Kyle Croft - Ullswater, The Lake District, 2010

Hi everyone, I'am Kyle Croft and I work for North Lancashire Training Group. I have been privileged enough to attend Outward Bound 3 times, (In 2008 and 2010 this year at Howtown Outward Bound and also in 2009 at Ullswater Outward Bound in the Lake District. On all of these occasions myself and colleagues from North Lancashire Training Group have mentored and looked after pupils from various schools and give them and ourselves support and help throughout the week and I can honestly say that it is the best decision I have made in going on the Outward Bound courses. I have learnt so many new skills including how to rock climb, canoe, cook outside while camping out in tents and also use maps and compasses for orienteering, I have got lots more confident in myself and believe I can do anything no matter how challenging and can push myself to the limit, I have also gained some leadership qualities in helping and giving support to others, from this year 2010, at Howtown Outward Bound I have been asked if I would be interested in doing a 3 week course in the summer and I think I will only benefit from this even more, so I am looking forward to it . Each year I have been on Outward Bound we have been mentors to these young people from the different schools and the best thing about doing this for me is the change you see in them. From the beginning of the week they could be shy, have low self esteem and confidence. By the time the week is nearly finished they have totally changed and are unrecognisable from the young people you met at the start of the week- they have confidence and have a great laugh with you, they learn never to give up if they are faced with fear or obstacles, they can speak out in a group of people and tell you their ideas and what they got out of doing all the different activities, they also make new friends and remember the week course they have done at Outward Bound for the rest of their lives. Seeing this from my point of view is fantastic and I feel proud of them because you know what they've accomplished and been through.
Every time I have been on a Outward Bound course the Jog and Dip into Ullswater Lake doesn't get any warmer and the food on the expedition when you camp out is still,... well ok, its keeps you going at least! Still the shower when you get back from the expedition feels like the best shower you ever have. If anyone has the chance to go on an Outward Bound course, please just go on it because its the best decision I made in going and I have now been 3 times at the age of 21. Don't be scared in giving it ago, all the instructors at Outward Bound are brilliant and have lots of experience and knowledge to share. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience this.