Adventure centre breaks provide young people with a connection to the great outdoors and an important confidence boost
THE POLES peep above the forest canopy, a network of ropes and wires hinting at a great enterprise within. Move closer, and the sound of exhilaration – and perhaps just a little fear – echoes off the surrounding mountains.
Here at Delphi Adventure Centre in Connemara, an enthusiastic group of transition year students have arrived for a few days of activities. This is one of the most isolated, bleakly gorgeous locations in Ireland. Staying here can be a culture shock: mobile phone coverage is patchy at best, access to the internet is limited, and there are no TVs or radios.
Today, there’s a TY group on the High Ropes obstacle course. It doesn’t look so hard, or even particularly interesting, from the ground. But as soon as you climb the ladder, step onto the platform and take in the breathtaking panoramic scenery, you’re immersed in a physical trial and an even greater mental challenge. It would put the frighteners on the very bravest. Hooked to a series of harnesses, the students perform a tightrope walk, climb through mid-air tunnels, and walk across a shaky bridge. All the while, the ground looms large below. Not recommended for those with vertigo.
For transition year students over the years, a visit to an adventure centre has been an essential rite of passage. Traditionally, the bulk of student visits take place before Christmas, with schools keen to use it as a valuable bonding exercise. But with funds so tight for parents and schools alike, are these trips really the best allocation of resources?
“Delphi was about pushing out the boundaries,” says 15-year-old Paddy Conroy of St Mary’s CBS in Portlaoise. “The whole day was taken up with activities: kayaking and water polo one morning, orienteering another, team events one afternoon, high ropes in the evening.”
The adventure centre provides a chance for quieter students to shine, says Paddy. “The orienteering task really drew on everyone’s best qualities. We split into three competing teams, and each team needed both intelligence and athleticism. If we didn’t work together, we’d fail.”
PADDY'S CLASSMATEMichael Finlay, aged 16, says that students with reservations about climbing up and abseiling down a cliff face receive support and encouragement from the instructors. "It was a completely new experience for me. Then, the next day, the instructors helped us to build our own rafts, which we took to the lake for a race."
One of Paddy and Michael’s most memorable experiences was an organised night-time forest walk; on another evening, the adventure centre organised a campfire in the middle of the forest. “We had to find the wood, and the whole group had to work together to light it,” says Michael. “We were joined by another school group and spent the evening chatting and laughing. But the whole week was a brilliant experience. We were in the middle of nowhere, and it was totally different from anything we’d ever done before. We were having such fun that we quickly forgot about the lack of mobile coverage.”
Maurice Dixon has been an instructor at Delphi for the past four seasons. “It’s completely different to classroom learning,” he explains. “While both academic and sporty students have a great time here, the kids who might normally be sidelined have a chance to shine. Suddenly, their peer group sees them in a new light. It’s a great confidence builder.”
Dixon is keen to bring the students to the edge of their comfort zone. In the high ropes challenge, for instance, he encourages them to fall from the ropes at least once. “The harness and safety ropes catch them, and they realise that they are safe. They can do it.”
Where to hang
Delphi Adventure Companyin Leenane, Co Galway has numerous activities, including mountain-climbing, surfing and kayaking. Call 095-42208 or e-mail info@delphiescape.com
Killary Adventure Companyin Leenane , Co Galway boasts the breathtaking Sky Frame – dare you jump? Call 095-43411 or e-mail adventure@killary.com
Kippure Estatein Blessington, Co. Wicklow, runs a number of activities designed to suit different ages and group size. Call 01-4583871 or visit adventurewicklow.com
Carlingford Adventure Centrein Co Louth organises overnight accommodation, outdoor activities and more. Call 042-9373100 or visit carlingfordadventure.com
