YOUNG carers in Jersey are getting the chance to swap their everyday responsibilities for outdoor adventures in a new six-week bushcraft programme.
Young carers are children and teenagers who help care for a family member who is ill, disabled or needs extra support at home.
Looking after someone can be rewarding, but it can also be tiring. This new project is designed to give them time to relax, enjoy nature and try something different.
The programme is being run by the Youth Service’s Young Carers Team and Outdoor Learning Team at the QSJAC Bushcraft Centre.
Led by bushcraft expert John Scriven and youth worker Jo Dove, the weekly sessions will teach practical outdoor skills – including building campfires safely, cooking outdoors, making bread, building shelters, carving wood, identifying plants and collecting water in the wild. The young people will also practise teamwork and leadership.
The project will end with an overnight bushcraft adventure on 5 September, where everyone can use the skills they have learned and even lead some of the activities themselves.
The project has received a £1,000 grant to help pay for equipment and activities. The equipment will stay with the Youth Service so more young people can take part in similar programmes in the future.
The activities were planned with help from the young carers themselves to make sure they are fun, welcoming and based on what they wanted to do.
Youth worker Jo said: “Young carers do an amazing job supporting their families.
“This programme is all about giving them time for themselves, helping them relax, build confidence and enjoy new experiences outdoors.”
