“My first few weeks at Rock UK have been incredible, awesome and full of adventure! So far, I have loved it!”
This September, 22 young adults travelled up to Whithaugh Park, in the Scottish Borders, to start a new chapter in their lives – as Trainee Instructors with Rock UK.
During their initial three month long induction (September to December) each week is packed with classroom teaching, Bible study and outdoor adventure activity. Our trainees receive two classroom sessions a week and topics include, team dynamics, fundraising, identity and spiritual development.
The trainees are taken into the Lake District to gain experience in off-site climbing on a range of terrains and slopes. In addition, they get time on the water to learn activities such as canoeing, paddle sports as well as time on dry land to learn skills such as roping and abseiling. All of these experiences are vital in preparing our trainees to become fully qualified instructors.
In terms of spiritual development, nurturing and discipleship, our trainees attend Refresh Church in the local village of Newcastleton. The church has strong links with Rock UK and is fully supportive towards our mission and the pastoral needs of our trainees.
We do recognise that these first few months at Rock UK are hard work, so encourage our trainees to relax in their spare time. Evenings can be spent around the camp fire, walking in the woods, chilling out at Whithaugh Park or even in the homes of local families – who provide hospitality, good conversation and a scrumptious pudding!
“My first few weeks at Rock UK have been incredible, awesome and full of adventure! So far, I have loved it! Thanks to the classroom sessions on Christian discipleship, my relationship with Jesus is stronger, I am more rooted in Him and I have a deeper understanding of the role and purpose of the Holy Spirit in my life. On site activity sessions and visits to the Lake District have taught me new skills in outdoor adventure and given me new opportunities to become braver, bolder and more confident! Hanging off the edge of a crag was quite scary, but with the encouragement of our instructors I conquered my fear and felt a great sense of achievement when I reached the top of the rock face!”
Young people visiting Rock UK will have a story to tell – they will become bolder, braver and more confident! I can’t wait to see their lives transformed at Rock UK!
Outdoor adventure has transformed my life! Thank you.” Aidan Cant, Trainee Instructor 2019-20
We are so grateful to our trainee instructors, who help to raise vital funds and awareness of Rock amongst their friends and family. Their support, prayers and donations, enable young lives to be transformed through outdoor adventure! To make a donation and encourage our trainee instructors in their fundraising efforts, please check out their pages here: To support our 2018 intake. To support our 2019 intake
Find out more about our Instructor Training Programme