Outward Bound & Youth Ambassadors

"2008 is seeing record numbers of Wakefield high school pupils attending Outward Bound courses.

Thanks largely to a generous donation of £1,000 for youth purposes from honorary member Sir Rodney Walker, routed via the Rotary Club of Wakefield, some excellent support from last minute DFES funding, financial assistance from Wakefield Outward Bound Association and contributions from parents, the schools concerned and the OB Trust, students from Years 10 and 11 at Kettlethorpe, Crofton and St. Thomas A Becket High Schools were able to enjoy the experience of a lifetime!

• 72 students have already had the opportunity to attend one-day courses at Sandal Rugby Club and Featherstone Rovers Rugby League Club when Outward Bound instructors have led a series of problem solving, team and leadership exercises to aid selection for a week at a Outward Bound centre

• 24 of these students went on to Phase 2 at either Ullswater at February half term and Aberdovey, Wales at Easter. At each, the students were offered a variety of adventurous activities in demanding mountain or coastal settings, culminating in an overnight expedition where they had to carry all equipment sometimes in challenging weather!

• In all these activities the development of teamwork and leadership were at the heart of the programme. The youngsters were fully engaged with the most dedicated of OB staff and have come back with very positive comments. Here are just a few "Really missing it and the routines and challenge" - Tom "It was an amazing week" - Kym "I just want to go back" - Josh • ‘I didn't want the week to stop!'

• ‘ ‘I just can't quite believe what I've been able to do' • ‘We didn't want to go home' • ‘It's the best thing I've ever done'

• Tudor Griffiths, Headteacher comments ‘The pupils have had a great experience and they all talked about how much they enjoyed the challenges and the team building exercises. It is super that so many pupils have taken a full and active part in this experience. The three week challenge is definitely an experience of a lifetime.'

• Last summer (2007), 5 students went on to complete the 3-week Classic course at Loch Eil in Scotland and subsequently became Youth Ambassadors for Wakefield Outward Bound Association. This year they have supported us by attending meetings of pupils, parents and supporters where they have enthusiastically shared their first hand experiences with the aid of Power Point presentations

• Wakefield OBA has also been able to support the efforts of Wakefield District Housing in their Community Leadership programme. Wdh are now working with every Wakefield MDC High School to deliver a similarly phased programme giving 180 Year 10 pupils an experience of Outward Bound through attending Ullswater on a three day residential, from whom 100 were selected to attend Aberdovey on five day residential experience

• In addition, Wakefield OBA has been able to support youngsters on an individual basis. All young people between 9 and 24 years can have the opportunity to go on Outward Bound irrespective of their financial circumstances. This year will see over 250 young people experiencing an Outward Bound experience, 125 of them getting a full residential experience. Next year, we have to continue the work without the DFES funding - so we will need more financial support from other sources to enable any young person to have the opportunity, irrespective of parental background."

email colin.moran@rotarywakefield.org.uk