The Outdoor Adventures this year was a more local affair but the intensity, activities and life changing opportunities were still high on the agenda. The week long programme, organised and run by Leeds Rugby Foundation and Learning Curve Skill Centres, can only happen due to our generous sponsors Irwin Mitchell LLP and Geoff and Gill Caplan.
The trip was staged at the Wooley Edge Activity Site in Wakefield and gave 39 teenagers from community clubs in the Leeds and District area a chance to experience a host of outdoor activities they may not have experienced before which included team building, night manoeuvres, kayaking, raft building, stretcher carrying team games and abseiling.
Watch a compilation of photos put together by Leeds Rugby Foundation below.
http://youtu.be/vDwDwLzPaNk
The young men departed on this year's trip, on the Monday the 25th August for 5 days of hard but enjoyable activities, returning just in time to go to the Leeds Rhinos home game on the 29th of August.
Speaking ahead of the Industry Day which is taking place on 29th October at partners Irwin Mitchell Solicitors the young men will be invited along to their offices to again develop as people. This will also be an opportunity to get feedback from the group about their experience and their new skills.
Sam Horner the course manager commented that “the course was a life changing week and the young men have come back different people in most cases. It was a fantastic week, watching the kids have the opportunity to develop personally will benefit the young men in their future lives. Friendships are important and many friendships have been made this week that will last a lifetime”.
"Thanks must go to all of the professional staff at Learning Curve, as well as to all the Leeds Rugby Foundation staff. Thank you as well to all the kids, parents and partners who made the trip possible."
Will Barker an attendee on this year’s Outdoor Adventures Trip commented: "I have learnt that teamwork is important in life, whatever you do and relying on those around you to get you through the tasks. Meeting new people was a bit daunting at first but we soon created bonds within our group".
Next up for the youngsters as they continue their 'life-changing' experience is an industry day at Irwin Mitchell offices in Leeds where Irwin Mitchell personnel work with the students on employment-based skills and training including problem solving, CV writing, personal finances and budget setting. This will be the fourth year running that the organisation has offered the option.
For more information on Irwin Mitchell Solicitors please click here.