what you doing? was born from hours of observation and conversation, driven by the desire to tackle the sombre veil we see shrouding so many of the humans we meet. It is the longing, the sense that something vital is missing: connection, togetherness, the kind of community that religion and pubs once offered but which we’ve increasingly lost.
With our bunkhouse as a base and Wales’ nature as our backdrop, we realised we had the ingredients for something special—something we also longed for. We’ve created a space that can bring people together with the aim to leave them more fulfilled and connected than when they arrived, whether through hours of meditation, self-development workshops, dancing all night, splashing in our reservoirs, crawling through caves or running through our forests.
Pete brings over 15 years of experience working with young people in the outdoors industry. A qualified activity instructor with a diploma in education studies, he also holds a wide range of activity-specific qualifications.
Pete has worked with some of the country’s leading outdoor providers, both as an instructor and a staff trainer. His experience extends to youth work with NCS and The Prince’s Trust, as well as serving as an external specialist for Pupil Referral Units.
Pete's primary role at wyd is acting as a facilitator for the emotional moments and Lead Instructor for the adventure ones.
In 2017, Pete founded our parent company, ARC Adventures—one of the last independent activity and residential camp providers in the UK. His vision was rooted in the belief that outdoor education could be reimagined: reconnecting with its original purpose as a powerful tool for building emotional resilience, teamwork, and self-efficacy, all while adapting it to fit our modern world.
The work ARC does has opened the door to exploring how we can create an equally meaningful space for adults—one that fosters the same transformative moments Pete strives to share with young people: asking, 'Who are we? And who do we want to be?'.
Pete is also an avid climber, caver, builder, philosopher and explorer who on a wet day can be found in a board game café eating ice cream.
I’ve been a creative professional for over a decade and am behind everything visual you see. I joined in 2022 to ensure ARC’s image matched the quality of its service.
Before ARC, I freelanced as a graphic designer after realising I wanted more personal relationships with clients and a lifestyle focused on deeper connections with people and the planet.
When I’m not at my desk, you’ll find me on the ground as your Centre Manager, making sure your weekend runs smoothly.
Adding to Pete's vision and immersing myself in every aspect of the ARC family has meant intense years of self-reflection and growth. It’s been a journey to figure out how to portray the bonding of all those combined aspirations and dreams. A hard task, but I’ve come to accept that this space—and how we represent ourselves—is always evolving. Sometimes, we just have to go with the flow and let go of control. I'll get back to you if I figure out how to achieve that one.
My dream is to create a space where people feel safe, welcomed, and free from the walls we build around ourselves—a place that fosters compassion for both loved ones and strangers alike.
I’m a pro napper, water baby, and a chocolate and coffee addict with a passion for everything I set my mind to—because if it’s not wholehearted, I might just regret it.
Julie has been a youth worker, entertainer, and prison officer—though, quite frankly, we’re yet to figure out something she can’t do.
Jim brings over 30 years of experience as a carpenter, including 12 years running his own business. His problem-solving skills and expertise have been instrumental for the well-being of our building.
Together, Julie and Jim have fostered children, from babies through to adults with learning difficulties, and have the training to support this. The care and wisdom they bring have been essential to the foundations of both ARC and wyd since their arrival.
By day, you’ll find them pottering around the site, making sure nothing falls apart; by night, they’re our watchful eyes during the school holidays for our Teen Camps.
Julie and Jim, the most iconic duo wyd knows, started out like many of us here—as volunteers. They first joined us in early 2023, when the building ARC had taken over had no heating or water. But that didn’t stop them from bringing the energy and warmth we so desperately needed to overcome countless challenges. We wouldn’t have made it this far without them.
We hope to make them proud with what we’re creating and, if we succeed, be able to repay their generosity in kind.
When they’re not busy kicking everything into shape on site, you’ll find Julie and Jim enjoying a board game with prosecco and cider, soaking up the sun, or strolling through nature kicking rocks for their pup.
Julie has been a youth worker, entertainer, and prison officer—though, quite frankly, we’re yet to figure out something she can’t do.
Jim brings over 30 years of experience as a carpenter, including 12 years running his own business. His problem-solving skills and expertise have been instrumental for the well-being of our building.
Together, Julie and Jim have fostered children, from babies through to adults with learning difficulties, and have the training to support this. The care and wisdom they bring have been essential to the foundations of both ARC and wyd since their arrival.
By day, you’ll find them pottering around the site, making sure nothing falls apart; by night, they’re our watchful eyes during the school holidays for our Teen Camps.
Julie and Jim, the most iconic duo WYD knows, started out like many of us here—as volunteers. They first joined us in early 2023, when the building ARC had taken over had no heating or water. But that didn’t stop them from bringing the energy and warmth we so desperately needed to overcome countless challenges. Quite frankly, we wouldn’t have made it this far without them.
We hope to make them proud with what we’re creating and, if we succeed, be able to repay their generosity in kind.
When they’re not busy kicking everything into shape on site, you’ll find Julie and Jim enjoying a board game with prosecco and cider, soaking up the sun, or strolling through nature kicking rocks for their pup.
Maui is our personal stick collector, face licker and all around every person’s favourite motivator.
He's intune to your emotions, so if you're upset, you'll find him shaking at your feet trying to look after you and attempting to defuse the situation. Otherwise you'll often catch him at the side of your session taking a nap whilst you explore Wales.
So as to keep our grounds clear of poison for the sake of our plants and pets, we were given the great gift of Dota and Dotados, the friendliest cats you'll ever meet as well as the fiercest hunters on site.
Friends, family and volunteers…the ones that painted the walls, sanded your beds and got us this far.
A retreat in the heart of the Welsh countryside for all kinds of gatherings. WYD will help you plan your next family get-together, party, or workshop.
Every now and then we’ll send out offers of free sessions or workshops. Be the first to find out about them via email or our social media.
