About the Course

ClearDebt is offering a group of young people the chance to attend the famous Outward Bound® 3-week Classic course (normally costing over £1000). The course will run summer 2007 at one of The Outward Bound Trust's residential centres, - Ullswater in the English Lake District, Loch Eil near Scotland's Fort William or the coastal village of Aberdovey in Wales.

The course is about developing a willingness to work with others, learning to solve problems and developing your communication skills, increasing your ability to assess difficult situations and make important decisions that affect everyone around you. Finding you can go that bit further, even when you think you can't, and enjoying that amazing sense of "I did it!" is only the start. What follows is unforgettable fun with new friends and superb companionship, and a great sense of accomplishment. Suddenly, life starts to looks good again.

The courses demonstrate in a vivid way that you are better than you know - preparing you to face whatever life throws at you with confidence, respect and compassion. In addition, at the end of the course, after three unforgettable weeks, doing as many adventurous activities as you can handle, you may even be awarded the prestigious Outward Bound® badge.

What you will do on the course

You will be taken on a physical and mental journey, you will be introduced to new people and activities; encouraging you to review your progress; you will have the opportunity to try new things in a safe, supportive and controlled environment. The impact is phenomenal.

You will gain confidence and self-reliance and are exposed to life's most valuable lessons - taking responsibility for your choices, making personal judgments and working together.

The Outward Bound Trust offers a different learning environment; the mountains, lakes and seas provide an outdoor classroom. The instructors supporting you through the course are an integral part of the group and have a passion for people and the outdoors. You will have a dedicated instructor throughout and they will get to know you and have the skills and experience to help you on your journey finding the best within yourself. Another key feature is the review process. Following every activity, whatever the outcome, you are encouraged to reflect on your own performance and to identify ways to future success. It's an important lesson in life...

All the adventure activities are great fun and aim to have a deep and lasting impact, leading to better communication, teamwork, greater confidence and increased compassion.

The activities you will have the opportunities to try include...

• ABSEILING: a true mountaineer's rope descent that starts with a personal challenge and ends with a huge sense of achievement.
• CANOEING, KAYAKING & SEA KAYAKING: once learnt, this is a skill that leads to magnificent journeys - the very nature of these activities offers the quality time to build lasting confidence.
• DINGHY SAILING: take control and increase your power to make effective decisions - all through a few hours in a Wayfarer or Pico dinghy.
• HILL WALKING: it's fun, it's free and it's easy to do for the rest of your life - the course locations offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK as well as the freedom to explore in wide open spaces.

"I never knew walking could be so exciting. So tired, but so happy."

TOM HUMPAGE [ PARTICIPANT ]

• JACOB'S LADDER: trust, teamwork and group support are absolutely essential to completing this activity successfully... you just can't do it alone.

  "The best thing was me getting to the top of Jacob's Ladder - it brought something out of me I didn't know I had."

  KAREN UGBEYAN [ PARTICIPANT ]

• NAVIGATION: navigation is key to many Outward Bound® courses - it's the best way to enjoy the outdoors safely: it also brings great personal satisfaction and confidence on the water and in the mountains.
• RAFT CONSTRUCTION: nothing else combines the skills of design, planning and teamwork - all pretty vital if the aim is to get across the lake and stay dry!
• ROCK CLIMBING: everyone's doing it and with Outward Bound®, it's done skilfully, with confidence and safety and the support of the whole group. A great activity for a great achievement.
• ROPES COURSE: it takes courage and commitment... and the rewards are fantastic! One of the fastest routes to self-confidence. Bring it on!

  "Confidence is the key and I hope to be able to go through life with this experience."

  LOLA OLUKOLE [ PARTICIPANT ]

• TRAPEZE: climbing a six-metre pole, standing at the top and then jumping for the trapeze bar. Sounds unlikely, but it's true. The best sense of achievement ever.

  "The most difficult thing was to get to the top of the pole and jump off because of my fear of heights. I conquered this by breathing deeply and listening to the encouragement from my friends below."

  ANTONIA GATEWOOD [ PARTICIPANT ]

• ZIP WIRE: launching from the platform and zipping down the wire to the group below. With their support and that of the instructor, it's an amazing thrill.

Please note: not all activities listed are available at all locations.