Outward Bound summer ends on a high note

Thousands of youngsters have benefited from courses run by the Bermuda branch of adventure training charity Outward Bound.

And the last crop of graduates of the summer programme of the outdoors experience have signalled their approval of the scheme.

A group of nine girls aged between 12 and 15 took part in the last course of the summer, held at the traditional Paget Island venue off the east end of the island.

Tori Daniels, 14, from Devonshire, said: “This is my first year doing this – it’s been fun. I got to challenge myself in all my weak points – mostly to do with strength.

“I’m definitely going to do more exercise – it’s all about teamwork and exercise here.”

Andi Aitken, 12, of Smith’s, added: “It was really fun – I’ve got about two more years where I’m eligible to take part and I’m pretty sure I’ll be back.

“I enjoy challenging myself – I’ve never done anything like this before. All the high ropes, I was afraid I was going to slip and fall. But if you fall, they have got you. It’s been great.”

The pair were speaking as the week-long residential course on the island drew to a close last weekend.

The girls, from all over the island, were the last of four groups to take part in the full summer course, which includes rock climbing, assault course-style exercises, and flying down a zip wire, as well as orienteering.

Water-based activities include kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling and building a raft as part of team.

Outward Bound Bermuda is run by the Bermuda Police Service, with assistance from the Bermuda Regiment and a team of highly-trained civilian volunteers.

PC Mark Norman, who has been involved with Outward Bound since the late 1980s, said: “There are a lot of team-orientated activities which get them working together and helping each other.

“Everything we do is designed to build up confidence. Sometimes they come with a bit of a fear of heights, but they overcome that.”

Bermuda Regiment Adjutant Major Ben Beasley has been involved with the charity for several years as an instructor.

He said: “It’s a great way to interact with young people.

“It helps to give them a more rounded image of both the police and the Regiment and assists the police and Regiment to interact better with young people as well.

“It’s good for youngsters to be involved in the adventurous training side of life and the Regiment gains from working with the police, something we will be doing more and more in the future.”

Mackenzie Pearman, 13, from Smith’s, said it was her second year at a summer camp.

She added: “The team building exercises are great. Going on the high ropes was quite scary, but I managed it.

“I also learned how to do more water sports kike kayaking and canoeing and it really helped me get over some fears. It really does help you become more confident.”

The group also visited the tall ship Amistad, which was berthed in St George’s during the camp.

The week-long summer camps are open to boys and girls aged from 12-15, while shorter courses, which also take middle school pupils are run throughout the year.

Outward Bound, created in 1941, was the brainchild of teacher Kurt Hahn, who founded Gordonstoun School in Scotland, made famous after several members of the Royal Family attended it. The programme has since spread worldwide.

Outward Bound Bermuda also offers courses to other age groups, including corporate team building events, which help subsidise courses for young people. More information at www.outwardboundbermuda.org.