about what problem faced you considered, and ways to keep the adventure brought us together in the here and now (usually ants). alive in a 9-5 world. It is another dream to work abroad for a humanitarian charity, I was in a small Fire which allowed us to get to which British Exploring Society has definitely every night, where our know each other incredibly deeply that I didn’t had a role in giving me the skills to be able think was possible in such a short timeframe. banoffee pies were to do so and the desire to create change Cooking especially brought us together every in the world. It only goes to show how envied throughout night, where our banoffee pies were envied influential British Exploring Society has throughout the camp. In such a small Fire, we the camp.” been that nearly 4 years on, it is still one learnt everyone’s strengths and weaknesses of the top things people want to talk to quickly, and seamlessly adapted to pushing I think one of the most defining moments of me about when they hear about it. each other and supporting each other when the expedition was on the very first night in the required. After the expedition, we have all gone jungle. We had been flying for nearly 48 hours, our separate ways but have an active group landed at 3500m in Cusco, snatched maybe 3 chat. It is the sort of friendship that doesn’t need hours sleep and were up again at 4am for a 12- to be updated daily but can be picked up from hour journey over the Andes into the Amazon. I where it was left off. was jetlagged, dehydrated, hot, overwhelmed and as soon as it got dark, absolutely terrified. Being on expedition for so long taught me to live in the moment, and not worry about future Because of how easy it was to get lost in deadlines or things which you have no control the jungle, we had to move around in pairs over. It encouraged me to take a chance and minimum except when you went to the toilet. do a year abroad, which I don’t think I would So whilst I was waiting for my tent mate, it was have had the confidence to do otherwise. The the first time I had been alone in 3 days and skill I am proudest of is my people skills. Living it was pitch black. I can’t quite describe what in incredibly close quarters with the same 10 it’s like to be alone in a jungle at night – even people day in day out teaches you the subtle

24 OUR GRATITUDE TO OUR MEDICS Lucy Obolensky FBES, Medical Technical Advisor and Fellow

We owe a continuous debt of gratitude to all new cases, each time having to make your way that urgent investigation, or their regular mental our Leaders. This year, we have been thinking into the medical tent in the cold and dark, to find health appointments. The weekly clapping only in particular about the medics who work the necessary drugs and treatment, then help added to the feeling they are not doing enough. so hard with us, and who have faced such your patients clean up their infected tents with Some have had to admit their own colleagues overwhelming professional and emotional freezing water and soap, all whilst ensuring your to their ward, looking into the scared faces challenges. We wanted to say thank you to own hygiene and safety. of professionals who are now their patients, all the medics we work with. The next day you have to cope with the day no-one knowing what the future holds with this We asked our Chief Medic Dr. Lucy to day tasks of expedition life, and ensure high complex, unpredictable disease. Obolensky if she could explain some quality public health measures are in place Some have lost loved ones, friends and family, of these challenges for readers of our throughout the camp, train all the team in have not been able to visit or hold the funeral Impact Report. Somehow, Lucy managed hygiene practices, see all your patients and, they would have liked, bringing the to convey both the incredible work of again, ensure you’re looking after yourself. You pandemic from a professional challenge our medics on expedition and in our UK want to ask for advice on one challenging into a personal one. hospitals – but also to demonstrate the case… but you are the only medic in the team remarkable modesty of the medics we and have to trust your own clinical judgement What we have learnt is that we all draw are so fortunate to know. and instincts. strength from those around us; we value our colleagues and our team; we value the small By day 8 you are exhausted, but slowly see you wins we can make each day, and most of all have turned the corner with fewer cases in the How being a British we value the kindness shown to us by others. day, and that night there are no knocks at your Exploring Society tent door. At the end of the expedition the team I have no doubt that British Exploring Society medic better give you a camping mug signed by all those has better prepared medics for this pandemic you have helped and supported with a hug and through the resilience, adaptability and prepares you for handshake that means more than a thousand team working they have acquired through thankyous. expeditions and the community support of a pandemic British Exploring Society that never leaves you. Expedition medicine gives you a resilience that It is 2am, the moon shines brightly never leaves you. You learn to bond with your Dr Lucy Obolensky is Chief Medic for British outside your tent, it is -2 degrees team more than in any scenario in hospital, and Exploring Society and is a GP, EM doctor and outside and you can hear the wind you learn to be grateful for the little things. clinical academic. howling. You’re just dropping back COVID has been challenging to all medics in off to sleep when you hear your many different ways: next ‘customer’ trudging over to your tent. Some have been at the front line in the coal face of the worst affected areas, swamped The ‘knock’ on your tent door is with patients and having to make difficult FIELD FACT followed by the low struggling decisions on which of those patients gets the voice of a Young Explorer; “please precious intensive care beds. Trying to do the WHEN CARRYING OUT FIRST help, I’m feeling awful” before best they can with what they have, whilst also vomiting outside your tent door. AID, REMEMBER THAT THE scared for their own safety and that of their PAIN OF ONE INJURY COULD Somehow norovirus has found its family. way into base camp and is racing ACTUALLY BE MASKING Some have had their daily work cut down through the Young Explorers and SOMETHING MORE SERIOUS. due to the pandemic and feel a deep sense of Leaders. This is the 5th night in a guilt for the patients they are not treating; the THIS IS KNOWN AS A row you have been sleepless with patients who need that pain-relieving surgery, DISTRACTING INJURY.

25 EXPLORER AWARDS

The Les Morgan Memorial Award Each year, we award The Les Morgan Memorial Award to a Young Explorer who has shown exceptional initiative or leadership in adverse circumstances on expedition. The Award is made on the recommendation of the expedition Chief Leader and judged by our CEO. This year’s winner is Young Explorer Leon, Amazon 2019.

LEON Peruvian Amazon in 2019, The Les Morgan Memorial Award, Winner 2019 “Leon stood out as exceptional for two reasons. The first is the way in which Leon’s potential, hidden by timidity at the Training Weekend, blossomed so quickly – he really did become a different person in the jungle. The second reason I am nominating Leon is because of the support he offered the rest of his Fire. He gave generously of his time and energy, no task too small or beneath him; always the success of the group and the welfare of individuals at the centre of his activities.”

26 LEADER AWARDS

Recipients for our Leader Awards are nominated and shortlisted by fellow Leaders The Les Morgan Leader Watson Emerging Leader of the Year and Members of the British Exploring Society of the Year Award Award in memory of Jean Sinclair team. The final Award is made by a judging panel who look to honour spirit and skills. The Les Morgan Leader of the Year Award is to identify and Watson Emerging Leader of the Year Award in memory of celebrate consistent excellence in any area of leadership, or to Jean Sinclair is designed to recognise and reward emerging Our external judges are: recognise an individual who has supported and helped develop talent, or to identify new, additional or more senior leadership their fellow Leaders, providing guidance and direction for them – actions on the part of a Leader who may have worked with Conrad Humpreys: an outstanding professional as well as for Explorers in preparation for and throughout their us for some time. This year’s winner is Joanna McLaughlin, yachtsman and adventurer, competing in 3 expedition experiences. This year’s winner is Chloe Moul, Senior Media Leader, Canadian Yukon 2019. round the world races, as well as taking on Social Leader, Dangoor Next Generation 2019. the role of Sail Master for the C4 recreation of Captain Bligh’s voyage from Tonga to Timor. Shane Winser: who runs Geography Outdoors – the Expedition and Fieldwork team at the RGS – and advises a wide range of organisations and individuals working in field research and adventure with purpose. Marvin Rees: President of British Exploring Society and the Mayor of Bristol, having first joined British Exploring Society on expedition in 1990. Honor Wilson-Fletcher CEO of British Exploring Society also formed part of the panel. Fellows Fellowship at British Exploring Society is awarded by our Council. Fellowship is attainable by any individual involved in our work: staff, volunteers, partners, donors, patrons and explorers, and is granted in relation to exceptional contribution. The CHLOE MOUL JOANNA MCLAUGHLAN The Les Morgan Leader of the Year Award, Winner 2019 Watson Emerging Leader of the Year Award contribution that is recognised by Fellowship in memory of Jean Sinclair, Winner 2019 is in a field that aligns with British Exploring “Throughout this year’s programme, Chloe exemplified Society. This may include education, youth the behaviour, attitudes and values of a great expedition “Joey has been absolute delightful to work with. She has development, social work, fundraising, Leader, utilising her vast youth experience and knowledge been endlessly resourceful, with ideas for every stage of training, leadership, expedition design, to absolutely nail every interaction with the young people, the expedition. With her positive approach and energy, she science, geology, medicine, or enterprise. sometimes at their most challenging time, and supported was able to inspire Young Explorers and Leaders too. Joey We’d like to welcome our two new Fellows every Leader to help deliver their most effective intervention approached the role of Media Leader with a clear vision of (who also happen to be British Exploring with their participants. She is a rock and a core Member helping young people express themselves and understand Society staff): Caroline Hodges, Head of of base camp team, highly professional and willing to be the cultural and historical significance of the Yukon territory… Expeditions and Strategic Operations, involved in everything that supports the development of She approached the role with care, passion and throughout and James Dyer, Expedition Training the Young Explorers.” the expedition demonstrated her ability as a Leader.” and Leadership Advisor.

27 “In the UK, you can legally wild camp without getting permission in parts of Dartmoor and across Scotland.” Bruce Manning Wildestan Expert, Camp Life, Wildestan Expedition 2020

£85k+ OUR COMMUNITY & RAISED BY OUR FIRESIDES VIRTUAL CAMPFIRE TO SUPPORT OUR WORK

When we updated our identity a couple of years ago, we championed with better communication of its importance. Our wanted to find a way to embrace, celebrate and represent our Firesides are part of tackling that commitment. In addition to Exploring Membership community and to suggest one of our favourite places to meet: raising awareness and encouraging debate, these events have We had planned to host a facilitated weekend ‘on the hill’ with around the campfire. Hence the circle logo next to our name. so far also raised over £85,000 for the work of the charity. We a proper campfire, time for hiking and leisurely conversation to We still use the name for an individual expedition group that hope to host 4 Firesides a year in future. bring together Members to ask for their help this year. Instead, our founder Murray Levick coined because it also refers back over the course of 4 evenings we worked with a cross-section 25th June 2020 Rory Stewart: ‘From Afghanistan to that place – a “Fire” – and conjures up the simple, powerful of our Members aged from 19 to 85 to consider how we might to Wildestan’ idea of a group of people coming together and learning from model membership for the future. As you would expect, they each other in a welcoming and unconfrontational place. We 20th October 2020 Marvin Rees: ‘A New Significance – why tackled new technology with great good humour. They want all our activities to be like this. fair access to the outdoors is now more important than ever’ sacrificed their evenings, and even supper, to share ideas, fantastic stories, and practical suggestions to move us forward. We were fortunate to be able to host our Celebration evening in March 2020 at the Royal Geographical Society just before They were united in their conviction that the purpose of lockdown, when we announced our Explorers and Leaders “Our vision of equal access membership is to support the core purpose of the charity – of the Year and welcomed new Fellows to British Exploring to challenging learning and and that whilst reunions and events are fun, desirable and Society. Since then, everyone has been exploring new ways uplifting, it is our youth development work which should to come together. adventure in the wilderness motivate active membership. This year we launched Firesides. These are virtual conversations for all young people needs We were joined from Eastern Europe, Scotland and the South with public figures who join us to consider our work with young West. It seems likely that by working virtually we benefited people in the context of their own, fascinating and remarkable to be championed with better from the advice of Members who would not have been able lives. Our vision of equal access to challenging learning and communication of its importance.” to join us if our weekend ‘on the hill’ had proceeded. adventure in the wilderness for all young people needs to be

To find out more about our Fireside with Rory Stewart, clickhere , 28 or for our Fireside with Marvin Rees, click here. “The only living bit of the trunk of a tree is below the bark, so you can actually kill a tree by damaging too much of the bark” Roland Arnison, Wildestan Expert, Leave No Trace, Wildestan 2020 Season 01

SPECIAL MENTIONS

‘Thank you’ does not do justice to the contributions so many James Dyer – for perpetually volunteering time, expertise, good All the Leaders who gave us their time and sprinkled their people make to our work. We hope that a brief description humour, and energy to the organisation he loves and has done magic over Wildestan to make it the exciting and rewarding of the difference these people made this year might be more so much to shape. place it has become. Particular thanks to those who signed meaningful. This list will not be exhaustive – huge apologies up for a programme in Scotland, which then moved to Wales, Lisa Cawley – for being an exceptionally generous person even to anyone not included here. then Brighton and Darwen, and then online. And still did a great when insanely busy and, in the words of the team, also a ‘badass’. job. You are all wonderful. We are indebted to… Kate Wilson – for generous, practical, and effective Joshua, Chris, Chris, Jennie, Crispin, Ele, Glyn, Ed, Joanna, Soo, Our Chair Ian, our trustees, Our Development Board Chair communications advice which helped us stay close to the people John, Sophie, Nando, Natalie, Graham & Tony – the Members Rahul, and all the members of our Development Board – who matter most to us this year. of British Exploring Society who gave up a serious amount of for their tireless hard work, and for trust and confidence in us, Zenna Hopkins – for keeping us on the right track and providing time (and several evening meals) to share ideas and wrestle which allowed us to move swiftly and to change plans when succinct advice when it matters most. For always having the best with new technology with good humour to help us successfully we needed to. interests of vulnerable young people close to her heart. move forward with membership. Our President Marvin – for helping us get our heads straight Alison Mackay – for her sage advice and guidance to a Leader Cecelia Martin and Lucy Harper independent facilitators – about some of the most important issues we addressed this with no pre-existing playbook to tackle an interesting year. for giving body and soul to understanding us and to the process year, and for an engaging and uplifting first President’s Address. of consulting with our Members, becoming part of the family in Quintilla Wikeley – for sensitive and pithy communications Daragh and Anne Horgan, John and Catherine Hartz, and the process. advice, at speed and with absolutely no fuss whatsoever. David Dangoor – for their consistently confident and uplifting Kyle & Millie & Joshua – for stepping forward bravely and messages of support which made this year so rewarding. Simon Wheeler – for his enthusiasm, sense of the possible and being questioned, live, by the estimable, benign but intimidating pragmatic guidance as we worked out how to shape and deliver Rory Stewart – for christening our Fireside series of talks Worshipful Company of Educators. Your responses were Wildestan from scratch. Quickly. with consummate style and grace, and for helping us raise exceptional, and an uplifting tribute to your own achievements – considerable funds for our work in the process. Georgie and Shona at the Aldridge Foundation and Angela and to the work of our Leaders as they supported you on your and Chloe at Outcomes First Group – for staying optimistic journey with us. when most people weren’t.

29 MEMBERSHIP 1937 NEWFOUNDLAND This year in Membership has been one of reconnection. receive support and ideas on how they can translate The contribution and warm engagement of Members their experience on expedition into activities to help in has allowed us to gain a wealth of knowledge about their everyday lives and futures, as well as incentives to the lives our Members lead post-expedition, and to continue their outdoor adventures – access to discounts appreciate the many inspiring things they do. We for kit for example. Critically, they will find support to continue to welcome new generations of Young sustain the momentum they built during their time with Explorers from the same families, too. The children of five us. They can also find inspiration for organising reunions. current Members are already confirmed to go on their The resources have been received well so far, with an first expedition with us next year – and we can’t think of above-average open rate. Several new Members have a more solid endorsement of the value of the work taken part in other activities with us – writing for The of our Leaders and the team. Campfire, organising reunions, and participating in online events. Our thanks goes out to everyone who got in touch to tell their story and anyone who has offered encouragement We would like to extend our special thanks to the or help in shaping the future of Membership. following contributors to The Campfire: Graham Ferguson (Himalayas ’17) The Campfire Natalie Thomas (Norway ’05, Greenland ’06 and ’07)

We have produced four new editions of our Members Sir John Chapple (Newfoundland ’47, Northern Norway Magazine in the last 12 months. Readership has remained ’49, Iceland ’52, British Columbia ’53, and Labrador ’58) strong since its launch in 2019, with 3283 individual Dr Fernando Mateos-Gonzalez (Amazon ’17, Canadian readers throughout the last year. With every edition Yukon ’18, Dangoor Infinity Pilot ’18, UK Explorers ’19, and we receive more letters and emails of thanks, and more Dangoor Infinity Iceland ’19) offers to contribute. The stories that our Members provide Dr. Maria-José Ramírez are a vibrant and often light-hearted mix of history, Nick Nichol knowledge, and experience. The Campfire has provided what any campfire should – a place where Members Carolyn Young can share their individual experiences and re-connect Sophie Harrowes (Iceland ’85) with each other and our work. Andy Browning (Amazon ’17 and ’18, UK Explorers ’19) Jackie Kerr Starting the journey Millie Flynn (Amazon ’19, Wildestan ’20) as a Member Suzette Beech Bowater Timothy Deighton (Western Himalayas ’88) At the start of this year, we launched our “New Member David Bartles-Smith (Project New Horizons: Iceland ’15, Journey”. This is a 12-month communication and resource Dangoor Next Generation ’16) plan to help those who have recently come back from expedition with their next steps. These first 12 months are critical to embed the benefits of the expedition experience and form the bedrock for how our newest Members interact with us. It may also influence how likely it is that each Member will become actively involved with the work of the charity in the future. New Members 1954 NORTHERN QUEBEC To find out more about our Membership clickhere . 30 1961 1979 1982 ARCTIC SCANDINAVIA NORWAY EAST GREENLAND

2018 PERUVIAN AMAZON

31 OUR PARTNERS Georgina Butler, Aldridge Foundation Communications and Programmes Executive The Aldridge Foundation & British Exploring Society

As a charity dedicated to inspiring young opportunity for young people to develop people to realise their ambitions and these skills, learning to think for themselves, “If I were to say just providing them with the tools, information, work together and take responsibility one word to someone experience and support they need to while challenging their perspectives and succeed, we are delighted to partner encouraging growth. to describe the trip, it with British Exploring Society. Our first partnership together, the Dangoor would be ‘life-changing’.” We believe that where you come from Infinity programme, was a 4-week long should not dictate where you are going. We expedition in August 2019 consisting of two “It was challenging physically, mentally and want to give disadvantaged young people weeks trekking through Iceland’s volcanic socially. It has made me a stronger person and from deprived communities enriching landscape and two weeks voyaging at will affect every decision I make in the future.” experiences that will help level the playing sea aboard SV Tenacious, made possible As an organisation we found that the British field when it comes to confidence, life skills by the partnership with British Exploring Exploring Society team shared our passion and opportunities. Helping them realise Society and Jubilee Sailing Trust. and values. We admire how the organisation their potential at school and beyond. As part of measuring the impact of this adapted to the COVID-19 situation to ensure British Exploring Society’s expertise in programme, our young people were surveyed young people were still able to digitally expeditions to remote locations offers before and after taking part in the trip on British access some of the experiences of going on our young people unparalleled and Exploring Society’s My Compass areas such as expedition. Sadly, the pandemic meant that often transformational life experiences. Making Decisions That Matter, The World and our programme with British Exploring Society Me, Managing My Feelings, Staying on Track for 2020, which had attracted a strong sign-up “We believe that where and Communication. In each case the skills across our schools, had to be postponed, but increased, with some showing a significant we are looking forward to working together you come from should increase from the expedition experience. again in future on activities within the UK and overseas. not dictate where you The feedback from our young people was are going.” even more revealing: “I would like to thank you for giving me this The initiatives we are developing with our opportunity to improve myself and see the partners are linked by the common theme world from a different angle. I would also like of helping young people to develop the to thank every single teammate who was enterprise skills and entrepreneurial mindsets with me that inspired me with their personal to succeed. Skills we refer to as the Aldridge experiences and that helped me overcome 29 Attributes. Teamwork, Passion, Creativity, my social shyness.” PARTNERS AND SCHOOLS Determination, Risk-Taking & Problem Solving. “My level of confidence has massively increased COMMUNICATED WITH We have found that British Exploring Society since I went on this expedition, not only in myself ABOUT WILDESTAN AND expeditions provide a unique environment and but for what the future may hold.” OUR 2021 EXPEDITIONS

32 OUR FINANCIALS

“Your organisation uses incredible experiential Excerpts from the Annual How we work learning to implicitly develop character, while Our community of Report of Council The international events and national guidelines ensuring it is explicitly explored through My Explorers and Adventurers imposed this year disrupted our everyday Compass and coaching led dialogues…it is President working life, all our normal planning and our apparent that British Exploring Society is Our community of Explorers and Adventurers Marvin Rees approach to youth development. But we were taking strategic led action to ensure its offer now represents an inclusive and diverse cross section of young people from a wide range of Members of our Council clear about what had not changed: that young continues to reach a broader demographic of communities and experiences of adolescence. Ian Maginnis (Chair) people needed – more than ever – engaging young people.” We work with young people in foster care, access to inspirational Leaders, rewarding Tom Haigh leaving care, and those living with mental and Rupert Eastwood (Treasurer) learning opportunities and a safe environment CEO, Association for Character Education (Resigned 2nd April 2020) to meet new people and be excited by the physical impairment as well as those growing outdoors. We have reviewed our strategy and produced up in communities identified as facing multiple David Tilston (Treasurer) an update called On Track. disadvantages. (Appointed 5th February 2020) Our staff team and volunteers have remained motivated despite a wide range of challenges. We will continue to focus on efficiency and Financially, we support Explorers in different Joanna Wolstenholme effectiveness and on measurement of impact ways. Whereas some expedition places are (Resigned 2nd April 2020) We have stayed focused on our purpose and we have continued to progress our strategy as our programme model diversifies to meet the fully paid for by Explorers, others are free to Susan Redshaw particularly in relation to our systems and needs of young people post-pandemic – and to participants if funded through our programmes fundraising capability. We have protected our keep a tight rein on the number of priorities we in partnership, or subsidised using bursaries. Jane Park-Weir financial position and ended the year take on. We need to remain outwardly focused, Going forward in 2021, all our programmes (except for our professional training qualification Rahul Moodgal in a respectable position. aware of the on-going unpredictability of the external environment. for Trainee Leaders) will fully funded for our Carolyn Young We recognise that the next year will also be participants. As part of their commitment to us very challenging. We continue to diversify and increase our and to the programme they join, we now ask Patrick Van Daele fundraising capacity. young people to fundraise towards the work We also recognise with huge gratitude the David Bartles-Smith of the charity when joining us for full expedition faith and generosity of our donors in helping us We are changing our approach to delivering (Appointed 2nd April 2020) programmes. Each young person’s contribution sustain financial stability and continue to serve and funding our programmes, so we continue to invest in fundraising and in the team delivering is subject to a simple means-test, to ensure Ruth Owen our communities energetically. our fundraising targets. Our Development equality of access for all – and to some extent (Appointed 30th September 2020) We have strengthened governance to help Board has transformed its contribution to our reflects the scale of the challenge they are Michael Blakey us deliver our strategic aims. We have 3 new fundraising and now provides a wide arrange taking on through their expedition. (Resigned 5th November 2019) trustees – in particular a Lead Trustee each of additional forms of advice and pro-bono for Safeguarding and for Mental and Physical professional support to the executive team. Jonathan Gisby Impairment – and we have sustained our A shared commitment (Resigned 1st November 2019) relationship with two skilled retiring trustees with and shared benefits Douglas Oppenheim particular expertise in working with vulnerable “I believe that my young people as Board Advisors. Everyone who participates in our programmes (Resigned 1st November 2019) confidence has agrees to a Code of Ethics and Good Conduct. Finally, we sought external validation for our Everyone who completes a full programme approach to youth development. We were leaped forward and with us becomes a Member of British Exploring awarded the Charity of Character Kitemark in has encouraged me to Society for life. The work of British Exploring 2020. In confirming this award, the Association Society is transformational for everyone who for Character education advised us that: explore the wilderness participates (Leaders and Experts as well around me.” as Explorers and Adventurers) and British Exploring Society believes that society benefits Young Adventurer, Wildestan 2020 considerably, over many years, from the impact of what it does and from the culture and community it fosters.

33 OUR FINANCIALS

Expedition Workshops gifts with us, we have been able to provide live, Our Leaders, Experts January – March 2020 virtual, interactive adventures and expeditions Firesides/Webinars for young people aged 14 and above in Our vision of equal access to challenging and volunteers “In tough situations that life throws at us we Wildestan. Each adventure is hosted by one of learning and adventure in the wilderness for all need to consider other people around and Our professional volunteers have risen to the our professional Leaders and is themed around young people needs to be championed with decide collectively on the best outcomes for challenge of adapting to new approaches and – and where possible is delivered in – the better communication of its importance. To that all our needs.” learning new skills with consistent energy and wilderness. Our Leaders accessed wilderness end, and to support our fundraising, we have optimism. Our volunteers have supported us “I liked the ‘immersive’ experience of going from across the UK and in Europe for our Young hosted a small number of events, virtually for to design new programmes, keep our archive to the Amazon and having to solve different Adventurers. We have used as much as we the time being, to bring together interesting going, make governance more professional, problems.” can of the same mix of Adventure, Knowledge speakers and audiences on the general help the charity fundraise, as well as providing and Personal Development as we have used in themes of adventure, personal development the knowledge behind the adventure, science “I learnt that at the end of the day it’s the the wilderness for nearly a century to engage and fair access. and creative experiences that define our people you have on your team that make the young people in lively activities – but using only programmes. The volunteers who donate their experiences you have, and that cooperation ‘kit’ found in the home. 25th June 2020 Rory Stewart: ‘From time each year to take part in programmes and good judgement are essentials.” Afghanistan to Wildestan’. are vital to the charitable purpose of British Wildestan Adventures are designed to be fun, Participants, 20th October 2020 Marvin Rees: ‘A New Exploring Society – and they have made a most importantly, and to provide the challenge Expedition Workshops, 2020 Significance – why fair access to the outdoors critical contribution this year, particularly as of learning something new alongside other is now more important than ever’. Expert presenters for Wildestan. First delivered in 2020, we worked with Leaders young people. Each Adventure develops to design active participation workshops for key outdoors skills, offers learning about the In addition to raising awareness and Adventurer feedback from secondary schools. Our aims were: natural world, and develops confidence. Most encouraging debate, these events have so Wildestan Adventures: importantly, they allow the opportunity to To provide valued content for our partner far also raised over £85,000 for the work of meet and connect with inspiring Leaders in a “I…could not verbally communicate until I was schools and stand-alone learning for the charity. safe environment. around 7 years of age. Wildestan is different participants; to anything I have experienced before. I was To develop experience in decision-making Wildestan Expedition learning how to build fires one week and then Financial Review: excerpts under pressure and support strategies for 26th – 30th October 2020 learning about birdsong the week after. I am positive well-being for young people; 2019/20 has been a unique year for British more equipped to manage myself…Wildestan ‘I attended the expedition to Wildestan Exploring Society. In the wake of the pandemic, has opened my eyes to a world I have always To present new and relatable adult role- because it was a great opportunity to learn the financial outcome looked uncertain. wished to know more about…” models to young people; interesting facts from actual expedition However, most of our longstanding funding Young Adventurer, To dispel myths about the outdoors – about Leaders and to escape from lockdown partners on restricted programmes generously Wildestan 2020 fitness, money, suitability, and the purpose of in a city by being whisked away into the de-restricted their donations in-year. The charity modern adventure and exploration; wilderness….(it) provided some structure was able to recover, deliver new programmes To have fun and show learning in a new, to what was a difficult time and gave us and to sustain its core team, growing Notable activities and exciting context, treating our audience as optimism for the future.’ unrestricted and restricted reserves to put us in a Young Adventurer 2020 achievements in 2019/20 adults, as we do on our programmes. strong position to face future challenges and be Over the autumn half term, we delivered our ready to deliver benefit in the face of increasing Pinnacle Expedition Training Supported by the Hartz Family Foundation, first Wildestan Expedition. need. Throughout 2020 – departs February 2022 we were able to reach 135 students before lockdown. 5 consecutive days of live, online, interactive British Exploring Society generated £1,276,453 of 14 young people and 7 Leaders were recruited Wildestan workshops with the same cohort income (2019: £1,762,053). The total cost of our and then took part in extensive engagement Wildestan Adventures were led by different Experts to prepare charitable activities amounted to £833,011 (2019: and on-line training sessions in preparation for May – October 2020 participants for life on expedition and to provide £1,599,990). Due to cancellation of our overseas our first expedition to Lake Baikal in Siberia. This British Exploring Society launched ‘Wildestan’ an introduction to some of the learning, skills, and wilderness programmes, we awarded only programme, generously supported by Sandy as a strategic response to COVID-19 – and our and personal development benefits of an £2,994 in grants to individuals (2019: £166,514). This and Zorica Glen, has now been postponed to first virtual destination – in May 2020. With the expedition programme. was funded through restricted funds. February 2022, but we will continue to provide support of the donors who de-restricted their training and support for all those already signed up for the expedition. 34 OUR FINANCIALS

There was net surplus on the unrestricted, The relief of those in need because We rely on fundraising received as: restricted and endowment funds of £371,572 of disadvantage – through specific Independent Auditor’s Restricted and unrestricted donations from (2019: £62,093 net expenditure). The Council programmes to provide progression Individuals or Members; report confirms that the charity’s assets are available opportunities for young people most On 4th February 2021 Stephen Tanner the and adequate to fulfil the financial obligations of at risk in society; Corporate donations; the British Exploring Society. Senior Statutory Auditor, signed for and on The advancement of community Sponsorship; behalf of Kreston Reeves LLP an unqualified development – through the active audit report on the statutory accounts of Reserves Policy promotion of volunteering and civic Legacy or donating in memory; and British Exploring Society for the year ended responsibility; 31st October 2020. The reserves fund is a sum set aside by Council. Trusts and Foundation giving. The minimum amount to be designated as The advancement of science – through Our fundraising activities are delivered by our Stephen Tanner BSc(Econ) FCA, Senior reserves is designed to be enough to maintain research, and independent research in-house fundraising team, who are obliged to Statutory Auditor ongoing operations and programmes for a projects; and observe our policies and the highest standards set period, measured in months. The target For and on behalf of Kreston Reeves LLP, The advancement of environmental in fundraising. minimum is equal to 3 months of average Statutory Auditor protection – through the promotion and operating costs. The maximum level of the We received no complaints in relation to better understanding of sustainable Third Floor reserves is equal to 6 months operating costs. fundraising activities in the 2019/20 financial development and biodiversity. 24 Chiswell Street British Exploring Society sets as a requirement year. Finance Committee had no cause to London the addition of reserves equivalent to one review any non-compliance with any area of EC1Y 4YX month’s operating costs over a year if our Statement of responsibility fundraising activity. Our full Financial Statements are available on reserves stand at less than six months’ worth Our work brings us into regular contact of operating costs at its commencement, or in relation to fundraising our website, on the Charity Commission website with young people between the ages of 14 and from Companies House. to bring reserves up to three months’ worth of British Exploring Society takes its duties in and 26, some of whom may be particularly operating costs if at less than three months at relation to fundraising under Data Privacy vulnerable. We work and fundraise alongside the beginning of the year. and Protection regulation and per The Code our community of Members, families and “I am a donor, a The balance held as unrestricted funds at 31st of Fundraising Practice seriously. Our Data carers, schools and public institutions, other trustee and I Chair our October 2020 was £449,403 of which £374,855 Protection and Privacy Policy was reviewed charities, and local communities. British Exploring are regarded as free reserves, after allowing and revised alongside our Ethical Fundraising Society is committed, and recognises that it Development Board, for funds tied up in tangible fixed assets. The and Partnerships Policy in June 2020. The has an obligation, to always protect those in balance held as restricted and endowment Code of Fundraising Practice outlines the vulnerable circumstances. Should we ever which is growing fast in funds at 31st October 2020 was £299,746. standards expected of all charitable fundraising suspect that someone we engage with through strength and commitment. organisations across the UK. Those standards our fundraising activity is lacking capacity or is were developed by the fundraising community in vulnerable circumstances, we will take steps We are all totally Statement of Public through the work of the Chartered Institute of to terminate any contract or commitment in a behind the vision of this Benefit Fundraising (CIoF) and the Fundraising Regulator. way which seeks to protect that person and Council has overall accountability for fundraising their dignity, having due regard for any desire organisation, and I am The trustees of British Exploring Society have standards at British Exploring Society, with they have expressed to support British Exploring taken due note of their responsibilities, under management and the Development Board Society. very excited (and totally the Charity Commission’s guidance on public responsible for ensuring that related policies driven) by what we are benefit, to deliver public benefit and are and procedures are followed. Any material confident of the impact of British Exploring issues that arise are reviewed by the Finance going to achieve in the Society in the following areas: Committee in the first instance, before escalation to Council as appropriate. next couple of years.” The advancement of education – through the development of individual capabilities, Rahul Moodgal competencies, skills and understanding;

35 Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Total Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Total Income Note Funds Funds Funds 2020 2019 Fixed Assets Note Funds Funds Funds 2020 2019 (£) (£) (£) (£) (£) (£) (£) (£) (£) (£)

Donations 2 1,015,918 2,699 125 1,018,742 750,669 Tangible assets 7 74,548 — — 74,548 63,867

Income from charitable activities: Investments — — — — —

Contributions from participants, supporters 3 9,617 139,674 — 149,291 1,008,226 Total fixed assets 74,548 — — 74,548 63,867 and sponsors

Income from 4 914 — — 914 1,868 investments Current Assets Other income 5 107,506 — — 107,506 1,290 Cash at bank and 392,359 253,030 45,591 690,980 371,065 Total incoming in hand 1,133,955 142,373 125 1,276,453 1,762,053 resources Debtors 8 82,119 1,125 — 83,244 132,895

Expenditure Total current assets 474,478 254,155 45,591 774,224 503,960

Creditors: Amounts Expenditure on 5,680 — — 5,680 10,710 raising funds falling due within 9 (99,623) — — (99,623) (190,250) one year Expenditure on 6 849,638 49,563 — 899,201 1,813,436 charitable activities Net current assets 374,855 254,155 45,591 674,601 313,710

Total expenditure 855,318 49,563 — 904,881 1,824,146 Net assets 449,403 254,155 45,591 749,149 377,577

Net income / (expenditure) and net movement in funds for 278,637 92,810 125 371,572 (62,093) The Funds of the year before transfers the Charity:

Transfer between funds (1,000) 3,000 (2,000) — — Endowment funds — — 45,591 45,591 47,466

Net income / 277,637 95,810 (1,875) 371,572 (62,093) (expenditure) Restricted income funds — 254,155 — 254,155 158,345

Reconciliation of funds — — — — — Unrestricted income 449,403 — — 449,403 171,766 funds Total funds brought 171,766 158,345 47,466 377,577 439,670 forward Total charity funds 15 449,403 254,155 45,591 749,149 377,577

Total funds carried 15 449,403 254,155 45,591 749,149 377,577 forward

British Exploring Society Statement of financial activities for the year ending 31st October 2020 Balance Sheet as at 31st October 2020

36 THANK YOU ALL

It is with thanks to the commitment of our growing community that we have been able to achieve so much during this past year. Companies Our Development Board Arabella Connell – Carlotta Newbury – Caspar Craven – Brown Advisory – Cambridge Management Consulting – Whilst we have not been able to see many of you as often as Hugh Crossley – Rahul Moodgal (Chair) – Tim Passingham Cantor Fitzgerald – Cederberg Capital – Equitix Foundation – we might have liked, you have continued to share our Vision Novus – Pharos and Mission and make it possible to continue to deliver for young people during a time that has seen the need for the strength in Schools our community more than ever. Our President Ada School – Baylis Court – Caedmon College – Castlebrae – Falmouth School – Hammersmith Academy – King Alfred School – Our warmest wishes to the families of: Marvin Rees Kingston Academy – Levenmouth Academy – Mountain Ash –

Dr Terry Adams Northfields School & Sports College – Ormiston Academies Trust – Our thanks to the relatives who have continued to support Our Chair Ponteland High School – Southfields Academy – St Pauls Way Trust – Westminster Academy – Whitburn more young people taking part in our programmes with Ian Maginnis particular thanks to the families of: Jean Sinclair, Tim Ward-Wilson, Michael Garvey, Les Morgan, Image Credits Alexander Eastwood, A. Croft Our Trustees Carolyn Young – David Bartles-Smith (Appointed 2nd April Alex Mallinson – Andres Camilo Quintero – Ben Sullivan – Ben Watts Patrons 2020) – David Tilston (Treasurer) (Appointed 5th February 2020) – – Bruce Manning – Chloe Moul – Eddie Golding – Emma Brennand Douglas Oppenheim (Resigned 1st November 2019) – Jane – James Dyer – Judd Stilwell – Kate McKay – Lottie Watts – Malcolm Anthony Evans – Arabella Connell – Daragh and Anne Horgan – Park-Weir- Joanna Wolstenholme (Resigned 2nd April 2020) – Leick – Nando Machado – Rebecca Bloomfield – Roland Arnison – Doug and Maryn Oppenheim – Felix Francis – Ian Kay – Jeremy Jonathan Gisby (Resigned 1st November 2019) – Michael Blakey Sam Drawbridge – Steven Jones – Susannah Cass – William Sharpley Moss – John and Catherine Hartz – Mr and Mrs Eastwood – (Resigned 5th November 2019) – Patrick Van Daele – Rahul Nicolas Bell – Petra Morrison – Rahul Moodgal – Rupert and Moodgal – Rupert Eastwood (Treasurer) (Resigned 2nd April Jennifer Eastwood – Stuart Powers – Tim Kirk – Tim Passingham – 2020) – Ruth Owen (Appointed 30th September 2020) – William and Lucinda Fox Soo Redshaw “These are the most difficult Charities, Trusts and Foundations Our Leaders times to do anything, and we are The Alecto Trust – The Atlas Fund – Cadbury LJC Fund – Thanks to our 57 volunteer Leaders, whose combined talent and The Carpenter Charitable Trust – Dudley and Geoffrey Cox generosity have supported our activities this year. proud and grateful that you have Charitable Trust – EBM Charitable Trust – Erach and Roshan Sadri Foundation – Exilarch’s Foundation – French Huguenot managed to achieve what you Church of London Charitable Trust – The Hartz Family Foundation – Our Fellows have in these last few months. The Inflexion Foundation – The Ingram Trust – John Armitage Charitable Trust – The J R Asprey Family Charitable Foundation – Alex Gregory MBE FBES – Ben Saunders FBES – Bruce Manning What you and the team are The Peter Cundill Foundation – Sandy and Zorica Glen Charitable FBES – Caroline Hodges FBES – Chris Wright FBES – David doing is beyond all expectation Settlement – Sir James Knott Trust – Sir John Cass’s Foundation – Dangoor FBES – Gudrún Tryggvadóttir FBES – James Dyer FBES Vandervell Foundation – Colonel John Blashford Snell CBE FBES – Field Marshal Sir John and we have the greatest trust Chapple GCB CBE – Jules Penney FBES – Lucy Obolensky FBES – Major General Sir Michael Hobbs KCVO CBE – Nigel Harling FBES – that you will continue to be able Our Programme Partners Pen Hadow FBES – Dr. Peter Allison FBES – Lieutenant General to do just that.” Academies Enterprise Trust – Aldridge Foundation – Peter Pearson CB CBE FBES – Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE FBES – Break Charity – Caius House – Catch22 – Change Foundation – Teddy Watson FBES – Tori James FBE John and Catherine Hartz Onside Youth Zones – Outcomes First Group – Power2 – Scouts – Whizz-Kidz – Young Hackney

37 WHO TURNED YOUR SPARK INTO A FLAME?

British Exploring Society develops resilience, life-skills and confidence in young people to help build stronger futures. At a time when those aged 16 to 25 are nearly four times as likely to be unemployed than the rest of the working-age population* the need for these qualities is greater than ever. Join us on our most important expedition and learn how your support could unlock young people’s potential at britishexploring.org/help-us/donate/

*Princes Trust Tesco Youth Index 2021 | British Exploring Society is a registered charity in England and Wales (no. 802196)

Tel: +44 20 4534 0777 Email: [email protected] Web: www.britishexploring.org Facebook: /British Exploring Society Twitter: @Brit_exploring Instagram: @Brit_exploring LinkedIn: British Exploring Society

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