Empowering the Next Generation: Introducing the Call of the Wild Development Trust
At Call of the Wild, we’ve spent decades helping people grow and thrive – in the workplace, in nature, and within our communities. In 2017, we transformed this passion for development into something bigger: the Call of the Wild Development Trust, a charity committed to giving back to some of Wales’ most disadvantaged children through resilience-building programmes designed to equip them with the skills and confidence they need to overcome life’s challenges.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to equip Year 6 pupils with the resilience, confidence, and life skills they need to tackle challenges and make a successful transition to secondary school. Many of the children we work with come from communities facing significant barriers, where opportunities for personal growth are scarce, in fact many of the schools we partner with are in the top 10% of deprived areas in Wales.
Why Resilience Matters
Resilience is the foundation for thriving through life’s uncertainties – whether it’s navigating the leap to a new school, overcoming personal obstacles, or building a brighter future career. In just five days, our programmes achieve remarkable outcomes, with 61% of children showing measurable growth in mental toughness.
Real Impact, Real Stories
“I would like to take this opportunity to fully support this project. The ethos of reflection, evaluation and improvement that the project promotes reinforces school, county and national priorities. It was great to see these principles transferred to the everyday activities of pupils and PSE tasks (not only reading/ writing activities). It was also a great opportunity for me to assess the pupils’ social skills – some behaved as expected while others totally exceeded my expectations (always a joy to see the academically weaker/ quieter pupils shine through).”
Kate Windsor-Brown
Headteacher
YGG Blaendulais
“As regards the project – it was excellent – as it gave different children opportunities to respond in ways that the class teacher did not expect. It also highlighted certain group issues – regarding the ability to work with others – take criticism and problem solving.
What were most interesting were the answers to the questionnaire that the children filled in. As a school we do believe that increasing self –esteem and giving children opportunities outside the classroom does have a positive effect. After reading the results it’s obvious that we have a long way to go. The ability to control their own futures was particularly stark and it would be great to do further work on mentoring and opening up opportunities to broaden their horizons – in the big world but also inside their own minds!!
We were delighted to take part in this project and would welcome further input – as this is a crucial area for children in the valley to develop.
Thanks”
Gwilym Lewis Jones
Headteacher
YGG Y Wern
How You Can Support our Resilience Building Programmes
With every adventure booked at Call of the Wild, 2.5% goes directly to the Development Trust. This funding allows us to expand our reach and deliver resilience-building programmes that truly change lives. But we can’t do it alone.
We’re seeking like-minded organisations to join us in creating lasting change for children across Wales. By supporting the Call of the Wild Development Trust, you’re not just funding a cause – you’re investing in the future, empowering the next generation with the tools they need to succeed.
Whether it’s through donations, sponsorship, or partnering on bespoke initiatives, there are many ways your organisation can help us reach more children and amplify our impact.
Get Involved
We’d love to discuss how we can work together to make a meaningful difference. If your organisation is looking to align its CSR goals with a cause that’s all about developing people and fostering resilience, let’s talk.
Join us in building a brighter, more resilient future. Contact us today to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.
Why Partner with Us?
- Proven Impact: Over 1,000 children have already benefited from our programmes since 2020.
- Local Focus, Broad Reach: Supporting children in underfunded communities while driving positive change across generations.
- Shared Values: Our work resonates with organisations that prioritise growth, resilience, and giving back.
Together, we can inspire confidence, nurture potential, and create lasting change (that ultimately impacts the work place) – one child at a time.
Find out more
Visit us: callofthewilddevelopmenttrust.org
Email us: allison@callofthewild.co.uk
Call us: 01639 700 388