Thursday, December 02, 2004

Impossible task?

It seems an insurmountable task. To motivate a young adult reader enough to get them to consider taking part in an Outdoor adventure activity that will undoubtedly change their whole perspective on life. This task is made harder by not being able to see them or speak to them face-to-face. How can I possibly influence individuals enough to join us for four weeks in some of the remotest places on earth?

I was surfing the Internet the other day looking at Outdoor adventure websites and I came across one for the foundation of Outdoor Adventure. They have written a manifesto outlining why Outdoor Adventure activities are so important in forming balanced and well-adjusted young adults. Now I'm not big on jargon, but they said one or two things that made me read on and so I'll quote their manifesto message below. I don't necessarily think it will make you all clamour to your telephones or PC's to get in touch with us, but I do think it will give you some leverage when telling parents/guardians that you want to embark on a trip of a lifetime!

THE IMPORTANCE OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
The need for adventure
In an attempt to understand themselves, others and the changing context of their lives, all young people are engaged, consciously or unconsciously, in an exploration of what it is to be human.
This is in essence a spiritual journey, in which young people come to terms with the mysteries of human existence; establish standards and values by which they live and work; identify worthwhile goals and develop the skills and understanding through which these may be achieved.

Our society is changing rapidly, and this calls for new approaches to learning, working and living together. The importance of assisting young people to prepare effectively and successfully for their adult lives is obvious; the cost of failure in this task will be borne in the future both by the individuals themselves and by society. The challenge for all concerned with young people is to empower them to cope effectively with the choices, problems and opportunities, which face them, and at the same time to help them develop a real sense of community and citizenship.