15 Bermudians Head Out On Raleigh Expedition
Fifteen young Bermudians are spending the entire summer engaging in challenging and meaningful projects in remote communities, with the goal of helping others and transforming their own lives.
Raleigh Bermuda announced today that their largest group ever left for expeditions in the end of June, and they currently have 7 young people in Malaysia and 8 in Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
Executive Director Kristin White explains, “Over 80 young Bermudians have been able to join Raleigh International expeditions through our local programme. They have lived without plumbing, electricity and the basic things that we take for granted.
‘They have constructed kindergartens, built animal sanctuaries, installed water systems, engaged in conservation research and climbed mountains in far flung corners of Namibia, Malaysia, India, and Costa Rica and Nicaragua. And this summer, fifteen more young people have taken advantage of this incredible opportunity to make an impact on the world and to develop skills in leadership, communication and teamwork.”
In February, 18 participants completed the first step with Raleigh – a 3 day training camp on Ports Island. From there, they had other group activities, including rock-climbing, artistic expression workshops with Chewstick, and they received one on one coaching to help them plan for their life after expedition. Their second residential camp was in April and was an intense introduction to ‘outdoor survival’.
Ms. White continues, “It was an incredibly difficult week due to some pretty tough weather. The group was required to build their own shelters (no tents!) every evening after a full day of trekking. It taught them to care for and look out for each other, and to work together. Over the 6 days, the group trekked across the island, completed an environmental project at Ferry Reach and abseiled off 80 ft St. David’s head. Usually we also swim from Coney Island to Ferry Reach but the bad weather prevented that this time around!”
After the camp, Raleigh reflected on how the participants performed since the first camp, looking for signs of improvement in key areas plus examined whether they’d been working towards other goals they’d set for themselves. Those who’d been committed to the programme were selected for the overseas expedition and then spent the following 6 weeks fundraising and getting ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Ms. White concludes, “The entire Raleigh organization is extremely proud of these 15 participants! Ten weeks away from friends, family and the comforts of life is no easy task. They join another 100 young people from other parts of the world so they are also learning to work with people from different backgrounds, all while working on tough projects.
“Our goal for the young people is that they learn they are capable of whatever they put their minds to, that they challenge themselves to be more than they ever thought possible. Many of our participants are dealing with tough realities here in Bermuda, so this experience gives them the chance to learn more about rising above their circumstances and living a life they can be proud of.”
The fifteen young people will return to Bermuda in early September when they will then become part of Raleigh’s growing alumni programme, which provides ongoing support including one on one coaching, access to workshops, social activities, and a monthly circle support group.
Before they left, the participants shared their final thoughts.
Michael Smith, aged 21, “I’m so happy and proud to be part of this programme. Raleigh has helped me in more ways than I can say. It’s allowed me to recognize my pros and cons. With that being said, thank you for everything you’ve done for me, and believing in the gifts I have to share with the world.”
Cole Durham, age 17 “I am truly excited to finally go on the trip. With all the camps, training and fundraising we did, I am very anxious to go to Costa Rica. Hopefully, the experience will be one I never forget.”
Jermae Paynter-Smith, age 23 “In these last few days before leaving to go on expedition to Malaysia, I feel so excited. I am super ready for any challenge that lays ahead. I am excited to meet new people. I feel sad that I will be leaving the rest of my group of Raleigh Summer 12, who will be going to Costa Rica. I loved that Raleigh Bermuda has prepared me for expedition. Thank you Raleigh Bermuda.”
Zichari Young, age 18 “Right now, I am feeling really happy and encouraged. I am really ready to go and take up this challenge. I am a bit worried about my family while I’m out there. I pray that when I come back I will be a changed person so that I won’t go back to my bad habits. I can’t wait to go.”
Juliana Franco, age 17 “I am very excited but nervous at the same time. I also feel a little curious about what phases I will do. I can’t wait to meet new people and view the culture and learn more about them. Finally I am just anxious to view life form a different perspective, and I am just really grateful for this opportunity and experience.”
Raleigh will soon be recruiting for their Winter programme. Call 300.5678 or email info@raleigh.bm for more information.
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Ms. White is actually Mrs. Dill. She is married to Duane Dill.