London Junior Mentors Outward Bound Adventure 2015

The London ReachOut Junior Mentors Project traveled to the Lake District for our annual outward bound adventure this year. Over the weekend of 13^th – 15^th February, we attended the Ullswater Centre in Penrith, Cumbria. We took 12 of our brightest young people from Bishop Challoner school  to pit their wits against new challenges and a new terrain.

Having barely put our bags down, the young people faced possibly the hardest challenge of the whole weekend: A DIP IN THE LAKE!!! Now unlike last year , where there was much fuss about hair and mobile phones getting wet, this year’s cohort where straight in the water as a team (see below - as they enter the water with arms linked). You’ve gotta respect that!!

Saturday morning saw the young people a bit sickly and delicate (it was very cold in the lake).

Despite their ailments, though, the Junior Mentors hit the water running (or rather floating) as canoeing challenges commenced:

Having made it safely to shore, we then negotiated a couple of maps and a mountain (literally) to make it to our log cabin. Some of the young people (very bravely) risked a midnight walk to the top of the mountain in what can only be described as very difficult conditions. Those who made it to the pinnacle, though, described the experience as ‘spiritually enlightening’ and ‘a life changing experience!’

We awoke very early Sunday morning for return hike back through mountainous terrain. Though pretty exhausted by now, we had to dig deep into our energy reserves for our final challenge: The team row back across the lake.

Much like last year, the London Junior Mentors acquitted themselves with distinction. They were attentive and supportive of each other and displayed courage and leadership in equal measure. An indication of their success this year could be found in the fact that two of our young people have been invited back by the Outward Bound Trust to participate in a week long outstanding leadership course during the summer. We are very proud. Many thanks to Bishop Challoner School for their support and to the team at Outward Bound Centre in Ullswater.