Thirteen young Bermudians have just returned from an adventure of a lifetime – trekking, building and camping in Costa Rica and Nicaragua

The youngsters went to the South American countries with Raleigh International Bermuda and spent time living with local people as well as helping the local communities.

Raleigh Executive Director Kristen White said: "They sign up for all different reasons. Some members in our group are looking to have an adventure and learn more about themselves, while for others, Raleigh is an opportunity to get on the path to a productive life.

"Regardless of the reason, they all must have the willpower and determination to complete this tough, yet exciting programme."

The participants were Zakina Allen, Che Augustus, Iesha Dill, Makeda DeShield, Alshauntae Harvey-Hollis, Wendelle Lightbourne, Teliqua Mallory, Shakii Pearman, Ashley Phipps, Kandrea Romaine, Zeko Rubaine, Ricai Williams and Ashun Wolfe.

They left Bermuda on July 2, and travelled to Costa Rica, where they met with about 100 other young people from around the world, most of whom were on a gap year.

The group was then split up into seven groups, with only one or two Bermudians in each group to encourage them to meet and bond.

"For many of our participants, Raleigh is the first time they are developing friendships with people from different races, and is also the first time that they are in a racial minority. It provides them with a cultural awareness that they may have lacked before," said Ms. White.

All the groups were sent out onto various projects for three weeks, before returning to the Raleigh field base where they were reshuffled into different groups, and sent out again.

"Each participant engaged in a project of each type – community, environmental and adventure," Ms. White added.

"The community projects were in Nicaragua, and included building a community centre, and installing a water system, thus providing the village with running water for the first time.

"During the community phase, each participant lived with a local family, and thus really experienced what it is like to live in a Nicaraguan village, without electricity, plumbing, and consisting mainly on a diet of rice and beans.

"Participants must learn to adapt quickly, and to value what is truly important. The village embraced the participants, and many of the host mums were in tears when the groups left."

The environmental projects were in Costa Rica, and included trail and building maintenance at parks and islands.

During one project, the youngsters demolished and upgraded the barbecues provided by the parks department for campers.

Ms White said: "The most physically and mentally demanding phase is adventure – trekking anywhere from 240 to 290 kilometres, over hilly terrain, at a very high altitude, carrying packs of over 40 lbs.

"This phase teaches the participants that they can do whatever they put their mind to and, although many want to quit, every single one of our group completed this phase. They learn the importance of teamwork, and of believing in themselves."

The participants returned to Bermuda last Sunday, to a tearful welcome at LF Wade Airport by family and friends.

Applications will be available for the 2009 Raleigh programme from October 1, and information sessions will be held throughout October to provide further details.

Those interested in the programme should contact Kristin White at 333 5678 or visit www.raleigh.bm for more information.