Event : Senior Member Training

Eager senior members headed up the M6 to Ormside Mill for Senior Member Training. The aim of the weekend is to introduce young people to leadership styles, theories and practice so that when they return back to their clubs, where they are volunteering, they are better equipped.

 

The Friday evening involved the group getting to know each other, participating in a workshop where they discussed leaders of the past and present, what qualities they possessed and what style of leadership they tended to demonstrate and games of dodgeball to get the blood pumping before supper and heading for a good night sleep before a day full of activities.

 

 

All too soon it was morning and after sausage butties it was out into the courtyard for a series of problem solving activities led by Adam. The group were faced with having to cross rivers of lava and electric fences, taming the magic stick and tying themselves in knots. Whilst completing these problems individuals were asked to take on a leader’s role and adopt a leadership style. The morning of activities flashed in an instant and after a hearty dinner the group who were asked to take various lead roles for logistics, safety, kit and navigation headed off to find the Hoff Crag for an afternoon of climbing and abseiling. Throughout this session people faced their fears and overcame them as well as encouraging one and other and demonstrating good leadership and navigation skills.

 

After a great tea the group really came together and had a laugh playing residential games like Pictionary (what goes through peoples minds I will never understand!!!) and the Cornflake box game which really brought out peoples competitive side!!! And let’s just say everyone was ready for their bed!!!

 

Sunday morning and there was no rest for the wicked as everyone was up and ready for a final session of leadership activities involving water that built up to the final challenge of searching for the Wocca Wocca tree, for some the activities were more wet than others!

 

Anyway at the end of the residential it was safe to say that everyone had enjoyed themselves and had learnt about leadership which hopefully they will use back in their clubs. A big thank you goes to Adam at Ormside Mill for providing the activities, and also to Nicola and Matt who were first time volunteers for the weekend and thrown in at

the deep end.