Joined Forces with Challenge Wales
In the heart of the UK, a unique charity named Challenge Wales is making waves, helping young people develop crucial life skills and improve their employment prospects. The organisation's mission is to inspire and support those who face social, economic, or educational disadvantages by engaging them in challenging sailing expeditions and team activities.
Recently, Hester Walker, the Club Development Officer, embarked on a 5-day voyage aboard the charity's boat, Challenge Wales. The journey took the crew from Neyland in Pembrokeshire to Whitehaven in Cumbria, with a stopover at the Isle of Man.
The voyage was more than just a sailing trip; it was an opportunity for camaraderie and teamwork. With a minimum crew of 10, the team worked together seamlessly, learning each other's roles and responsibilities. The crew spent a night at anchor before heading out, creating a sense of unity as they braved the open sea together.
The charity also extends its opportunities to adults aged 18-75, helping fund its activities. During her time on board, Hester took on the role of inquiring about the crew members and their roles, gaining valuable insights into the workings of the charity.
One unexpected crew member was a carrier pigeon named Jeff, who joined the voyage and remained until the end. Jeff, who became a beloved mascot, returned the next morning to wave the crew away on their next passage.
The voyage was filled with exciting experiences, including motor sailing in Peel, Isle of Man, and spotting dolphins accompanying the boat during the journey. Hester and the crew even managed to visit an ice cream shop before it closed, adding a sweet touch to their adventure.
Challenge Wales offers a variety of exciting opportunities, from one-day adventures to residential voyages, and programs for schools, groups, Duke of Edinburgh Award, and volunteers. The charity's sail training aims to empower young people with practical skills and personal development, significantly enhancing their chances of entering the workforce or further education successfully.
The experiential learning approach taken by Challenge Wales equips youth with attributes highly valued by employers, such as problem-solving, responsibility, and self-belief. By providing opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable, Challenge Wales enables young people to break barriers and improve their life trajectories, fostering social inclusion and employment readiness.
As Hester disembarked from Greystones Marina in Ireland, accompanied by the stowaway pigeon Jeff, she waved goodbye to new friends and promoted the benefits of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) before returning home. For those interested in learning more about Challenge Wales and its impactful work, visiting their official website is recommended.
- Hester, during her 5-day voyage on Challenge Wales, discovered that the charity not only offers sailing expeditions for young people but also extends travel opportunities to adults.
- Embracing both the challenge of sailing and the camaraderie, the travel with Challenge Wales fosters not only personal development but also the acquisition of practical lifestyle skills, such as problem-solving and responsibility, that are highly valued by employers.
