Youngsters from the local community clubs in Leeds have returned from their life-changing week on the Leeds Rugby Foundation Outward Bound trip in Wales as "different people" according to the course leader Sam Horner.
Watch a compilation of photos put together by Leeds Rugby Foundation's Sam Horner, below.
The kids departed on this year's trip to the Outward Bound Centre to Aberdovey, Wales last Monday 26th August and have now returned with a new outlook on life ahead of the Industry Day at partners Irwin Mitchell Solicitors.
Over 40 teenagers from community clubs in the Leeds and District got the chance to experience a host of outdoor activities.
The group were thrown in the deep-end ‘literally’ on day one as they took part in the jug and dip event in the Welsh estuary. The challenge continued throughout day one and the rest of the week as they climbed a 10 foot wall, jumped the leap of faith, kayaked, canoed and made rafts.
There was a tough 26 mile 3 day expedition which involved camping and mountain climbing which was where the real bonding took place. The group also played a bit of beach rugby and took part in a number of educational tasks and learning outcomes which really brought the kids out of their comfort zones.
The programme was organised and run by Leeds Rugby Foundation and Outward Bound Trust, but it can only happen due to our generous sponsors Irwin Mitchell LLP, Geoff and Gill Caplan and Wade's Charity.
And the view of Sam Horner is that the Outward Bound trip has certainly been a great success. He commented:
“It was a fantastic week. My highlight has to be watching the kids develop as people. The personal development really was evident and I am positive the experience will benefit the kids in their future lives. They really have returned as different people.
“Thanks must go to all of the professional staff at Outward Bound, as well as to all the Leeds Rugby Foundation staff. Thanks as well to all the kids, parents and partners who made the trip possible.”
Cail Cookland an attendee on this years Outward Bound commented: "I have learnt to be patient and I have developed leadership skills and teamwork. I most enjoyed building rafts and bonding with the team in front of the campfire."
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.
This includes problem solving, CV writing, personal finances and budget setting. This will be the third year running that the firm has offered the option.
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