Blue Skies students discover they are natural leaders in Snowdonia

Our Level 2 Blue Skies students had a fantastic day out in Snowdonia on Tuesday 4^th October. The leadership session was run by John Heaton and Chris Campbell from Eagle House Youth Development CIC, with the support of two RAF personnel. The main objectives of the day were to consolidate the group’s learning on teamwork from Level 1, and to begin identifying the skills required for being a successful leader.

The Blue Skies students, from Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi, were split into two groups; one to navigate around LLyn Idwal, near Bethesda, and the other to climb in Tin Can Alley. Before embarking on the walk, the students were given maps in pairs and were asked to identify the main features around them. Each pair were expected to lead the rest of the group throughout the walk. Our students are obviously natural leaders! Although some were worried about their navigation skills, others concerned that they had never experienced the mountains before, and others worried about their leadership skills, all of the students exhibited leadership skills: decision making about navigation, delegating tasks to other members of the team, being supportive, encouragement, health and safety for their team, offering guidance, to name a few. Both groups successfully completed the walk and all thoroughly enjoyed it.

Tristan, aged 14 said “I tried to lead by example and support others by motivating them. I have confidence now to try new things and help others do the same.”

Climbing up a gully offered different challenges. All the students successfully climbed up part way or the whole way and abseiled down, overcoming their fears. The rest of the team checked that their equipment was safely attached or put on correctly, as well as offering encouragement and guidance when the climber was faced with a difficult move. The students were encouraged to observe Chris’ leadership style, who belayed on the climb and is part of the Mountain Rescue Team. They saw that a leader needs to communicate, but not necessarily all the time, educate, check understanding, give clear instructions as well as being supportive.

Casey, aged 14 said “We climbed up a rock wall with Chris and I really enjoyed it. The leadership skill I showed today was responsibility. I took charge map reading when I was leader. I had to check if David’s climbing harness was done properly and I was responsible for his safety.”

Our Blue Skies students should be very proud of themselves. Not only have they learnt about leadership skills (and map skills), they were respectful to each other and the adults who were supporting them, and to the countryside around them. John Heaton, from Eagle House said the students were a pleasure to work with, listening well and being respectful.

The JET team would like to take this opportunity to thank John and Chris for delivering a very successful and rewarding session.