Edale 2025: New Heights, New Friends, New Confidence

Our Edale residential this November gave our young people a real chance to step away from day-to-day routines and experience something different. The trip was made possible thanks ti funding from the Youth Hostel Association (YHA), and we spent the weekend at YHA Edale in the Peak District.

I travelled with Josh, one of our Creative Educators from our Tulse Hill School in London and Kao, a facilitator who kindly stepped in at the last minute. And of course, our group of young people, who brought so much energy from the moment we arrived. The atmosphere at the start was a mix of nerves, excitement, and curiosity – exactly what you’d expect before trying things that feel completely different.

The purpose of the weekend was to try new activities, build confidence, and connect more deeply as a group; from the very first session, that’s exactly what happened.

Stepping Out of Comfort Zones

Throughout the weekend, every activity –  abseiling, caving, archery and more – pushed someone to try something they’d never done before. It’s hard to pick one standout moment because each session included someone stepping past uncertainty and giving something totally new a go.

What stood out most was the way the young people encouraged each other: shouts of support, calm voices helping friends breathe through the scarier moments and lots of cheering at the end of every task.

One moment I’ll always remember was when one of our youngest participants, Evie-Sunshine, completed the abseil after saying she wasn’t taking part in anything to do with heights. The look on her face at the bottom said everything!

Learning in Unexpected Places

Some of the best conversations happened in between activities – during walks, over mealtimes, or while getting helmets on. There were so many laughs, and I learned quickly that this group are comedians even when things feel challenging. Evening conversations and the twists we put on classic classroom games were definite highlights.

Over the weekend, the young people talked about what bravery looks like, what it means to trust others and how they cope when something feels overwhelming. Some realised they were more capable than they thought, while others noticed the patience and support shown by their peers.

There were also clear links to what the young people explore when they step into the Rekindle Manchester building – teamwork, self-belief, communication, and stepping into leadership roles all came up naturally through the real-life challenges outdoors.

Building Connections

It was lovely to see how the group dynamic changed. Young people who didn’t usually talk to each other found common ground, inside jokes formed quickly and the shared challenges brought everyone closer.

Being outside of our usual setting helped everyone see each other differently. Quieter voices grew louder, natural leaders emerged, and the whole group settled into a more open and supportive vibe.

One moment that captured the spirit of the weekend was when we formed a circle – including the YHA staff – for the fire-lighting activity. We lit a campfire, roasted marshmallows, and shared what we were most grateful for. It felt like a genuine celebration of everyone’s effort.

The Bits We’re Still Laughing About

There were plenty of funny and memorable moments. One was when I was unexpectedly chased by sheep back into our accommodation while everyone else was eating breakfast. Another was on the way back from caving, when Theo, one of our young people, rolled down a steep hill (with YHA staff permission!) – simply for the thrill of it.

The friendly rivalry between the boys and girls also added a lot of laughs, especially during Jacob’s Ladder, where they climbed a tall log structure high into a tree.

And then there were the quieter moments – the ones that summed up how much the group had bonded. When we arrived back in Manchester and everyone started heading home, one young person turned and said:

“I’m going to miss you guys.”

It captured everything the weekend was about – trying new things, supporting each other, and building connections that will last long after Edale.