their personal development, teamwork skills and relationships with Police.

Outward Bound Bermuda, founded in 1970, is an adventure course operated by the Police Service on Paget Island in St. George's.

The week-long summer programme is aimed at improving relationships between law enforcement officials and teenagers while developing the youngsters' sense of personal worth.

Outward Bound Bermuda provides students -- aged 12 through 15 -- with the opportunity to overcome numerous outdoor challenges while getting to know and trust Police officers.

During the week, the youngsters have the opportunity to participate in rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, orienteering, a 30-foot high ropes course as well as a wide variety of problem solving and team building tasks.

These experiences enable them to gain a fresh perspective on teamwork while encouraging new levels of self-confidence, self-awareness, self-motivation and self-esteem.

Last week, 11 students from the Whitney Institute Middle School were given a small sample of the Outward Bound Bermuda experience.

Early on Tuesday morning, the students, along with teacher Albert Steede, arrived at Paget Island for a day full of fun and adventure.

Under the supervision of Police officers Mark Norman and Grant Tompkins, the group first set out on a canoeing trip around the Island.

After paddling into a shallow lagoon, the eager students began to play water games such as chase and canoe football.

The group then met in the main building to have lunch before setting out to conquer the "High Element Ropes Course''.

The ropes course consists of a number of telephone poles attached by wire and logs which the students, supported by harnesses, attempted to cross.

Walking across wires and logs 30 feet above the ground, the students faced their fears and managed to complete the course successfully.

Repeat Outward Bound Bermuda participants, or Rovers, take the challenge one step further.

These adventurous youngsters attempt to trek around the Island, camping out on land and sea in between.

After having completed Outward Bound Bermuda, teenagers can then apply to a full course in either the UK or US.

Such overseas projects are funded by donations from local sponsors and so far close to 700 Bermudians have attended.

Due to the popularity of the summer course, Outward Bound Bermuda also offers day sessions and weekend getaways as well as special programmes for the mentally and physically handicapped.

For further information on Outward Bound Bermuda courses contact Mark Norman on 295-0011.

The first Outward Bound course was founded in Wales in 1941 and has since grown to consist of 41 centres in 24 countries around the world.

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE -- Donyelle Burchall braces herself to tight-rope walk across a thin wire.