Pinkston Youth Forum 2.0: Building Up to the River Spey Expedition

Over ten weeks from July through to September, our Youth Forum took on a challenge that started right here at Pinkston and ended 191 miles away at Spey Bay, a beautiful coastal reserve, following an expedition on one of Scotland’s classic canoe expeditions.

The Youth Forum, was not just about learning to paddle or planning an expedition — it was about a group of 8 young people finding their voice, working as a team and deciding what kind of adventure they wanted to create together.

Each week we met on a Tuesday evening, splitting time between the classroom and the water, starting by looking different craft, disciplines and skills. At the very beginning, there was uncertainty and anticipation about what was to come. Over time, people got to know each other, figuring out how to work as a team, support each other & laughter came more easily, ideas started flowing, and the group began to feel like a team.

The Youth Forum was to be a Youth Led project, hearing their ideas, what would they like from the next few weeks. To aid this, we used guided discovery. Instead of telling them what to do, we asked questions, explored options, and let them lead the direction. Bit by bit, the group decided what mattered most: expedition, map reading, navigating rapids, water safety skills & first aid.

Through the weeks, they learned how to paddle craft, with a focus on canoes, with journeys and rescues & how to look after each other in their boats. We had sessions dedicated to camp craft, how to pitch tents and practiced cooking meals together on stoves. They looked at and created expedition menu’s, packing lists and even how to look after each other’s wellbeing.

As expected, there were a few bumps along the way, times when ideas clashed or things didn’t go as planned but that was part of it. They learned how to listen, how to compromise, and how to keep going when things got tricky.

Midway through the programme, things had changed. They weren’t just showing up anymore — they were leading. They were making decisions together, encouraging each other, and pushing themselves to go a little further every week. Pinkston became their place.

In the final weeks, the focus turned to preparation. The group pulled together their kit and practised the skills they’d need to take on the expedition safely. There was a buzz of excitement — but also a bit of reflection. They knew they were ready, and that they were about to make memories they will remember and talk about for a long time.

After ten weeks of planning, training, and teamwork they set off. Leaving the gates of Pinkston, for the first Spey Expedition.
Eight young people, four days over a cold September weekend, one river, and an adventure that was completely their own.

The River Spey was the challenge, but the real journey happened long before they got there — in the moments of learning, laughter, challenge, and connection that made them a team.