In March 2012, funding was withdrawn from YLF to provide a Positive Activities Programme for Kent’s children in care.
This loss left a void for many young people. But rather than miss out on the activities that they had previously enjoyed
and valued, a group of young people decided to get together and do something about it.
They worked hard in putting a bid together and applied for a grant to Kent’s Youth Opportunity Fund. They decided
that they wanted to experience the best residential ever, to be bolder and more ambitious, to go further and try things
they have never done before!
Star, a youngster who helped to make the bid, said, “The reason we wanted to apply for the bid was to allow other
young people the chance to meet new people and make friends, gain confidence, try a fantastic new experience, but
most of all have a great time”.
They decided to go on an adventure – to Scotland to find the Loch Ness monster!!
The bid was successful!! They were awarded enough money to take 17 fellow children in the care of KCC to find
Nessie!!
Spaces were quickly snapped up and so flights were booked, the chalets and activities were all organised. On Easter
Sunday, 31st March 2013, the 17 intrepid youngsters, with 4 YLF staff set off for 3 nights and 4 days, flying 506 miles in 1
hr 40 mins on their adventure to Scotland!
We all arrived safe and sound, greeted by Scotland’s snow covered mountains. Flying was a new experience for most!
Ronnie said, “That was unbelievable, taking off was better than landing, but the whole thing was just great!”
Young Lives Foundation | 01622 693459 | [email protected] | www.ylf.org.uk
The Young Lives Foundation is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. Registered in England & Wales Company No 5999166. Registered Charity No 1119528
On the second day, the ‘Let’s Find Nessie’ gang faced a hike into Loch Ness. Jamie said, “The hike was tiring but had
great views!”
The group also braved a mad assault course, taking on the rope swings, tyre walls, water jumps, and the craziest tube
see saw obstacle ever seen!
Jess said, “I weren’t gonna bother with the water jump but everyone said I could do it so I had a go and did it!”
On day 3, the morning’s adventure was meant to be canoeing on a lake – instead the lake was frozen so it was
canoeing on ice! This was a first for all of us, and the Nessie group described this experience as extraordinary,
awesome, unbelievable and amazing!
The group also tackled climbing and abseiling followed by a crate stack requiring great teamwork skills. Amy said, “It
was amazing, it was scary being high and I could never have done it on my own!”
The final challenge was zip wiring over the frozen pond!! The group could be heard for miles as they zipped over 60
metres of frozen pond. Bobby said, “That was amazing, it was scary…but fun…can we do it again??” The day ended
with flapjacks and marshmallows by the fire, followed by a film in the theatre and a chance to share highlights &
achievements.
On the last morning goodbyes were exchanged to the wonderful team at Abernethy and the group gave their
appreciation for one another as we presented certificates, and gave particular thanks to the 5 Nessie Gang Leaders
for all their efforts in making this event happen. They also thanked the YLF staff team and presented the instructors
from Abernethy with their very own certificate!
The 5 ‘Let’s Find Nessie’ girls should be very proud of what they have achieved in giving 17 young people an
amazing experience. It has been a privilege for YLF to be a part of their adventure. So many individuals achieved
goals, grew in confidence, overcome fears and established new friendships.
Shame Nessie didn’t make an appearance but it didn’t matter. In the words of Ashley aka ‘Ash give anything a
bash’, “This has been the best thing I have ever done!”
Chloe’s Rap!!!..
Chloe says hey, to all down there,
We are in Scotland, with lots of fresh air,
I forgot a brush, to do my hair,
But I’m getting dirty, so I just don’t care,
Met lots of friends and done lots of stuff,
It’s been wicked all round, it’s been reem not rough!
LOL 
Young Lives Foundation | 01622 693459 | [email protected] | www.ylf.org.uk
The Young Lives Foundation is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. Registered in England & Wales Company No 5999166. Registered Charity No 1119528