From sleeping on Paget Island in St. George's and climbing up St. David's cliff to trekking through the Welsh Mountains for weeks at a time, Laura Norman was one of 12 students from Bermuda who had the adventure of a lifetime while participating in Duke of Edinburgh programme last year.

Having participated in Outward Bound on Island, Miss Norman said she was sure she was ready for the three weeks in Wales.

"I had done the bronze and silver and I wanted to go for my gold Duke of Edinburgh award. It was challenging, but really rewarding in the end," she said.

"I liked the gorge walking and jumping down the waterfalls. It was freezing but really good fun. I would definitely go back again."

While the three-week trip in Wales can be done without participating in the Outward Bound course in Bermuda, Laura said she was much better prepared for the activities for having done the on-Island portions.

During the three weeks in Wales, participants walked 60 miles over four days, lived in tents and undertook solo expeditions, where each student stayed out overnight on their own.

Laura said she felt really prepared because of her experience on the residential course offered in Bermuda on Paget Island by the local Outward Bound.

During these courses, students participate in a variety of activities including rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing, orienteering, high and low elements on the ropes course and a number of problem solving, communication and team building challenges.

But programme organiser Mark Norman said the organisation does not have the numbers of students they usually do this year.

"I have only five students registered on the biggest course so far and we can take at least 12," he said. "Some courses have no one yet! We also have 12 students going to Wales, UK to do the three-week course and many are completing the D of E gold expedition there."

This summer, Mr. Norman is offering five-day residential courses for local students aged 12 to 15 to begin during the months of July and August. If you are interested in signing up for the courses you can contact Mr. Norman at 515-5736 or visit the Outward Bound website at www.outwardboundbermuda.org.