Students from three Bristol schools depart for their Outward Bound adventure in Aberdovey. Adults in the back row, left to right are: Bob Jennings, Chair of the Avon Outward Bound Association; Marvin Rees, Elected Mayor of Bristol; Michael Bothamley, leader of the Society of Merchant Venturers, the main sponsor of the trip; and Robert Bourns, Chair of Governors for Merchants’ Academy. Image supplied from Society of Merchant Venturers
South West-based coach company Bakers Dolphin took the party of 48 students, aged between 13 and 15, from three different city schools for a five-day Outward Bound experience in Aberdovey.
The trip resulted from a partnership between the Avon Outward Bound Association (AOBA), the Outward Bound Trust, the main sponsor, the Society of Merchant Venturers, the Elected Bristol Mayor’s Office and secondary schools who recognise the value of outdoor learning. The party included teenagers from Merchants’ Academy in Withywood, Bridge Learning Campus in Hartcliffe, and Montpelier High School.
During the week, they took part in a range of tough challenges, including abseiling, kayaking, climbing, rope challenges, and other activities designed to boost their self-confidence and esteem and help them better understand the benefits of positive teamwork.
Bob Jennings, Chairman of Avon Outward Bound Association, said: “Many of these children’s lives were affected by the impact of the Covid pandemic, school closures and lockdowns.
“Not being able to go to school or do outdoor activities means they’ve missed out on the chance to develop life skills and experiences, which is where the partnership we are members of comes in.
“Mayor Marvin Rees took part in an Outward Bound course himself when he was younger and has often spoken about how it made such a positive difference to him. It was a brilliant experience.“We needed a reliable and responsible transport partner to get the young people to and from Snowdonia, so we chose Bakers Dolphin.”
Helen Haskell, Coach Hire Sales Manager for Bakers Dolphin, said: “We were proud to be chosen to support a partnership which does something so positive and provides opportunities for local teenagers that they might otherwise never get to experience.
“Our drivers enjoy hearing the youngsters talk about what they are looking forward to on the way there and about everything they got up to when they are on their way back; it helps to make the travelling itself an enjoyable experience.”
To learn more about the wide range of day trips, short breaks and excursions Bakers Dolphin runs, visit www.bakersdolphin.com or call 01934 415 000.
