Rathgill Teens ‘energised’ By Outward Bound Adventure
8th April 2007
A group of Bangor teenagers from Rathgill Learning & Resource Centre have just arrived back from an action packed training week in Scotland, made possible thanks to funding from local gas industry charity the ‘Phoenix Energy for Children Charitable Trust'
The one week Outward Bound training course, which took place at Loch Eil in Scotland, was a welcome opportunity for the young people of Rathgill to benefit from a positive learning experience, helping develop a range of skills including motivation, self-confidence and the building of social interaction through team-building and leadership activities.
Lady Sylvia Hermon, UUP MP, is an avid supporter of Outward Bound and had contacted David Burke from the Northern Ireland Outward Bound Association (NIOBA) to see about the possibility of disadvantaged teenagers from the Bangor area taking part in one of the sought after training courses. Mr Burke was able to secure funds from the local gas Charity and worked closely with Rathgill Learning and Resource Centre to put together plans for the trip.
Mr Burke commented: “Since its foundation Outward Bound has had a proven track record in demonstrating that structured activities in the outdoors provide unique opportunities for young people to discover their full potential”.
The group from Rathgill Learning and Resource Centre returned with smiles on their faces and tales of canoeing, raft building and rock climbing.
The Phoenix Energy for Children Charity recently celebrated passing its first fundraising milestone by raising over £100,000 for local disadvantaged young people.
Pictured: David Carlisle and Ashton Campbell from Bangor were just two of 10 lucky teenagers who attended the Outward Bound course. Joining them are (L-R) Lady Sylvia Hermon (UUP), David Burke (NIOBA), Robert Mahaffy (NIHE) and Alex Easton (DUP).