Earlier this year we were approached by Charlie Rigby, Founder of The Challenger Trust, to provide an experience for Year 7 students from five schools in Luton and Bedford. Last month, we were delighted to open our doors to the Character First social mobility programme for two days of fun-filled bushcraft activities serving those five schools. Working with Character First, on behalf of the Chiltern Learning Trust, our bushcraft instructors immersed students in a range of activities designed to inspire, motivate, and strengthen personal development and character.
The Challenger Trust has been working with young people for over 20 years, supporting schools and students to develop character attributes and learn lifelong skills that will prepare them for the educational and employment opportunities that lie ahead. Through community partnerships, the Challenger Trust acts to promote programmes that improve young people’s social mobility and life chances.
Over two days, in the beautiful setting of Boughton Woods in Northamptonshire, students worked in small groups with dedicated instructors to challenge themselves with activities such as fire-lighting and fire-building, camouflage and concealment and shelter building. Working with natural resources to promote new ways of thinking is a great way to promote teamwork, leadership and communication skills, and build confidence, self-esteem and independence.
“Giving young people the opportunity to work in environments they may not normally encounter, and with people they may not usually meet, is a superb way to challenge preconceptions and build self-esteem. The bushcraft team at Boughton Woods were first-rate, presenting students with an exceptional experience to remember. We’re hugely grateful to Pat and the rest of the team at ALG and Character First for enabling and realising these two days for us.”
“To be able to host around 800 young people over two days has been an amazing experience for all concerned. The students from the schools involved showed a real enthusiasm for outdoor learning and for many, as their first venture into woodlands, it was truly eye-opening. I hope these two days now prove to be the catalyst for a series of progressive courses that build confidence and stretch the students to achieve in new and challenging environments.”
ALG is committed to supporting schools with activity programmes that will upskill and equip young people to face future challenges with strength and resilience. The knowledge that experiences shape people is even more powerful when we consider that the earlier in life these experiences begin, the more impactful the outcomes.
For more information about The Challenger Trust please click here.
For more information about the Character First initiative please click here.
