YMCA Lakeside has been operating on the shores of Windermere for decades, focusing our efforts on youth development and outdoor education. Working together with schools, youth services, and others to empower children and young people on a journey of self-reflection and discovery, using the internationally renowned beauty of the Lake District National Park as a backdrop to immersive outdoor education experiences. With an array of traditional adventurous activities including climbing, canoeing and our famous zip-line over the lake, visitors and groups learn vital social skills and communications techniques, which have been shown to raise the aspirations, attainment, and confidence of children and young people, challenging preconceptions of traditional educational experiences and helping to build stronger more resilient communities.
For more details on the positive impact YMCA Lakeside has, please visit our website and review our 2019 Impact Report.
In 2020 and early 2021, with the impact of Covid-19, the centre ground to a halt, and schools and youth groups were unable to visit through government restrictions.
With the easing of the lockdown restrictions it was clear that children, young people and their families needed the outdoors more than ever, and the dedicated team at YMCA Lakeside opened our grounds and campsite to the public - offering affordable activities, accommodation, and camping to all.
The benefits of being outside, spending quality time together with family and friends, far outweighed the limitations imposed by the makeshift campsite and services offered at YMCA Lakeside. But it is clear that improvements are needed and we find ourselves in need of your support to make changes that will have a lasting impact on the future of YMCA Lakeside and the generations of families we hope will visit us in the years to come.
Our primary aim is to improve access to the centre for all.
As a charitable organisation the last thing we want to do is out-price our services to those who most need it, and we believe strongly that the Lake District National Park is for everyone - not just the rich and famous! As such, we have decided not to increase our fees to pay for the improvements needed, but rather to reach out to those that know us best and who know the impact our organisation may have, given the right support.
With your support, we can make much-needed repairs and improvements to our facilities including repairs to activity areas, access roads and paths, updating our well-used interior spaces, the installation of renewable energy schemes, and much, much more. We hope you will agree that any developments here at YMCA Lakeside will help us to welcome even more families and having an even greater impact on the community around us.
REWARDS INCLUDE:
YMCA Lakeside Annual Memberships
Access to YMCA Lakeside members-only lakeside campsite, free parking at YMCA Lakeside, membership discounts on activities, accommodation and food and entry to annual events.
Activity & Accommodation Rewards
Vouchers are redeemable throughout 2021, subject to availability. Unused vouchers can be extended by request or donated for future use.
Woodland Soft Toys
A range of cuddly toys is available, representing many of our resident wildlife visitors.
Funders Wall & Room Plaque
Donations over £250 include an option to include your family name on our donor wall in the dining hall.
Donations above £1,000 are recognised though an optional personalised plaque for individual dorm rooms, including your family name and personal message.
We look forward to welcoming you back to a new and improved centre in 2021 and beyond.