Iona youth project shortlisted for National youth work awards
The Camas team, who are part of the Iona Community, have been shortlisted for the national faith-based youth work award. Each week the Camas team builds a community safe space and home for groups of young people as they visit the remote island off Mull for a one-week, activity-packed and memory filled residential trip.
This would not be possible without the skills, dedication and enthusiasm of the staff team.
From rock climbing to wild camping, young people are given the opportunity to try new experiences, push themselves to their limits and learn in an informal environment.
With no electricity at Camas, it really is about bonding with nature, the elements and your fellow group members.
Youth groups return to Camas year after year (some have kept going for 20 years), so it is clear that the Camas team have built a fun, inclusive and empowering experience for young people across Scotland to enjoy.
Iona Community member Rachel McCann, who nominated the Camas team, said: ‘Their focus is on building relationships and community, and being alongside young people.
They do this through treating young people with compassion and respect, by listening to them, and empowering them.
The commitment of the team to run an effective programme each week is second to none, and they do this with humour, hard work and dedication.’
Commenting, Tim Frew, CEO of Youth Link Scotland said: ‘Over the past year we have seen some fantastic examples of youth work making an immense contribution to young people’s lives, illustrated by the great success that was Year of Young People 2018. In every part of Scotland, every day, thousands of youth workers, many of them volunteers, are supporting young people to follow their dreams and realise their potential, and the Camas team is a great example of the positive impact youth work has.’
The National Youth Work Awards 2019 are about celebrating the power of incredible youth work and the vital role of Scotland’s 70,000 youth work volunteers and staff in the lives of our young people. This national event is co-designed with young people, who have been involved in the judging and the planning of the night.
The winners will be announced at an awards dinner on Wednesday March 13 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow, hosted by broadcaster and pantomime villain Grant Stott and Richard Lochhead MSP, minister for higher education, further education and youth work. To get involved, visit the Youth Link Scotland website at www.youthlinkscotland.org