East Devon’s Alex Gibson and Mark Gerry took seven youngsters to the park to take part in team building challenges.

Two community development workers from East Devon District Council took a group of seven young people from the council’s Honiton SWITCH club to Snowdonia National Park.

Alex Gibson and Mark Gerry took the youngsters to the park to take part in team building challenges.

The group departed on Monday, August 1, for the Welsh mountains, where they joined the Outward Bound programme, which is recognised as an excellent opportunity for people to challenge themselves and expand their horizons.

Each young person joined a small group of ten to 11 others from all over Britain and Europe.

Over the week they were supported to develop and reflect on their teamwork skills as they undertook activities ranging from abseiling and canoeing to rock climbing.

Five members of the group come from the Honiton Heathpark Estate, one is from Whitebridges in Honiton and one is from Ottery St Mary.

The Outward Bound initiative was identified after the SWITCH Easter Challenge, when young people from all three SWITCH clubs spent several nights camping on a farm on the border of East Devon and Dorset.

Councillor Mike Allen, East Devon District Council ward member for Honiton St Michaels, said: “The district council is committed to developing the talents of young people. Leadership skills are taught on Outward Bound courses and regardless of qualifications or backgrounds, we need leaders employed in all aspects of our society.

“Among the seven young people sponsored here are future leaders.

“This experience will be life-changing.”