If you want to enjoy the great outdoors with increased confidence, a qualification is a good place to start.
And this group of Liverpool Hope University’s students did just that after completing a trio of certified courses during an activity-packed stay in North Wales.
The intrepid team were ‘Level H’ final year Sport & Physical Education students.
They enjoyed a visit to Plas Caerdeon, Hope’s stunning Snowdonia-based campus that offers Outdoor Education experiences and residential outdoor activity courses - as well as academic reflection - for the benefit of University students and staff.
When it is not being utilised by our student body, it is made available to a wide range of external groups, including schools, businesses and youth groups of all ages.
Set in 18 acres of private, secluded woodlands, it’s perfectly placed to offer adventure in some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.
And Hope’s Sport & Physical Education undergraduates relished completing three courses while there.
The British Canoeing ‘Paddle Start Award’ and the British Canoeing ‘Paddle Discover Award’ introduces newbies to the sport while then offering guidance on becoming an ‘independent paddler’, equipping trainees with decision making and practical skills, and ultimately giving participants better confidence on the water.
Away from the wet stuff, the students also completed the National Navigation Award Scheme Bronze Award, which provides a whole host of hill-walking skills, including in-depth map reading, how to judge distance on the ground, advice about access issues and knowledge of safety equipment and emergency procedures.
As you can see from the images, the students also enjoyed blue skies and good weather while paddling on the glorious Mawddach Estuary.
Student Jessica Goodwin commented: "It's been fabulous. We took part in some walking and kayaking which was hard work but enjoyable. I've learnt a lot of new skills which will hopefully help me along my career path."
Meanwhile fellow student Sean O’Rourke added: “The qualifications were brilliant and a lot of fun. Being able to show what level of skill you have in activities is great for leadership roles."
Dave Owen is Head of Plas Caerdeon Campus and praised the students for their motivation in getting the courses completed.
He said: “It was fantastic to have a strong focus for the week.
“The awards gave us a solid structure to work with, and provided a clear direction for the students. The level of self-motivation amongst the students was as good as I've ever seen at Plas Caerdeon.
“It was also great for the staff team to be working at a higher level, which is so important for our own professional development. This is definitely a direction we will be pursuing in the future, and I have to thank the Sport students for making this pilot such a success.”
Caroline Wakefield, Assistant Head of the School of Health and Sport Sciences and Professor of Sport & Exercise Psychology, said she loved seeing just how much the students enjoyed themselves, too.
She added: “The students had an amazing time. I saw them a week or so after their trip and they were still bubbling with enthusiasm and excitement.
“Plas Caerdeon is a fabulous resource that Hope is extremely proud of and I’d urge any students or staff to seize the opportunity to visit the centre themselves.”
Plas Caerdeon offers lots of accommodation options, including the chance to book one of two self-catering cottages for either a long or short stay.