Outdoor activities test teens at Wicklow

SUMMERTIME might have finally arrived yesterday but the living was far from easy for one group of youths at Wicklow.

The 26 teenagers from various parts of Ireland took to the hills and lakes of the Garden County for more than a leisurely stroll through picturesque countryside.

The mostly transition-year students are participants in a four-day adventure and survival exercise that forms the Defence Forces-Gaisce Adventure Challenge 2002.

The students were selected from hundreds of young people who applied to take part in this element of the annual President’s Awards Scheme.

Yesterday, the group members were put through exercises designed to test their physical and navigational skills.

The main task involved having to cross water obstacles at Jackson’s Falls near Glendalough, using a variety of rope bridges. Other features of the programme included abseiling, rock climbing, rafting and a rescue exercise involving the Air Corps helicopter.

This week’s course is being organised for the 11th year in a row by the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment based at McKee Barracks in Dublin.

“The idea of the programme is to train young people in practical skills like confidence-building and teamwork,” explained Defence Forces spokesperson Captain Paul Connors.

Army cadets are undergoing a similar exercise in Galway as part of their basic training programme.

While many group members will feel they will be qualified to take part in future series of Treasure Island or Survivor after the course, the Defence Forces are hoping the experience will serve a more useful purpose.

“We always hope that they will enjoy learning these skills and that it will encourage young people to consider a career with us,” Capt. Connors said.