Monday 25th October seven residents (Sarah Yohannes, Rachael Simons, Tigest Gemechu from St Louise and Catherine Claxton, Sabrina Lowe, Lucy Martin and Carly Curtin from Bethany House) together with workers Simone and Katie climbed aboard the mini bus and left behind the pollution and stress of London to go ‘Into The Wild’.

A whole mix of emotions filled the minibus; excitement, anticipation, a touch of fear that we might not all get on together, wondering how we would survive all week without a television. “It’s like ‘Big Brother!’” announced Lucy.

Five days in beautiful Alston Moor and the Lake District in the North of England. Would they get bored? No time for that!

By 10.30am on the first day all seven residents had already leaped off a 40ft bridge and abseiled down to the river below.

Pausing only a few moments for breath before hiking through caves and right behind an amazing waterfall, that came crashing down over our heads.

The residents really surprised themselves, Carly saw the bridge and declared “there is absolutely no way that I am doing that!” Lucy likewise exclaimed that “we could all #>*! right off – I am not doing that and thatis it.” But within five minutes Lucy was the first one over the bridge.

“Being there felt like I was stripped to the bear essentials and given a chance to prove what I could really do.” said Lucy.

“All seven of us did it together – nobody chickened out!” added Sabrina. “Yeah, seeing everybody else climbing back up, buzzing, made me realise I could do it. Carly exclaimed! “Oh my God I was so proud of myself!” – and you could tell that from the constant beam on her face.

The next day the residents were plunged knee high in icy water in a pitch dark dis-used mine. They were screaming and cursing and trying to find their way out.

“It was really good” said Catherine. “We really had to work as a team; encourage each other, physically support each other, report back, make group decisions – we all really bonded that day!"

Plus who could forget Rachael, taking the lead, flat on her stomach trying to squeeze her way into a tiny passage? “It was a real opportunity,” said Rachael. “The sort of story that I will tell my children and grandchildren to encourage them in life.” Sabrina added that she enjoyed it all so much that she might join the army.

By day three everybody was sleeping and eating much better than they ever do in London and naturally waking up early to start the day on a high. The sun was shining that day (although we heard it was raining in London) and we sped off to the Lake District: Horse Riding in the morning followed by cannoning in the afternoon. “Horse Riding was the best” grinned Catherine. “It was lovely."

"I was terrified at first, the horse was enormous, but the scenery was so beautiful, and I really felt free up there.”

Sarah loved the canoeing. “The view was amazing” she exclaimed. “The sunset, the mountains, the autumn colours, the huge lake. I couldn’t believe I was all by myself in such a tiny little boat right in the middle of it all.” With a big smile Tigest added, “I think we are the luckiest people ever!” We’ve had so much fun. I don’t think you would be able to have all of this – even if you could pay for it.”

It really was a non-stop week, we don’t have space to mention golf, orienteering, hiking, team games, optical illusions, the three course meals, tarot card readings, etc. But the big question is – what have the residents brought home with them?

Catherine states she has learnt to be more adaptable and open to new experiences and ideas. She’s learnt something positive from everyone and feels this will all influence the person she is going to be.

“It’s given me greater respect for life and made me appreciate doing my nursing course. This week has made me want to give something back.”

Sabrina feels that being in such a peaceful and fresh environment has shown her how important it is to be calm, and not to “flip my top” “I’ve found that it’s important to take risks in life” adds Tigest. “You need them for greater life experience and to be strong.” “I feel really refreshed and focused” concludes Lucy. “yeah it was all wicked!” grins Rachael “I can’t wait to tell my mum.”

Keep a look out because hopefully St Louise and Bethany House will be going ‘Into the Wild’ again in Spring/Summer 2005

Into The Wild is organised by Camden Job train and is a five-day residential holiday in Cumbria (North England) designed to shake-up and motivate.