"To help people discover and develop their potential to care for themselves, others and the world around them through challenging experiences in unfamiliar settings."

The Outward Bound philosophy became reality for Northlands Primary School P6 students on February 8, when 25 students and five teachers spent a day on Paget Island with Outward Bound instructor P.c. Mark Norman and Schools Reach Officer P.c. Donville Yard.

The leadership-training and team-building activities gave students and teachers an opportunity to see each other in a different light, according to school counsellor Barbara Hollis, who arranged for the students to attend the one-day course.

For Shondae Woods-Bell: "It was a great experience. We had to learn to work together like when we had to balance on the platform. We had to trust each other during a blindfold activity — we had to trust our friend to guide us to the end."

The students were divided into two groups, with one group completing trust and team-building exercises in the morning while the other completed a low-ropes course and kayaking exercise. Trust-building activities included a blindfold walk, while kayaking required individuals to work as a team. Completing the low ropes course and balancing the team on a seven-foot square platform suspended on a log required co-operation as well as good balance. After lunch the two groups switched activities.

The importance of perseverance was another lesson learned, Kyesja Hypolite noted: "We encouraged our friends to try hard even when they were struggling. Even though my team was losing, we pulled together and won the game."

Perhaps the best lessons were learned when things did not go according to plan.

The tasks "tested how we were, especially in tight situations like when we were going off course in the kayak. (The experience) made stronger bonds with our friends," Janario Bean declared.

"It was beautiful, a wonderful experience," an enthusiastic Ms Hollis declared, as it compelled students to go beyond their comfort zone.

One-day Outward Bound workshops are conducted throughout the school year to introduce middle and senior school students to the Outward Bound scheme.

For more information go to the website www.outwardboundbermuda.org.