In the summer of 2022, our lucky 15 CVQO Westminster Award finalists travelled to Cornwall for two-weeks of adventure and volunteering.
The theme of our expedition was ‘Think global, act local’. What we meant by that is that it is important to consider the overall impact of our actions on the planet, while realising that change can start on a local level – even on a grassroots scale, anyone has the power to make a positive impact.
To achieve this, we created a really varied and exciting itinerary that combines equal parts community engagement, environmental awareness, action and adventure.
We worked with six partner organisations to deliver the experience. These were: ShelterBox, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Surfers Against Sewage, The Eden Project, The Wave Project and The National Trust.
Our finalists learned about:
• humanitarian aid on a global scale, what it means to be a refugee and how crucial aid is delivered to countries hit by disaster and conflict
• the wildlife and ecosystems active in Cornwall and how local organisations are working together to protect them
• conservation on a global scale and humankind’s impact on the plant life and ecosystems around us
• what it means to be a young person growing up in Cornwall and how adventurous training can boost confidence, resilience and teamworking skills
• how disadvantaged young people can be helped through forms of therapy combined with adventurous training
We look forward to the rescheduled Awards lunch in November, where we will find out who the overall winner is!