Face coverings: am I exempt? - The Brain Charity

With new government guidelines coming into place all over the UK, it is now mandatory to wear a face covering in most public places like shops and on all public transport. It can seem overwhelming to have wear a face covering if you have an underlying condition which it could exacerbate, but according to government guidance you are exempt from wearing one if: • You are unable to put on, wear or remove a mask due to a physical or mental illness or impairment or disability • Putting on, wearing o
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30 Things to Do During Lockdown

I want to start this blog by thanking all key workers who are keeping our families safe and keeping the country running. I am so grateful for everything you do. For us who are lucky enough to isolate safely at home, I’ve compiled a list (with the help of some friends) of how we are spending the time indoors. Please note, we are in a Global Pandemic, so don’t ever feel pressured into “being better,” “getting fitter,” or “changing,” you are absolutely perfect as you are, and you are dealing with
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It’s alright to feel like shit during a global pandemic

No one is handling it better, don’t compare your emotional health with their Instagram story. There is no simple way to ‘handle’ this. I read an important quote (sadly don’t remember the author) but it was basically that you do not have to leave quarantine any different to how you started. Being you is perfectly fine. If you want to lose/gain weight, great. If you don’t, also great. If you want to learn a new skill, awesome. If you don’t, also awesome. If you want to finish the entire series of
Smaller Earth •

Why the 'Leave No Trace' Movement is Vital for Outdoor Adventures

Not one of the most commonly used acronyms but nevertheless, one of the most important. LNT - Leave No Trace. What is 'Leave No Trace'? Leave No Trace is an organisation which was set up 25 years ago to champion the sustainable movement and to ensure that absolutely all of us show the correct respect to mother nature when we’re out and about. The aim is education, as opposed to restoration afterwards. It aims to be proactive in ensuring people have the right knowledge prior to travelling outdo
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5 Great ways to spend your days off at summer camp

Welcome to your new favourite time of the week. Your day off. Being a summer camp counselor is an incredible opportunity, you’re able to impact so many lives in such a short amount of time. You’re in nature, disconnected from the real world for 7-10 weeks. You make new friends who you know you can rely on and be yourself with. But sometimes you need a day or two to rewind from the craziness that is summer camp. I get it. So here’s my list of some fun things you can do to enjoy those glorious day
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How to Spend 48 Hours in Las Vegas (If Your Under 21)

The famous ‘Sin City’ has gained its reputation for its parties, nightlife and entertainment. So if you’re under 21, going to Las Vegas may feel like a world away, as you may feel like you’re missing out. You may feel like you’d be spending your entire trip in the hotel room, waiting for your ‘of-age’ friends to get back from their all night parties. But this is one common misconception about Las Vegas that’s worth busting; that there’s nothing to do for under 21’s. The one thing that threw me w
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How to Spend 48 Hours in Salt Lake City

Utah, for me, is one of the most beautiful states in the whole of the United States. It’s lucky to have a multitude of national parks, such as Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Capitol Reef and many, many more. Utah is also home to one of the most cultured and diverse cities in the world; Salt Lake City. A city that is known for its rich religious history, Salt Lake City offers an array of different offering for those interested going back in time. An interesting extra one is that it is the Mor
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Post-Camp Trek America Review: Western Wonderer

I was desperate to travel after summer camp in America, but money was always at the top of my mind. I initially wanted to wing it once I got to camp and figure out my travel plans later on. About a week later, I realised I am not a 'wing it' kind of girl. In a panicked Google search, I stumbled across Trek America and saw the great tours they provide. I chose the Western Wonderer tour, without flights, which totalled £729 - but they offer many discounts throughout the year. My trek was for 7 day
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How to Spend 48 Hours in San Francisco

We probably all know that feeling. That incredible feeling, in the middle of a whirlwind travel adventure. The moment when you realize that somehow you're lucky enough to have 48 extra hours in your jam-packed schedule - enough time to visit just one more city. If you're travelling after camp and find yourself on the west coast, San Francisco is the place to see. The city itself is very small - it's home to around 850,000 people, compared to New York's population of over 8 million. This makes it
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Summer Camp Essentials From Walmart For Budgeters And Ballers

The shop that has it all. If you have read our Camp Leaders love letter to Walmart here, you’ll know exactly how we feel about Walmart and we’re not scared to shout it from the rooftop. Our home away from home. Our best friend. Walmart. Even the name sounds warm and welcoming. I have absolutely no affiliation with them at all, but as a summer camp counselor in America you will know (or come to learn) that its a right of passage to spend your entire paycheck and summer inside the blue walls. Day
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6 Rules to Expect at Summer Camp

As you’re from an entirely new place, they will want to know anything and everything about you, which is amazing. Getting to know your campers is so important for building the bonds. Introducing someone to a new culture is something they will remember forever. Some campers may take it too far and ask personal questions, about things that don’t really matter at camp. These questions might be about your relationship, political views, or other sorts of "adulty" things that aren’t as fun as horse ri
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How to Continue the Journey at Home

One of the best ways to get back into that camp spirit is to meet up with all your counselor friends. See them, have a laugh, talk about memories at camp and then plan to head back. Motivate each other to book your flights and sort out the paperwork. My counselor friends and I all met up in Edinburgh for Hogmanay on New Year’s Eve, and loved every minute of it. We just had a laugh, reminisced, and enjoyed being together - what more could you want? These are the people that have been there for yo
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Dating, Delaying, ​and Dollar – My first year at University

So, in September I moved 2 hours away to Liverpool to start University. I thought this was a great idea as I’d be independent, self-reliant and basically if it goes to shit I’ll have to deal with up. Sounds good right? Here is my Dating, Delaying, and Dollar, or lack of… Liverpool is a beautiful city, has to be my favourite in the UK now. EVERYTHING is so close, a short walk or bus ride and you’re there. It’s amazing. Not having to drive or pay so much for parking/petrol is a godsend. It also,
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How can you afford it?

If you can’t tell by my excessive use of capitals, I will be returning to YMCA Camp Roger for my second summer. This means new memories, new adventures and that beautiful, beautiful tan (the important stuff). And now for the obvious question, how can you afford it? Good question. I’m a 19-year-old first-year student living in halls of residence that basically bankrupt me every term. Yay! Last year camp cost me around £2000. That makes me sad just looking at it. In fairness, the first year at ca
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