Fourteen young Bermudians have been braving the great outdoors on a six-day survival camp.

The intrepid adventurers are in training ahead of a ten-week expedition overseas, during which they will be helping those less fortunate through a series of sustainable projects such as building schools and installing water systems in remote villages.

The team – all between the ages of 17 and 23 – are the latest group accepted into the Raleigh Bermuda programme, a funded personal development scheme for young Bermudians.

They train for months before going abroad, developing teamwork and survival skills as well as self-confidence. Once overseas, they work with youth volunteers from across the world to improve the lives of those in need.

This year’s brave adventurers are Bryson Doers, 21; DaiQuin Jennings-Arorash, 17; Niambi Landy-Philpott, 18; Matthias Lawrence, 19; Kristamaria Looby, 19; Jendaya Mills-Paynter, 18; Kayla Pringle-McConnie, 23; Shai Joia Richardson, 18; Nafisa Robinson, 18; Jasmin Smith, 22; NaCori Smith, 18; Courtney Stephenson, 17; Ashanti Stovell, 17; and Dylan Young, 17.

The group taking part in the survival camp were accompanied by 13 of Raleigh’s alumni — those who completed the programme in previous years — and they set off from Paget Island on March 28.

Their expedition involved hiking across the Island carrying their camping gear and having to swim from Coney Island to Ferry Reach.

There is no roomy tent for the adventurers – they slept under ponchos and had to brave last Sunday night’s heavy rain and winds.

Raleigh Bermuda executive director Tina Nash said: “The six-day survival camp mimics the experience of being overseas for their ten-week expedition, although the terrain overseas will be more challenging.

“This first camp lets us get to know the new adventurers.

“They hike the whole Island carrying their own kit with everything they need.

“We go from Dockyard to Chaplin Bay and stay overnight. Only under ponchos, no tents – tents are posh for us! From Chaplin Bay we go to Spittal Pond, stay there, then hike to Coney Island and swim to Ferry Reach – the marine police help us with that.

The group swims across with their rucksacks in garbage bags.”

At Ferry Reach, the group took part in an environmental project with Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences. From there it was on to Hamilton Parish to explore Admiral’s Cave with Hidden Gems of Bermuda.

Ms Nash said: “The last day is a challenging day with caving, cliff jumping and spelunking.

“Admiral’s Cave isn’t a tourist cave – we have to rope down.

“The challenges will help us to assess where people’s strengths and weaknesses are, and show you can push yourself.”

As well as promoting self-development and giving the adventurers the opportunity to get involved in overseas projects, the Raleigh initiative boosts the young people’s career options.

“The programme shows international experience, committing to a team, being part of a team — everything employers are looking for,” Ms Nash said.

“They get the opportunity to visit a developing country and make a difference, learn about other cultures and sustainable development. They understand that most of the planet doesn’t live the way we do, it’s tougher for people in developing countries.”

The adventurers will head to Borneo, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, or Tanzania this summer.

Last year’s Raleigh alumni, and those of previous years, remain involved with the group, working in the community and helping the next batches of adventurers.

“They get responsibility, they’re the leader,” Ms Nash said. “They gain interpersonal skills and experience leading a team.

“The alumni are taking the initiative, organising things like nature walks, they are not sitting back and waiting for direction.”

The accomplishments of last year’s Raleigh adventurers are being celebrated at a special graduation ceremony on June 10 at Speciality Cinema, starting at 5.30pm.

• For more on Raleigh Bermuda, visit www.raleigh.bm or visit their Facebook page: Raleigh Bermuda