The Outward Bound Bermuda programme is gearing up for another summer season of courses.

The organisation is also hoping to expand its programmes and provide five-day long residential camps for public and private school kids throughout the year. Currently, almost 1,000 students attend courses at the Paget Island facility every year. The Bermuda programme has more students per capita than any other Outward Bound school in the world.

Co-ordinator Mark Norman said: “Outward Bound, as an International organisation prides itself on combining traditional values and their practical application to society. The theories of OBB are alive and well, but there is far more that Outward Bound can do locally for our youth and other members of the community.

“Only the small numbers of students who participate on a five day or longer course actually have the chance to get real exposure to the philosophies that the school operates on. Creating a real opportunity for the youth to have a proper Outward Bound experience would be of great benefit to the school system in Bermuda.

“The end product of this venture would be truly unequivocal.”

The organisation hopes to raise funds to upgrade the Paget Island facilities, as was recommend by an Outward Bound specialist, John Hasel, who compiled a report on the Bermuda programme recently. Originally Outward Bound Bermuda was set up in 1970 to establish a better relationship between the Island’s youth and Police Service. However, with current staffing issues members of the Police force are unable to supply as many officers to staff the programme. Currently there are two Bermuda Police members running it.

The new Board of Trustees are: Kenny Bartrum, Chris Blake, Edmina Bradshaw, Jeff Conyers, Supt. Michael Desilva, Dueane Dill, Rees Fletcher, Ted Gauntlett, Diane Gordon, Eliott Hubbard, Mark Norman, Simon Payne, Laura Robinson and Michael Smith. They are working to bring the 2004 Strategic Plan to fruition. The report recommended expanding the number and type of courses provided.