Meet Sarah, one of Lakeside YMCA’s passionate outdoor instructors. Driven by a desire to help young people discover confidence, resilience, and joy in the natural world, she brings energy, empathy, and a love of adventure to every session.
What inspired you to become an outdoor instructor?
After seven years as a chef, I decided to pursue my passion for working with young people by becoming an outdoor instructor. I want to inspire them to challenge themselves, discover their potential, and build a genuine connection with the outdoors through social interactions with other young people, away from the distractions of technology.
What do you enjoy most about working at Lakeside YMCA?
Ooh! There are so many things I enjoy about working at YMCA Lakeside, and no two days are everthe same. For me, the highlight is being part of a diverse team of instructors who come from all walks of life, each with their own stories and experiences. I also love working in such a beautiful environment – right on the shores of Windermere, overlooking the fells. I value being part of each young person’s journey, facilitating their learning and growth throughout their time here and watching them develop into confident versions of themselves.
Can you describe a typical day here for instructors and participants?
Every day at Lakeside is different, but that’s what makes it exciting! We usually kick things off with two morning activities, anything from the adrenaline rush of the King Swing to the teamwork challenges of the Challenge Course. We then sit down together for a well-earned hot lunch. Then it’s back out for an action-packed afternoon, which might be a three-hour kayaking adventure on Windermere or a journey up the local fell to explore the incredible landscapes around us. After all that, we refuel with dinner and head out once more for an evening activity, whether that’s gathering around a campfire or taking on the Nightline. And to round off the day, the groups come back inside to warm up with a hot chocolate before heading to bed – tired, happy, and full of stories.
What’s your favourite activity to lead, and why?
My favourite activity to lead on a wet day is Nightline because it’s a great opportunity to raise disability awareness among young people and help them connect with nature through sensory play and hands-on experience. It’s also a lot of fun, as they get to roll around in the mud – and that’s perfectly fine!
How does being in nature, rather than a classroom, change the way young people learn?
I find that being in nature can instantly give young people a sense of calm and focus. This opens their minds to alternative ways of learning, improves concentration, and creates a more hands-on, active, and memorable experience – making learning more meaningful and impactful. Outdoors, they aren’t limited by walls or desks; learning becomes something they do, not just something they’re told. It gives each individual the freedom to learn in their own way, which in turn encourages independence, resilience, and curiosity.
In what ways does nature help build confidence or resilience?
For some of the groups that come to YMCA, being outside and away from home can feel challenging at first. But out in nature, we kit them up and guide them on exciting adventures – whether it’s climbing high in the trees, rolling around in the mud, or finding their own way through challenges. By the end of the day, everyone is laughing, buzzing with stories, and taking home memories, they’ll never forget. By encouraging them to challenge themselves and make decisions on their own or as a team, they build resilience, overcome obstacles, and leave feeling more confident in themselves. Nature offers an alternative classroom that is more relaxed and open.
What impact do you see nature having on young people’s moods?
Each week I work with a new group of young people, and once they step into nature, they can simply be children -playing outside, interacting with one another, laughing, having fun and enjoying themselves. This shift clearly shows how nature can positively influence young people’s moods and support their mental health. For me it highlights the value of outdoor learning and the importance of providing outdoor spaces where young people can feel free, engaged, and emotionally refreshed.
Why do you believe outdoor learning is important for this generation?
I believe outdoor learning is essential for this generation and for many generations to come. Our society is rapidly changing, with an increasing focus on AI and technology, and this isn’t always beneficial for mental health. Outdoor learning provides a much-needed break from traditional classroom environments and encourages positive social interactions. It also offers young people the chance to learn in a more relaxed, engaging, and interactive setting -what we like to call the Great Outdoors. It builds confidence, resilience, teamwork and most importantly FUN!
What do you think nature teaches better than anything else?
Nature teaches and reminds us that the world is full of wonderful and amazing things, with endless possibilities. Sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of this, get caught up in everyday routines, and forget to take time for ourselves. Nature offers us the chance to pause and reconnect with ourselves. This could be anything -from going for a walk in the hills on a sunny day, to exploring woodlands that hide many strange and wonderful things, or even taking a walk to the park and sitting on a swing, watching the leaves rustle, the clouds shift, and the world pass by.
If you’d like to find about more about a visit to YMCA Lakeside where Sarah could be one of your instructors, just get in touch.
