Into the great outdoors

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Published: 12:00am, 18 Jun 2011

Outdoor education programmes provide opportunities for people to develop a range of personal skills and attitudes that can benefit them in all aspects of their lives.

By overcoming the physical and mental challenges, these programmes provide participants a chance to build a sense of independence and self-reliance.

By participating in problem solving, team building and other non-competitive activities, people can also develop inter-personal behaviour such as trusting and caring for others, having tolerance and the willingness to give or accept support from others when needed.

Dragonfly (www.dragonfly.com.hk) is offering a five-day outdoor education programme during the summer holidays called Island Adventurer that consists of a series of day trips to three of Hong Kong's islands: Lantau, Cheung Chau and Peng Chau.

'Our programme aims to get students outside, into our natural environment, learn new skills, create a genuine interest in the outdoors, and have fun,' explains Will Huetinck, company director of Dragonfly.

'Many youth in Hong Kong need a fun and safe environment to push their boundaries, try new activities, explore unknown areas of Hong Kong, and to build confidence and self-esteem. Our course aims to do this in a supportive and positive environment. Individuals with a range of abilities can sign up as we accommodate everyone. We do this by splitting into ability levels and having low instructor to student ratios.'

Participants will be divided into two age groups, eight to 12 and 13 to 17.