Over the weekend of 4-6th October we took a group of 14 students on an adventure weekend to YHA Edale. The trip was fully funded by Youth Hostel Association (YHA) and gave the students an opportunity to try out many new experiences. Upon arrival we got straight into some ice breaker games and following dinner, went out on a night hike across the Peak District. We had an early start and action packed day on Saturday with canoeing followed by rock climbing and abseiling, then weaselling in the evening. If you have never heard of weaselling before, you’re not alone, it involves squeezing through gaps in rocks (over, under or between) clambering over boulders and generally re-enacting many of the movements of caving, only above ground. On Sunday morning after breakfast, the team went on to complete a high ropes assault course.
Throughout the weekend all our students and accompanying staff pushed themselves to try new things and overcome their fears, whether that be of heights, water or confined spaces. The whole weekend was incredible from start to finish, it was great to see all the students laughing and enjoying themselves as well as supporting one another.
Before we left, we were very proud to hear the YHA team tell us that this was one of the best groups they have ever worked with, full of great characters who they witnessed building in confidence and developing their teamwork skills. MCA extend our thanks to YHA for making this weekend possible.