Birmingham Boys & Girls Union – Woodlands Adventure

KWB has pledged its support to Birmingham Boys & Girls Union’s Woodlands Adventure. Woodlands Adventure operates as a non-profit organisation, with all money received from donations and paid visits ploughed back into the running of the centre and improving the charitable opportunities that the centre can offer.

One of Birmingham’s oldest charities

The Birmingham Boys & Girls Union was set up in 1906, making it one of Birmingham’s oldest children’s charities. Its centre, Woodlands Adventure & Outdoor Learning, is open to all children, but also offers disabled children, and children from disadvantaged backgrounds, the chance to experience what it has to offer – where many would usually go without.

Catering for all

The facilities and training of staff at Woodlands Adventure mean that they can cater for all. Many children with physical disabilities or additional needs are able to enjoy activities they would often be turned away from – causing them to miss out on valuable learning, life experience and, importantly, fun!

KWB involvement

KWB Property Management Director, Mark Lenton, sits on the board of trustees for Birmingham Boys & Girls Union. Mark has been involved with Woodlands since 1995, having been recruited onto the BBGU Council – initially as the charity’s secretary – by his former employer, John Lloyd, MBE TD JP FRICS, who was past Chairman of BBGU.

Mark Lenton said: “John Bryce’s involvement came at my request, after he asked for any suggestions that he and the staff of KWB could get involved with, from a charitable point of view.

“The BBGU has always struggled for funding and, whilst the camp is owned, the costs of employment particularly, are extremely high – having a healthy sized team of well-trained staff is of the utmost importance. As a result, the revenue stream does not always cover the costs.”

KWB Director, John Bryce, has been delighted to get involved and bring the KWB team together for the project. He said: “I had been involved with the Property for Kids charity as treasurer and trustee for many years but, in 2015, I made the decision to move on from the organisation and I was looking for another challenge, and particularly for an opportunity to have the KWB team working towards a mutual, charitable goal.

“I spoke to Mark (Lenton), who was an existing trustee of the Birmingham Boys & Girls Union, about the work being done at Woodlands – and as he explained, I quickly started to appreciate how brilliant and worthwhile it all was.

“The whole KWB team is behind this project, and with getting involved in one way or another, as we provide support for an organisation that betters the lives of children across Birmingham and the West Midlands.”

Birmingham Boys & Girls Union accreditations

Institute for outdoor Learning (IOL) – Organisational Member

British Association of Youth Clubs (BAYC) – Life Member

British Canoe Union (BCU) – Approved Centre

Council for Learning Outside the Classroom – Quality Badge

Adventure Activities Industry Advisory Committee – Adventuremark

To donate to the Birmingham Boys & Girl Union, click here