Teens take on challenge to complete Silver Gaisce award
A MASSIVE learning curve was undertaken by two teenage girls from Cherry Orchard, who organised an expedition as part of their Gaisce award.
Amber Eastwood (17) and Abbie Gibbons Forte (18) are members of Ballyfermot Youth Service, and took on the challenge of the Silver Gaisce award.
The Presidents Award is a self-development programme for young people aged 14 -25.
Silver takes a minimum of 26 weeks to complete and is made up of four parts – personal skill, community involvement, physical recreation and adventure journey.
Amber said: “We decided to get involved as a way to challenge ourselves in many ways mentally and physically.
“It is an amazing project and we really enjoyed completing our silver Gaisce together.”
Abbie said: “Overall our project went amazing. We did activities like kayaking, dancing, boxing and being involved in our local bmx club to complete this award.
“We also completed a three-day and two night adventure, where we walked and cycled from our hometown Ballyfermot, to our youth hostel in Oakwood, Wicklow.
“It was an amazing experience, especially with the group of people we shared this experience with.”
The project was supported and mentored by Allegra Lalor and Ger O’Reilly of BYS, and Sharon Kelly of Dublin City Council is their Gaisce pal.
Allegra, Adventure Centre Manager in BYS, praised the pair for exhibiting exceptional leadership skills.
“They took on quite a big challenge.
“There was a lot in it, 75k, a walk and a cycle, organising a group of 12 young people to go on the expedition, finding accommodation,” said Allegra.
“They deserve huge credit.
“Taking on all that is a huge learning curve.”
The girls completed Bronze last year and intend to go on for the Gold.
After school, Abbie plans to “complete an outdoor adventure management course to become an outdoor instructor”.
Meanwhile, Amber is assessing her options, but would like to “do something with young people, to teach and be part of their progression”.
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