RYLA November 2016 Weekend At White Hall Outdoor Education Centre

There were 16 students on the course from as far away as Newton le Willows and Retford There were 3 students from Chapel High School sponsored by Rotary Club of Buxton. Activities included abseiling, climbing, caving, canoeing, mountain biking and 'Indoor Olympics'.

The young people arrived Friday evening, had dinner and went off for a yomp in the dark.

On Saturday following breakfast (cereal, bacon, beans, hash browns and toast). Teams went on a Zip wire. After a period of familiarisation they raced against the clock to get in as many as possible zip runs. Then they built a bridge so that all 8 team members could perch on a very small island (Tyre Island). Thanks to good teamwork maximum points could be earned here. Then on to climb a fantastic range of indoor walls. They got between 20 and 50 points for their team depending how far they traversed the walls. The final wall was quite challenging but everyone put a real commitment into their attempts. In the afternoon teams chose various activities e.g. travelling about 15 miles to an old disused lead mine: lots of tight passages, crawling through water, under low overhangs. Finishing up probably ¼ mile from entrance where they all switched off headlights to experience total darkness. Other activities were: cycling, abseiling, and kayaking. The evening meal was soup, followed by chicken pie and veg, then apple crumble and custard.

After a short break, there was mini Olympics. 3 teams and the observers (who won!). Really competitive with two members and sometimes the whole team over 8 events from silly to really challenging. The young people were responsible for ensuring everything was ready and then cleared up after all events and meals.

Sunday included an award of RYLA participation certificates.