Outward Bound Bermuda (OBB) have been given an extra lift to start their summer programmes thanks to volunteers from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

The accounting firm encouraged more than 50 staff to volunteer with OBB and get Paget Island, St. George's in top shape for the summer season.

Such preparations are normally carried out by two full-time staff members, OBB programme coordinator Mark Norman said.

With assistance from PwC, painting, cutting hedges, clearing trails and building a new canoe rack were done in a fragment of the time.

"I would like to thank the staff of PricewaterhouseCoopers for choosing us for their community volunteer day," said Mr. Norman.

"It was unbelievable to see 50 people all working for the benefit of Outward Bound Bermuda. It's the first time in my three decades of involvement with the programme.

"With only two full-time staff at OBB we pretty much completed 25 days of work in one day."

OBB is a character-building programme designed to get young people to challenge themselves in a safe and supportive environment.

Through a variety of activities like rock climbing and canoeing, young people are encouraged to build life skills such as teamwork, leadership, self-knowledge, courage and self reliance.

OBB will run five-day residential courses for students between July and August.

PwC lent assistance as part of its 'In the Community' programme which aims to help organisations who support people in need.

PwC senior partner Darren Johnston said: "Our 'In the Community' programme is an integral part of our corporate responsibility programme, which also includes financial contributions, staff donations, charity event sponsorship, and not-for-profit audits.

"Volunteering at Outward Bound is just one small way that we can give back to the community in which our firm operates. Our volunteers had a great day on Paget Island. I know it was hard work in hot weather, but it was rewarding and fun.

"Our people came away feeling that they had accomplished something and we were happy to be able to assist Outward Bound get ready for their summer programmes."

For more information on Outward Bound Bermuda visit http://outwardboundbermuda.org