Ballymoney High outward bound in Ullswater!

This is the third year that the school has sent a group of young people on the Adventure and Challenge programme run by the Outward Bound Trust at Ullswater in Cumbria.

The group was accompanied by staff members Mr I Davidson, Mrs M Glover and Mrs N McClarty. Mrs Glover explained that xl club has a key role to play in the development of the students.

"Participating in the Prince's Trust xl club offers young people opportunities to build up their self confidence and self worth by participating in a range of activities both inside and outside the classroom. The programme is summed up by the xl club motto – a practical way to learn and a positive way to achieve," she said.

While on the five day residential course the group of teenagers took part in a wide range of activities which were designed to foster team building skills and encourage them to push their boundaries by trying new and challenging things. During the week they enjoyed water based activities including canoeing and even having a dip in the chilly waters of Ullswater.

This was definitely a real test of courage! They also took part in problem solving activities and had a go at tunnelling through an underground network of pipes. Highlight of the trip for everyone was the overnight expedition. An afternoon's hike was followed by dinner cooked on the campfire and a night spent in a camping barn. All of the participating students thoroughly enjoyed their Ullswater experience and are already asking about next year's trip.

Prior to embarking on the trip the pupils were involved in a number of fundraising events including sponsored walks, and planting and selling hanging baskets. They also applied for and received a bursary from the Outward Bound Trust which helped pay for half the cost of the accommodation and tuition. In addition the pupils applied for grant aid from the Big Lottery through The Big Deal programme. The Big Deal small grants programme is about helping to increase children and young people's participation as decision makers through projects where they decide what it is they want to do, when, where and how. On this occasion The Big Deal provided 2,500 towards the total cost of the residential which made participation within the reach of every pupil. The students are grateful for the support they have received from The Big Deal, Outward Bound Trust and everyone in the local community who has so generously sponsored their fundraising activities over the past year.

On their return from the Lake District the pupils were able to complete a photo journal of their trip. This contributes towards fulfilment of their requirements for xl club Bronze Award, so well done to everyone.