Last updated 16:56, Thursday, 26 June 2008

YOUNG people from around the country will be spending a week at Featherstone Castle in August as part of a nationwide summer camp scheme.

Not-for-profit organisation, The Active Training and Education Trust (ATE), will be holding one its ‘Superweeks’ there for 14 to 16 year olds.

The camps are based on the concept of learning and developing through shared experience, and allow youngsters to meet new people in interesting surroundings.

ATE volunteer Anthony Chesher (21), who attended his first camp aged 11, said those taking part really grow throughout the week.

“They develop and grow in their confidence and that’s the main thing that makes the holiday tick,” he said.

“Other groups will make a focus of a particular activity like kayaking, but we are more about social growth and self-confidence.”

Young people can holiday at any ATE venue throughout the country simply by turning up at a travel point – such as the one in Newcastle – where they will be met by a volunteer.

The structure of holidays depends on the venue and what the youngsters wish to do, but generally they are divided into groups of six to eight, all of similar ages.

They then spend the next few days getting to know each other and working together on activities that could range from decorating rooms to building a den.

As the week progresses, the groups begin to merge for larger-scale activities. A day out is also included in every ATE holiday.

“About a quarter of people bring a friend along,” said Anthony. “We don’t discourage that, but we want to stress that most people come by themselves.

“They make new friends and share experiences, and that’s part of the magic of it.”

The safety and well-being of the young people is of paramount importance, he added.

“We’re always very keen that people book holidays with us in their own time, and ask as many questions as they need to.”

He explained that the organisers understand that parents are not just going to send youngsters away with some strangers for a week without being confident they will be well cared for.

A member of staff always arrives early at the points where the young people are dropped off, so there’s always time for assurances to be made. Information packs are sent out before the holidays begin.

ATE events, which cater for children between eight and 16, will be running from July 28 to August 31, with the Featherstone holiday set for August 21 to August 28.

For further information or to make bookings, see www.ate.org.uk or call 0845 4561205.