The challenge of a lifetime FAQs
Want to know more about exactly what's involved in taking part in a challenge event for YouthNet? All your questions and details about what to do next are included here.
- How old do I have to be?
- How much do I need to raise?
- What's included in the price?
- What isn't included?
- How do I convince sponsors that it's not a holiday?
- What's Gift Aid and how will it help?
- Who organises the overseas challenges?
- How are my personal details processed by Charity Challenge
- What about spending money?
- Does Charity Challenge give advice about visas?
- Do I need travel insurance?
- How are expedition places allocated?
- What should I expect?
- Who takes part in a Charity Challenge expedition?
- Who leads the groups?
- What is a typical day?
- How difficult are the Charity Challenge expeditions?
- How fit do I need to be?
- What happens if I fall ill, can't keep up or if there's an emergency?
- What do you do about safety and first aid?
- What are the facilities like?
- What is the accommodation like?
- What about health and hygiene?
- What is the food and drink like?
- What personal equipment do I need?
- If I take part, can I extend my flight and stay on longer?
- Any more questions?
- How old do I have to be?
To take part in a charity challenge you need to be at least 18 years-old.
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How much do I need to raise?
The amount of sponsorship you need to raise depends upon the challenge you do and there are two ways to fund your expedition.
Option 1: Raise a minimum sponsorship
With this option, you pay your deposit when booking the expedition, and pledge to raise a minimum amount of sponsorship for YouthNet. At least 55% of the minimum sponsorship you raise, and every penny over the minimum sponsorship level will go towards YouthNet. This money will ensure we can continue to provide much-needed support and advice to young people in need via TheSite.org, or help people make a difference to their local community through volunteering via do-it.org.uk.
Payment structure:- Your deposit is due at the time of registering;
- At least 80% of the minimum sponsorship must be sent to YouthNet 10 weeks before departure to guarantee your place, along with pledges for the remaining amount;
- The remaining 20% is due to YouthNet within six weeks of returning to the UK from your challenge.
Option 2: Fund the trip yourself and ask for sponsorship
With this option, you personally cover the full cost of the expedition, which includes a £100 donation towards YouthNet. The self-funder option has no minimum sponsorship requirement, although you are still encouraged to raise as much as you can to support YouthNet's work. The full self-funder cost of the expedition is made up of:
- the deposit, due at the time of booking;
- the balance, due eight weeks before departure.
You will need to send your sponsorship money to YouthNet as you raise it. To make this easy we've made it possible for you to set up your own online fundraising page with our partners at justgiving.com.Alternatively, you can print off a sponsor form and send us the money raised (cheques should be made payable to YouthNet).
NB: For each trip there is a travel insurance premium, and this is due at the time of booking. All costs, sponsorship levels and travel insurance premiums are indicated on the relevant itinerary in the brochure and also on the website. Please check the website for the most up-to-date figures before booking.
Full terms and conditions are available.
- What's included in the price?
- International flights to and from the UK (usually London) booked in Economy Class.
- All accommodation during the expedition (usually twin basis). If camping, Charity Challenge provide all necessary communal camping and cooking gear.
- Three meals a day (unless otherwise stated) and drinking water on challenge days.
- Entrance fees to national parks or other places of interest visited on the itinerary.
- Internal road and air transfers.
- All ground staff including English speaking guide, drivers, cooks, and porters and full back-up support including first-aid qualified staff and first-aid supplies.
- Activity equipment including bikes, tents and rafts.
- A donation of USD$20 to a local community project on your behalf in the area of the challenge.
- A Charity Challenge T-shirt.
- A discount on personal equipment from selected stores.
- What isn't included?
Transfers to and from UK departure airport; entry visas (if applicable); vaccinations (if applicable); personal equipment; support team tips; personal spending money; overseas airport departure tax (if applicable) and additional activities not included in the itinerary, such as excess baggage charges, hotel porterage, all items of personal nature such as laundry, room service charges, drinks, phone calls etc.
NB: Charity Challenge will advise you on the specific requirements of these items in the fact file and Q&As for your chosen expedition.
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How do I convince sponsors that it's not a holiday?
None of these challenges could be considered to be a holiday. Explain to them that you will be training for many months to get fit, raising thousands of pounds for charity, and then undertaking a physically demanding challenge. How difficult the challenge is will ultimately be down to you to decide. You could trek or cycle for six to eight hours each day and for several days, with basic facilities and sometimes at high altitude. Temperatures could climb from -20oC to +30oC within 24 hours. Unlike a holiday, participating in this kind of expedition starts long before you depart. It takes time, effort, dedication and commitment and is far from just a holiday. Finally, you have the option (Payment Option 2) to pay the full cost of the expedition yourself.
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What's Gift Aid and how will it help?
If your sponsors are UK tax payers, their support can qualify for Gift Aid. This means that YouthNet can claim back the tax they've already paid on their sponsorship from the government − at no cost or effort to them.In simple terms this means that for every £100 of sponsorship you raise from UK tax payers, YouthNet will actually receive £128. Just get them to tick the box on your fundraising page or sponsor form (we will need to receive your sponsor form when you send us your money − so don't lose it!) and we'll do the rest.
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Who organises the overseas challenges?
To provide this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, YouthNet has joined forces with leading oversees challenge events company Charity Challenge. Charity Challenge is the concept of, and will be administered by, Challenges (Un)Limited. All flight and expedition arrangements are undertaken by Challenges (Un)Limited (ATOL 6546). This Air Travel Organiser's Licence is issued by the Civil Aviation Authority and ensures that your money is safe before departure and provides for your safe repatriation. -
How are my personal details processed by Charity Challenge?
When you complete a booking form, you will be providing Charity Challenge with a certain amount of personal data, which they will only process for the purposes of administering and marketing the expedition. Examples of this processing include (but are not limited to): your name, occupation, date of birth and passport number. This is required for Charity Challenge to process your group visa (if relevant), book flights and for hotel reservations overseas. Any dietary requirements, allergies, or medical conditions are used for informing the airline, ground handler and tour leader where necessary. Your name, age and address are needed by the insurance company to provide adequate cover for you. If you have a question about the use of this personal information, please do not hesitate to contact us. -
What about spending money?
The only time you are likely to need spending money is at the beginning and end of the challenge. Charity Challenge suggests you take about £200 in relevant currency and a credit card for emergency situations – also se the Q&A for your chosen expedition. -
Does Charity Challenge give advice about visas?
You must hold a full 10-year passport, valid for at least six months from the end of your Charity Challenge expedition and with one blank page for the visa and any entry and exit stamps. Allow at least six weeks for new passport applications or renewals. Charity Challenge will send you any necessary visa application forms and will advise you of the costs involved. If you have any questions, or need help obtaining your visa or renewing your passport, Charity Challenge recommend you contact Zierer Visa Service (ZVS) on 020 7833 2700 or visit The Visa Service. For ZVS's special rate, just mention Charity Challenge. -
It is a booking condition that you purchase the Charity Challenge recommended comprehensive travel insurance policy that has been designed to cover the adventurous nature of these expeditions. They have arranged travel insurance cover for Charity Challenge expeditions with Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd (GTI) and with ACE Guardian Insurance for a Community Challenge expedition. This insurance covers, among other things, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, cancellation and curtailment of the expedition. In addition, this policy will protect the charity you are raising funds for, as they may (under the minimum sponsorship option) be contributing towards your expedition costs.
We appreciate that while you may have your own personal travel insurance arrangements; it isn't administratively possible for Charity Challenge to vet each and every one of your policies. While Charity Challenge have taken steps, which they consider necessary to review this travel insurance policy, isn't possible to anticipate every conceivable risk or accident that can occur on an adventure expedition. In addition, no insurance policy covers every possible accident that may arise. You are therefore requested to consider for yourself the wording of the policy that Charity Challenge recommend and which is compulsory for this trip. Nothing will prevent you from taking out additional cover from any insurance company over and above the insurance cover provided under the compulsory insurance.
All prices include UK Government Insurance Premium Tax @17.5%. If you are not resident in the UK, and are flying in to join the group departing from the UK, you will need to extend your travel insurance to provide cover for the travelling time to and from the UK. Similarly if you extend the duration of your trip, you will need to ensure that your travel insurance is extended to cover you for the full duration of your trip. Charity Challenge would be happy to make the necessary arrangements on your behalf by extending the expedition insurance. Any request for an extension of cover should put in writing. If an additional premium is required, you will be notified.
The Global Travel Insurance (GTI) policy is underwritten by Travel and Personal Underwriters Ltd on behalf of a panel of insurers. Both GTI and Travel and Personal Underwriters Ltd are members of and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. If you have any questions regarding this insurance, you should contact GTI for advice and assistance. A full policy wording will be sent to you with your confirmation of booking. The GTI policy covers UK and Irish citizens who are permanently resident and domiciled in the UK (You must have been living in the UK for 12 months).
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How are expedition places allocated?
Each itinerary has a maximum group size, so places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Once an expedition becomes full, Charity Challenge endeavours to introduce additional departure dates and the latest dates are listed on the website. -
What should I expect?
Many of Charity Challenge's host countries are less developed than the UK and Ireland. Internal infrastructures are often limited; roads are rough and facilities basic. Charity Challenge maintain the highest standards of hygiene (that these environments permit), but if you're after a five-star holiday, forget it. If, however, you are seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure abroad, then a YouthNet challenge is for you. -
Who takes part in a Charity Challenge expedition?
Charity Challenge expedition groups will be accompanied by a first aid qualified, English-speaking expedition leader as well as at least one local guide from the area you explore. The expedition leader is responsible for the group's safety and will ensure to the best of their ability that the planned itinerary runs smoothly. From time to time wildlife movements, weather changes, transport problems or forces of nature may cause last-minute changes. In such circumstances, the expedition leader may vary the itinerary, and their decision will be final. -
Who leads the groups?
Charity Challenge expedition groups will be accompanied by a first aid qualified, English-speaking expedition leader as well as at least one local guide from the area you explore. The expedition leader is responsible for the group's safety and will ensure to the best of their ability that the planned itinerary runs smoothly. From time to time wildlife movements, weather changes, transport problems or forces of nature may cause last-minute changes. In such circumstances, the expedition leader may vary the itinerary, and their decision will be final. -
What is a typical day?
On trekking/cycling days you will rise early and pack up camp after breakfast. You trek or cycle for between six and eight hours a day. There will be a picnic lunch en route, with time to take in the views. Evenings are usually spent in camp, where the food and facilities are fairly simple. A more specific typical day is detailed in the Q&A sheet for each expedition. -
How difficult are the Charity Challenge expeditions?
Each itinerary is labelled as either challenging, tough or extreme. Aside from physical exertion, other factors that may affect this difficulty level include altitude, climate, facilities available, and whether or not you carry your own pack. See your chosen expedition for a specific rating. -
How fit do I need to be?
The very nature of the Charity Challenge means a certain level of fitness is required. Expeditions are designed to be demanding; you need to earn your sponsorship money, so getting fit is part of the challenge. Fitness Training notes are available on the Charity Challenge website and they recommend you spend two to three months before your trip getting fit and building up stamina. You do not need to be professional in your chosen sport but the more prepared you are the more you will enjoy the expedition. Only you can judge how fit you are and what you're capable of achieving so be sensible but adventurous. Don't forget people are sponsoring you to undertake a challenge. Set yourself realistic goals, but remember that the more prepared you are, the more you will enjoy the expedition. -
What happens if I fall ill, can't keep up or if there's an emergency?
Charity Challenge expeditions are not races. They cater for a range of abilities. A member of the support team remains at the back of the group, ensuring everyone achieves their challenge at their own pace. You will be transported to the next camp if you are unable to continue. In more serious circumstances, Charity Challenge would arrange for an evacuation to medical facilities. -
What do you do about safety and first aid?
Safety of the group is of paramount importance and each team member is responsible for maintaining the highest levels of safe conduct. Anyone causing a danger to themselves or to other members of the expedition may be removed from the group. There will be a qualified first aider with the group who will carry a substantial first aid kit. -
What are the facilities like?
Challenges take place in many countries that may be less developed than the UK or Ireland. Access to these areas can be very difficult, as the infrastructure is likely to be fairly limited. Roads can be rough and facilities are often very basic. -
What is the accommodation like?
During the challenge sector of the expedition, you are going to be off the beaten track and far from the home comforts of hotels – forget air conditioning, flushing toilets and a comfy bed! Two person tents are likely to be your home for a few days, and a foam mattress (or thermarest) might aid your chances of a sleeping well. More comfortable accommodation is usually available at the beginning and end of the trip. Specific details are provided in the itinerary and Q&A sheet for your expedition. - What about health and hygiene?
The highest standards of hygiene (that the environment permits) will be maintained. Washing facilities will be provided daily although this could range from mountain streams to bowls of warm water to hot showers. Toilets will vary from secluded trees, to tent-covered long-drop toilets, to permanent flushing toilets. The Q&A sheet for your expedition will tell you more. - What is the food and drink like?
Rising to your challenge will be hungry work, so you need not worry about any shortage of food or drink. Ample clean drinking water will be available, as well as three meals a day (unless otherwise stated). Charity Challenge can cater for vegetarians and will try to accommodate other dietary requirements, provided you inform them well in advance. Please remember however, that supplies may be difficult to obtain in remote areas, and the variety of food may be limited. - What personal equipment do I need?
Before you pack everything but the kitchen sink, remember this is an adventurous and challenging expedition - not a five star luxury cruise. Bring as little as possible but bring everything you need. Travelling light is much less of a hassle; so do not bring things you can do without. The general rule is that if you don't need it, don't bring it. To help you decide what to take and what to leave, a specifically tailored Kit List has been produced that you can find on the Charity Challenge website alongside your chosen expedition.
Firstly see what you can borrow from friends or family. If you need to hire kit, please contact Trek Hire (01732 865 858). If you would prefer to purchase any items, upon registration you can get a discount on equipment from Field & Trek, one of the UK's leading retailers of specialist outdoor clothing and equipment (01268 494 444) or from Nomad Travel Stores (0208 889 7014). Nomad Travel Stores will also put together a first aid kit specifically for your expeditions.
Try to use your equipment before you go – particularly your rucksack, boots and sleeping bag – this will show up any manufacturing faults and whether they are comfortable enough. Good footwear and care of the feet is most important. Well broken-in walking boots should be worn. Trainers are too flimsy for wilderness treks. Sandals leave the feet exposed to sunburn, abrasions, thorns, insect and animal bites. Desert or Gortex boots are satisfactory.
Charity Challenge provides bikes, canoes, tents and other essential group equipment (where applicable), but asks that you bring sturdy hiking boots for trekking or a helmet and gloves for cycling.
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If I take part, can I extend my flight and stay on longer?
On all expeditions Charity Challenge aim to secure the most cost effective package. The biggest single expense on these expeditions is the international flights, and in order to keep these costs as low as possible, Charity Challenge have an exclusive arrangement with several airlines.
The tickets that are booked are non-transferable, non-refundable, and non-changeable. In certain circumstances, the airline may permit a change to the return date, but this is at the discretion of the airline. Where Charity Challenge is able to change your return date, there will be a flat non-refundable fee of £60, and of course, if the change of date results in a more expensive ticket, you will also be required to pay the difference. You will not be able to amend the outward date, only the return date.
After contacting Charity Challenge by phone, your request to extend must be put in writing before it will be actioned. You should send your request to Charity Challenge with a cheque for £60 made payable to "Challenges Unlimited". Your written confirmation should state that you have read and understood the points raised by your contact at Charity Challenge. You must give a preferred return date but also two other dates, just in case the first request is not available. If you choose to request a change, and then do not wish to take the requested return flight, you WILL be charged the £60 admin fee. However, if Charity Challenge cannot confirm your requested change of return date, or if the resultant fare increases by £50 or more and you choose not to accept the flight, Charity Challenge will NOT charge you the admin fee.
Insurance: If you extend your flight, you will also need to make sure that your personal travel insurance is extended to cover you for the full duration. You should put in writing a request to Charity Challenge and they will make the necessary arrangements to do this on your behalf. If an additional premium is required, you will be notified.
NB: PLEASE think very carefully and decide exactly what you need / want before requesting a change of return date. Once Charity Challenge request a change, if the seat is available, the airline will change the details immediately. If you change your mind once the new details have been entered, you may have lost your original seat with the main group.
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Contact us or call the Development Team on 020 7288 7331.