Venture Scotland runs an outdoor-based development programme for young people ready for a personal journey of adventure, learning and change. Our intensive programme runs over 12 months and is designed for young people aged 16-30, who face complex challenges. We build the confidence and skills of young people and aim to empower each individual to make positive and lasting changes in their lives. Over the past 30 years we have developed a unique approach to supporting young people that is based on an ethos of volunteering. Our team of development professionals works in partnership with over 75 volunteers to lead our programme. Volunteers motivate, inspire and mentor young people and provide them with a variety of positive role models from society. Our special mix of leaders enables us to provide intensive support to young people with an average of one leader for every two young people involved in each activity. We actively promote volunteering to young people once they have completed our main programme. This next step encourages young people to see themselves differently and make the transition from being supported to making a contribution to others. Whilst volunteering, they continue to receive support to maintain positive changes and to access education, training and employment.