“Kids these days are soft…”

Really?

I just spent a few days in wild country with a Silver DofE group. Heatwaves, storms, dodgy kit, team tensions, tricky nav — and they faced all of it head-on.

Their research project?

“Does adventure improve mental wellbeing?”

They didn’t just talk about it — they tested it.

Tracked their moods.

Reflected.

Looked after each other. Pushed through discomfort. And every single one of them said: yes, it helps. Big time.

Truth is, today’s young people aren’t fragile — they’re resilient, resourceful and brave.

They just need the right support and the right environment to show it.
Let’s stop underestimating them.

Give them challenge. Give them space. And watch them rise.