£100
funds a child’s first guided trip to the top of a mountain
£500
funds a child’s residential week exploring the rugged outdoors
£6,000
funds a school group of 12 for a residential week in the rugged outdoors
£30,000
funds a school year group for a residential week
WHO ARE WE
The Mountain Adventure Fund (MAF) is an initiative of the Mountain Training Trust (reg charity no: 1064023).
Our aim is to give young people from financially disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to be inspired and motivated by wild places and the challenges mountain environments have to offer.
Following the successful pilot programme in Autumn 2023, we have subsidised over 300 young people on residential weeks and subsequent local activities. This year, we aim to expand the programme to over 400 young people from across the UK.
We believe that every young person deserves to explore the mountains and experience the rugged outdoors. Help us to create that adventure!
WHAT DO WE DO?
We subsidise children whose schools and families cannot afford outdoor experiences through a week-long residential programme at Plas y Brenin, including travel to and from their schools.
The residential courses are run by our instructors, with support from teachers and volunteers from our partner organisations.
A typical introductory week looks like:
- Day 1: Arrival
- Day 2: Climbing and abseiling
- Day 3: Mountain walking and navigation skill development
- Day 4: Gorge walking and paddle sports to build water confidence
- Day 5: Concluding activities, group reflections, departure
Our volunteers then continue to work with the schools throughout the year supporting the children in local activities, such as climbing and kayaking to continue their skills development.
If you are a school, club, or society interested in getting involved or learning more about the programme, please contact us at info@mountainadventurefund.org.
IMPACT
A report published by Natural England shows that taking part in nature-based activities helps people who are suffering from mental ill-health and can contribute to reduction in levels of anxiety, stress and depression.
ACCESS TO WILD SPACES
- Only 10% of children play in wild places today (vs 40% of adults when young)
- Children in deprived arears are 20% less likely to access nature; barriers even greater for ethnic minority and disabled children (Natural England)
IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH
- 1 in 5 children experience a mental health disorder (NHS 2023)
- Nature-based activities reduce anxiety, stress, and depression, and build resilience
PHYSICAL HEALTH
- 27% of children (ages 2 – 15) are overweight or obese (Health Survey, 2022)
- Early nature activity helps prevent lifelong conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
- Active students show better grades, attendance, and behaviour
- Improvements in the most disengaged students lift whole-class outcomes (NCES, 2024)
SUPPORT US
Corporate Sponsorship
Our partners are the ones who help make these adventures happen. From providing kit and equipment, to employees with a love of the outdoors who volunteer on the programme. Come on the adventure with us!
We have a range of options that are successfully working with our existing partners, including:
- Brand partnerships – equipment and kit essential to the safe running of our activities
- Strategic partnerships – an adventure beyond a financial donation
- Chosen charity of the year – working with us to raise vital funds
- Endorsement and marketing – simply spreading the word
- Events – from challenge days and team away days to hosting corporate events at Plas y Brenin
- Employee development – opportunities for training with the UK’s highest qualified instructors and volunteering to community engagement
Trusts and Foundations
Help us to continue the legacy of those who founded Plas y Brenin and set the stage for adventure, offering this opportunity to children who would not otherwise get the chance.
Please contact us at info@mountainadventurefund.org for more details.
Personal Donations
We can’t run our programmes without the support of those who want to share their love of the mountains.
The adventure starts here:
- One off donations
- Regular gifts