The wanderlust women camping weekender no.1

Grant report
by The Wanderlust Women

Year

2022

Country

UK

OADs

18

EUR

5.000

Target Group: South asian muslim women
Impact: 3-day camping trip for beginner women with 6 participants

Project description

Beginner camping session for 6 women in the Lake District, England.

They were taught navigation skills, outdoor cooking skills, camping skills and mountain skills.

The area they stayed was Langdale, a beautiful location in the Lake District, they spent two days hiking and one day wild camping. We had many women from inner city areas who had been longing for a weekend like this. Those who took part learnt a lot and this course has built up their confidence and given them the educational resources they needed. The women also participated in a wild swim to finish off the weekend.

Project Data

Where did the activities take place?

Lake District, Cumbria, UK

When did the activities take place?

15th July – 17th July

How many days and hours per day of physical activity were included in the activities

2 days of hiking and wild camping, half a day wild swimming

How many participants took part in the activities?

6

Describe the target group that took part in the activities

South Asian Muslim women

What was the average age of participants?

28-33

What was the physical activity level of the participants?

Beginner

How many boys/men?

Women only

How many girls/women?

6 women

Money received from the Coalition in €:

5.000 EUR

What did you use the money for (guides, gear, accommodation…)?

We are splitting the money for two camping weekends and
 the first camping weekend the money was used for:

  • mountain leader
  • insurance
  • kit hire
  • food for all days 
  • the course
Wanderlust Women
Wanderlust Women

Project Testimonials

How did I feel about the project before it started?

There are many barriers when it comes to Muslim women, you kind of think the outdoors and camping isn't accessible for you because your constantly having to think about safety and making prayers etc, this trip made me realise that actually you have all the things you need for prayer.

What was a challenge?

The challenge was learning how to wild wee, but out leader really helped us to remove the fear we had of that. The whole trip was a good challenge as I had to step out of my comfort zone and do things I hadn't done before. You really miss your home comforts but at the same time you are grateful for all that you have.

What was your favourite part of the project?

It was day 2, and I woke up and I felt it was so quiet in my mind. It felt nice have wind blowing on my face. I don't have a garden so it was a nice feeling, it was very peaceful and I'm very grateful. it was my first time spending so much time outdoors.

Highlights of the weekend - a couple of moments have stood out. One of them was I was able to push myself and to realise what my body can achieve, what I can achieve when I really put my mind to it and to really believe in myself and having that courage. The sisterhood that has come out of this trip and all the amazing women who push and support you, you can see the bond.

How will this project influence your outdoor adventures in the future?

This was the start I needed, to push myself. Now I have done it once, I want to continue to do it and it’s made me realise I can do camping. I've learnt a lot of skills and it’s given me so much confidence to get outside. The Wanderlust women have really opened up doors for Muslim women and I'm very grateful I was able to be on this camping weekend.

Some Other Things

Would you recommend applying for an #itsgreatoutthere grant?

Yes, for sure.

How useful would you say the support provided by the Coalition was to your project?

It’s been such a huge support for us and we have finally been able to do this course for the women.

Contact

Amira Patel
Email: amirawanderlust@gmail.com