National Gathering of Young Champions

Young Champions with the Mosaic youth project from all corners of England gathered last weekend at Pinkery Exploration Centre on Exmoor. They came from the Lake District, Northumberland, the New Forest, the Yorkshire Dales and Exmoor to celebrate Mosaic’s first year of working with 16-25 year olds. Some travelled as much as eight hours to get there, but said that the ‘road trip with other Champions’ was a great experience. As well as taking part in a range of activities including mountain biking, climbing and dry stone walling, the Young Champions debated ways of getting more young people involved in National Parks. Ideas ranged from better information in schools, colleges, leisure centres and other locations to organised events aimed at the 16-25 year-old age group. At the end of the event, Champions talked about how they particularly enjoyed the scenery and activities in Exmoor’s Valley of the Rocks on the north Devon coast, the group spirit and getting to know other Champions from across the country.

On the Saturday night the Champions were welcomed by Andrea Davies, Chair of the Exmoor National Park Authority. She explained the importance of young people get involved with Exmoor, especially with dwindling youth populations in the National Parks’ towns and villages. Her talk was followed by a viewing of a short film, some of the Champions helped make over the weekend. The final film will be out shortly and posted on our website.