Short paper discussing some of the characteristics which contribute towards young people having an enjoyable, challenging experience from which they can learn through the process of working with a reflective, effective practitioner.

The discussion group included teaching staff and students of the BA Youth and Community Work Programme at the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David. The group took part in a Socratic dialogue on the topic ‘what is excellent Youth Work’, deciding to explore a residential project which has taken place a number of years before.  The group explored questions about the project for two hours and the paper is an interpretation of notes taken at the time of the discussion.