Summer Camps Bring Benefits for all

DERBY, England, March 24, 2010 - Summer camps improve the lives of young people who go on them and should
be part of all young people's lives.

Research shows that young people come back from summer camps with greater
self-confidence, with better understanding of people from different
backgrounds and with better long-term life chances.

Rt Hon Richard Caborn MP, YHA (Youth Hostels Association) President says;
"I'm delighted that we have been able to show what we have known all along -
that Do it 4 Real Summer camps are extremely beneficial for the health,
well-being and friendships of those who attend camp. Anyone involved with
young people should have a look at the report."

86% of young people attending camp expected to be more active after going
on camp. 92% agreed that they had made new friends from different backgrounds
to themselves, showing that a long-term impact of going on camp was better
understanding of people from different backgrounds.

Since 2004 more than 45,000 young people, with funding from the
Department for Children, Schools and Families, have taken part in summer
camps run by YHA and other organisations. Thousands more young people will
benefit from the summer activities this year.

YHA commissioned the research into the benefits of attending Do It 4 Real
summer camps. Young people who attended the camp last year took part in the
research and their parents were also included.

Launched at the All Party Parliamentary Youth Hostelling Group meeting
yesterday evening, the research shows the ways in which the camps have
enhanced the lives of young people who have been on the programme.

Notes:

1. Do It 4 Real summer camps are delivered by YHA in partnership with
PGL, Outward Bound and the Field Studies Council.

2. Camps will run at 22 centres throughout England this year and young
people can take part in a range of activities, learn new skills and make new
friends from 18th July - 27th August. More information is available from
www.doit4real.co.uk.

3. Thanks to funding from the Department for Schools, Children and
Families prices range from GBP79 - GBP299 and includes a fun filled five
night summer holiday, four packed days of acitivities, food, drinks, snacks,
and free transport to and from camp from selected pick up points.

For more information and for a copy of the report contact: Duncan Simpson, Head of Corporate Affairs and Policy. +44(0)1629-592776 / +44(0)7712-881331; Hannah Curzon, PR and Events Co-ordinator. +44(0)1629-592-779