The Basecamp Broadcast

EP.2 - Our Leaders respond to EP.1 (feat. Andy Browning & Susannah Cass)

After the release of our first episode, a couple of our long-standing volunteer expedition Leaders got in touch to share their reflections on what Honor and Martin discussed in EP1. They also shared how they’re feeling about our new strategy “A New Kind of Adventure”, after having been involved in the delivery of its first stages. Andy Browning and Susannah Cass have led on multiple expeditions for British Exploring Society over the years. In addition to their work with us, both also support other outdoor youth development organisations in the UK. Their first hand and on-the-ground accounts are invaluable in understanding the systemic issues facing young people today and the benefit that adventurous activity can bring.   Learn more about A New Kind of Adventure and our stepped activity model here [https://www.britishexploring.org/join-us/expeditions/]. Production: Ned Helyar

EP.1 - Why adventure matters today (feat. Martin Houghton-Brown)

Understanding how to help young people to unlock their self-belief has never been more critical than it is today. The facts: By the end of 2024... * The NHS reported it was receiving 4000 referrals per week for young people with anxiety and mental health issues (data; The Guardian) * Persistent absence in England’s schools was at 20% - rising to over 30% in secondary schools serving disadvantaged communities (data; Oasis Community Learning) * There had been a drop of over 70% in funding for youth provision in the last 20 years (Data; YMCA) About this episode: In our first Basecamp Broadcast, Martin Houghton-Brown (Secretary-General of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award) and Honor Wilson-Fletcher (CEO, British Exploring Society) pondered why charitable organisations working with young people face a range of challenges in 2025. Martin brought a uniquely international perspective to the conversation which was invaluable. Together, they consider what we need to do (and are already doing) to ensure that the long-lasting benefits of what we still sometimes call ‘type-two fun’ are available to all. And of course, they celebrated the intense privilege of working with young people. This podcast also features voice note reflections provided by Young Explorers from British Exploring Society's expedition programmes in 2024. Host: Honor Wilson-Fletcher, CEO British Exploring Society Production and script: Ned Helyar

Tune in to The Basecamp Broadcast

Welcome to The Basecamp Broadcast - The brand new podcast from British Exploring Society. British Exploring Society [https://www.britishexploring.org/] is the original youth expedition charity. It was started in 1932 by Surgeon Commander George Murray Levick RN after his experience surviving Captain Scott's Terra Nova expedition to Antarctica from 1910-1912. A lot has changed in the world since 1932. However, the basic concept first advocated by our founder remains at the core of what we do today. 90 years on, we continue to deliver expeditions, adventures and online programmes in the UK and overseas. We're empowering and equipping young people with the confidence, strength, and determination to make the most of their futures. As a charity, our vision is for all young people to be able to contribute confidently in the world. We want equal access to challenging learning and adventure in the wilderness as an unbeatable preparation for adult life. In this semi-regular podcast, we'll be unpacking everything that makes the work of this small but remarkable charity possible today. Subscribe today so you never miss an episode. The first pf which will be coming to all podcast platforms in mid-June 2025. Narration: Honor Wilson-Fletcher, CEO, British Exploring Society. Production: Ned Helyar [https://www.nedhelyar.com/]