UP to 100 students took on Winter challenges at one of North Wales’s most popular outdoor activity centres.

Level 2 and 3 Uniformed Public Services (UPS) learners from Coleg Cambria sites in Wrexham and Deeside participated in two five-day residential visits to Gwersyll yr Urdd Glan-Llyn, Llanuwchllyn, Bala.

Led by Sports and Public Services lecturer Alan lowry – also the college’s Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award Coordinator – and UPS lecturer Gary Abnett, they enjoyed and endured a series of challenges in difficult weather conditions.

“The learners got to grips with various outdoor activities including rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, hill walking, orienteering, problem solving, archery, gorge walking, caving and high ropes – they did so well,” said Alan.

“Groups also took part in a charity canoe challenge that involved racing the 3.6mile length of Llyn Tegid, and the Level 2 cohort had additional training in expedition skills in preparation for their Bronze DofE Award.

“Despite the stormy weather we had a fantastic time and they showed great teamwork throughout.”

Learner Experience and Enterprise Manager Rona Griffiths added: “We have managed to safely continue offering outdoor activities and residential opportunities and are delighted to see so many youngsters taking part.

“The DofE in particular provides them with so many new skills and brings so much value to their outdoor education – I’m glad that despite the stormy weather they had such a rewarding and enjoyable time.”

Last year, 203 youngsters achieved DofE Awards at Coleg Cambria – 199 Bronze, two Silver and two Gold.

“We are so proud of them all for working hard to develop a range of new skills including problem solving, map reading, first aid and route and meal planning,” added Rona.

“To do so at any time would be a fabulous achievement; to complete the Bronze during the Covid-19 pandemic is even more remarkable and they are a credit to the college.”

All Public Services learners have weekly Welsh language sessions at the college which focus on developing their skills for future employment.  The Glan-Llyn visit gave them a variety of opportunities to develop and practise these skills whilst taking part in the various activities.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.