On Mountain Trails: A Week of Adventure and Discovery
The ADVENTURE, the final stage of the “The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award” program, occurred.
From July 22 to 26, 18 young participants in the program embarked on an adventure camp. This event challenged them to leave their comfort zones and improve their wilderness survival skills.
25 swimmers contributed their time and energy to fund this camp, raising the necessary funds during the Swimathon Bucharest.
The adventure offers a unique, challenging, and memorable experience, encouraging young people to work in small teams, face unfamiliar environments, and set individual and group goals.
It promotes determination, perseverance, independence, self-sufficiency, and self-discovery. Key elements include planning and conducting practical and qualifying team expeditions.
Initially, the plan included a train journey to Cabana Diham for survival training and a night under the starry sky at Cabana Mălăiești. However, the plans were adapted, and Runcu became our location for five days filled with activities, emotions, and interactions with the local wildlife.
.
Activities and Participant Testimonials
Mountains, Sun, and Many Lessons – The Ideal Ingredients for an Adventurous Week
The first day found us on the road, full of excitement to begin the series of activities. The mountain weather, surprisingly cool compared to the heat in Bucharest, enveloped the landscape in a blanket of green, stirring mixed feelings of anticipation and slight unease among the young participants.
Once we arrived and settled in, we held discussions about each person’s expectations and fears, exploring the emotions they might experience and the coping strategies for the activities ahead. We didn’t overlook the detailed planning for the next day either.
Even though mountain hikes are an excellent way to test one’s limits, the goals of the young participants were varied, ranging from exploring the flora and fauna of the Leaota Mountains to forging bonds among team members.
However, safety always comes first. Before venturing towards the mountain peaks, the young participants prepared thoroughly: they learned how to navigate using a map and compass, mastered essential knots, and participated in a short acclimatization hike.
The mountain hike was a new challenge for the young participants, at times overwhelming, but incredibly rewarding at the end of the day. They overcame obstacles, cultivated patience, and deepened their connection with nature and with themselves.
“Honestly, I can’t say it was so difficult that we faced major problems. If I had to pick a particular moment, it would be the mountain expedition, the long trek. It was a completely new experience. Walking on rocks is not easy at all, and carrying a heavy backpack for many hours is a real test,” shared Hannah, one of the participants.
The Youth and the Runcu Community
The challenges didn’t end with the mountain hike; they continued in the following days as the participants interacted with the local community. Their task: is to acquire food without using money.
With the help of their host, the young people were directed to where their help was most needed: the local horse farm. Divided into groups, they drew lots and were assigned to different areas of work. Some helped gather hay, others cleaned the yard, and another group assisted with cleaning the saddles.
It was a team effort that concluded with an evening of burgers, which they prepared themselves.
The final day was dedicated to sharing impressions and emotions and reflecting on the camp experience through the eyes of each young participant. More powerful than our words are theirs.
“From this experience, I learned what it means to have an open mind. I learned to step outside my comfort zone and to try different forms of sports and socialization.
I realized that it doesn’t matter if you know someone beforehand to form a friendship; you just need the courage to start a conversation. I also learned how to work in a team and to take care of both myself and my teammates, which is a very important lesson for me. Additionally, I gained useful skills for later in life and for future adventures.”
“I felt very good. Although at first I was a bit anxious because I was in a new group, I eventually integrated and made new friends. I felt included, excited about the adventures we had, happy to have met new people, but also a little tired at the end of the day.”
