Youth Residential 2025

A Transformative 3-Day Residential in the Peak District

Community Foundation organised a three days youth leadership residential for forty enthusiastic teenagers in the breathtaking landscapes of the Peak District that promised adventure and reflection. This immersive retreat blended outdoor pursuits with meaningful workshops, offering a dynamic space for young Muslims boys and girls to take part in grueling outdoor  physically activity and indoor reflective thinking of challenges facing young people. 

From the moment the participants arrived, the natural beauty of the Peak District set the stage for an unforgettable experience. The schedule was packed with challenging and exciting outdoor activities, including:

Abseiling: Teenagers faced their fears head-on as they descended the 50 metres high bridge  learning the importance of trust—both in their equipment and their peers. 

Caving: Exploring dark, winding caverns brought forth a sense of adventure and the thrill of the unknown, pushing them to navigate obstacles together. 

Archery: Under expert guidance, participants honed their focus and precision, drawing parallels between the discipline of the sport and the discipline required in daily life. 

Jacobs Ladder: This activity not only tested physical strength and endurance but also symbolized the journey of climbing toward personal growth.

Team-Building Games: A variety of games fostered cooperation, communication, and camaraderie, reinforcing the idea that true leadership comes from working together.

Interwoven with these physical challenges were thoughtfully designed workshops aimed at getting them thinking about issues that matter most to young people and how to overcome them. the  These sessions provided a reflective counterbalance to the day's adventures, encouraging open discussions on pertinent issues. 

Throughout the retreat, the merging of physical challenges with introspection taught the teenagers invaluable lessons about leadership:

Stepping Out of Comfort Zones: Whether abseiling down a cliff or sharing personal stories in a workshop, each activity reminded the participants that growth often begins at the edge of our comfort zones.

The Strength of Community: Team-building exercises and group discussions underscored the idea that real strength lies in unity and mutual support.

Embracing Resilience: Facing and overcoming obstacles, both physical and emotional, highlighted the resilience required to navigate the complexities of modern life as a youth.

One participant shared, “This weekend taught me that leadership isn’t just about being strong or vocal; it’s about leaning on each other, and growing through every challenge we face together.”

As the residential draws to a close, the impact was evident in the confident smiles and inspired conversations among the teenagers. They leaving the Peak District not only with memories of breathtaking adventures and shared laughter but also with a renewed connection and a clearer vision for their future roles as leaders in their communities.

In a world where Muslim youth often face unique challenges, events like this residential serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing both the body and the mind. By blending adventure with workshops, the retreat has paved the way for a generation of leaders who are as resilient and dynamic as the landscapes they explored.

Youth Residential 2024

Community Foundation with the support of Youth Hostel Association organised a 3 days youth camp at the Edale Activity Centre, in the Peak District from 15th November - 17thNovember 2024.  24 boys and 19 girls aged between 12- 18 years took part took part in the camp, along with 7 volunteers.  It was a unique blend of team building and challenging outdoor activities, which included  abseiling down a disused 100ft bridge, caving downwards and sideways into the heart of a mountain where it was so dark you couldn’t see your own nose without a torch!   On the last day we tried out our aiming skills with outdoor archery and  trying to reach the sky by ascending the Jacobs ladder.

The centre was set back on top of a hill and the youths enjoyed the scenic location, with a water fall and stream.  Staff at the centre and the instructors were incredibly helpful, always ensuring we had everything we needed and making the experience smooth and enjoyable.  Can’t wait to take another group next year.

Youth Residential 2018

Community Foundation took children on our annual four day residential holiday to Great Hucklow, Derbyshire during the Summer School holidays from Tuesday 24th July – Friday 27th July 2018. Contact the office to book a place. Limited spaces available.

Youth Residential 2016

Children from across Birmingham benefitted from a four days residential in the Peak District which took place from 29 March - 1 April 2016. 23 Children were selected from hundreds of applications we received to join us in our annual residential supported by SACH.

During the day children took part in outdoor pursuits including; Ice skating, climbing, abseiling, cross country walks, night walks and archery. In the evening after dinner children took part in workshops and role plays looking at Bullying, Peer pressure and drugs.

Narrow Boat Residential

Wed 31st August- Fri 2nd Sept: £10 (covers accommodation, food & Activities) Limited space, places will be offered on first come first serve basis.

We had a special discounted rate of £5 per child per week to take part in the scheme. Additional fee applies for days trips and residential. If you receive working tax credit, then we can reimburse all costs. You would have needed to bring in proof of working tax letter and child’s birth certificate.

Youth Residential 2014

Community Foundation took 17 young people this year on the five days Youth Residential to the Peak District during the October half term holiday. The residential supported by SACH allowed boys and girls from Birmingham to try out and take part in range of activities, including Ice skating, dry slope skiing, canoeing, cross country walk, bird watching, shooting, archery and climbing.  Children also took part in educational workshops during the evening. The week was a great opportunity for children for inner city areas to have a holiday in the countryside enjoying fun activities and exploring the British Countryside.

Youth Residential 2013

Narrow Boat Youth Residential

Community Foundation took a group of young people from Birmingham and Sandwell for a 3 day residential on a narrow boat from Wed 31 Aug - 2 Sept. The group took on the 21 locks route through Staffordshire. All participants enjoyed the opportunity to learn about the rich history of the canals, open and close locks and also steer the boat through the winding canals.

Requirements: