Earlier this month, 7 North team member Sophie packed her overnight bag and headed to the shores of lake Ullswater for The Outward Bound Trust Supporters Event 2024.
We've worked with The Outward Bound Trust since 2021, and over the years we've donated over 100 pairs of our Lakeland Active Eden Water Shoes & hand delivered 50+ pairs of our Lakeland Active Rydal Neoprene Wellington Boots for young people to use on their residential visits (read all about our wellie donation visit!).
As supporters of the Trust, we were honoured to be invited along to the Supporters Event. Our Project Manager, Sophie, joined a group of fellow business representatives from across the country, to get a glimpse behind-the-scenes of their impactful work with young people.
Despite the lashing rain, the event kicked off in true Outward Bound style with an outdoors 'icebreaker' activity, reinforcing the very essence of the Trust. No longer strangers, our group were taken on a guided tour of the entire OBT centre and facilities. First up was the impressive Ullswater kit room, where Gav, the Resource Coordinator, had kitted out over 200 young adventurers that week alone (incredible!).
Our group, now suitably protected from the Lakeland elements, were then gathered into a rib boat to hit the choppy waters of the lake. As we toured around, the Outward Bound instructors shared their approaches to educating young people, explaining that they take participants 'on a journey' through various types of activities (some of which are intentionally challenging and earned over time), emphasising the important process of reflection and learning from their individual experiences.
Pictured above: Time for a tour of the Ullswater kit room - somehow even more impressive than the Howtown Centre just across the water.
Pictured above: Fully kitted-out, the group hit the lake and motored past Howtown pier, cheering on some of the youngsters brave enough to jump in the lake.
We heard some inspiring stories from members in our group, including one from an Alumni of Outward Bound, who shared how his experience from six decades ago shaped his future and sparked a life-long passion for sailing. As well as a teacher who has seen firsthand the positive change in his pupils' confidence and behaviour following an OBT residential.
We also had the honour of meeting Alan Hinkes OBE, the first British mountaineer to conquer all 14 of the "eight-thousanders" (including Mount Everest and K2)! Hinkes is also an Every Life Matters Ambassador, a charity which is dedicated to promoting suicide safer communities and offering support to those affected by suicide in Cumbria.
Pictured above: A bunch of smiling faces before our group took the plunge & post-dip Sophie feeling rejuvenated wearing her Lakeland Active Patterdale Changing Robe.
Following an OBT tradition, the supporters event wrapped up with a bright and early jog & dip into the cold waters of Lake Ullswater. A very fitting end leaving everyone feeling refreshed and full of confidence (if a wee bit chilly!).
Reflecting on the experience, Sophie, says "The experience at Outward Bound Ullswater emphasised the power of stepping outside our comfort zones, continuing to connect with the great outdoors and, most importantly, working as a team to achieve our goals."
Pictured above: Sophie took a peaceful moment to reflect on the experience under the bright blue skies of Ullswater - her Lakeland Active Fellside Backpack never too far away.
A big thank you to our fantastic hosts—Dylan Carroll, Rose Albion, Natalie Jackson and Dave Holmes—for sharing the essence of Outward Bound Trust and making us feel like part of the team from the minute we walked through the door.
We're grateful for our continued connection with The Outward Bound Trust, you can support their extraordinary and life-enhancing work here: https://www.outwardbound.org.uk/ways-to-support-us
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