For over 20 years here at Challenge & Adventure we have specialised in working with disadvantaged and challenging young people on the Isle of Wight.

We use adventurous and challenging outdoor activities alongside tailored support to challenge the young people’s behaviour and to help raise their confidence, self esteem and aspirations.

Our aim is to help them re-engage at school, home and in the wider community and to help them get their lives back on track.

Throughout the year we run various programmes designed specifically to offer the maximum support for the young people. These include the following:

Challenge Groups 

These are aimed primarily at young people aged from 12- 16 years old who are referred to us by agencies on the Isle of Wight. Many lack confidence and have low self-esteem; some have difficulties engaging with school; and some are at risk of getting into trouble with the authorities.

We offer a range of positive activities over a 8 or 9 week ‘Challenge’ period such as camping, mountain biking, climbing, water sports, archery, hiking etc.

A residential trip is often included during this time helping challenge groups bond and work through some of the issues they face in their day-to-day lives.

Young people who complete a challenge programme are invited to remain engaged with Challenge & Adventure to continue with additional activities and have the opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme

RON Groups

The Real Opportunities Now programme or ‘RON’ is a 2 week engagement programme aimed at 16-19 year olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

The first week is spent on a “3 day Challenge” taking part in confidence building activities such as mountain biking, hiking and kayaking and the second week is spent visiting local training providers and looking at what provision is available to them.

The programme is run once a month and has capacity for up to 8 young people.

RON has been running for over 5 years and has had over 230 young people take part, nearly 70% of those have progressed into education, employment or training.