A group of transition and 5th year students from Trinity Comprehensive, Ballymun recently joind us on what turned out to be one of our greatest challenges yet. Trinity Comprehensive is a school with which Youth Venture Project works every year. Working with this group is always a rewarding and enjoyable experience that is made very easy for us by the enthusiasm and commitment of Fran Carton, a teacher at the school who give up a lot of her own time to make sure these trips can happen every year.
This year we returned to Djouce Mountain in Wicklow, the first time to walk in that area since the time driving rain, snow and decreasing visibility forced us off the mountain early in 2008. Our walk started from Djouce Wood and took us past the powerscourt waterfall then up towards the summit of Djouce. It was the first time that a group on one of our expeditions successfully reached the top. it was a real challenge with a number of the participants struggling on the final steep slopes but everyone made it to the top.
We spent the night in Glasnamullen forest where shelters were built, food prepared, games were played and everyone got some much needed sleep. The next morning we were all woken by the sunshine and blue skies. A short walk on which we had time to play a few games, enjoy the views and drain the last of everyones energy reserves brough us to the bus home.
The leaders and volunteers (thanks Shane) from Youth Venture Project would like to congratulate all the participants on their achievement. You can all return to school with bragging rights that ye made it further than groups in previous years. We enjoyed the day ourselves and look forward to our next expedition with Trinity Comprehensive, Ballymun.
Eamonn, Leader - Youth Venture Project
