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"How can I describe one of the most moving and mind-blowing/boggling
experiences of my life?
I'll attempt but I doubt I can completely capture the extent to which my
time at the DAC has altered and affected me... (I think I might have
transformed into a sea urchin or a neoprene sea monster sometime during
the last 3 months...) but I will try nonetheless. As a wise magic man
once told me: The only failure is in not trying.
"First" of all this has been an experience of firsts for me.
When I arrived from Toronto, Canada and began the Outdoor Instructor
Training Course in Bundoran, Donegal it was:
My first time in Ireland.
My first time in blustery and beautiful Donegal.
My first time away from home for more than a month.
My first time squeezing into a wetsuit.
My first time watching a professional surf competition (Eurosurf 2011)
and being inspired by the likes of Bethany Hamilton and Ritchie
Fitzgerald.
My first time swimming in the Ocean in 3-15 degree celcius weather.
My first time swimming in a natural ocean pool with jelly fish, seals
and seaweed to keep us company.
My first time getting caught in a rip current and being saved by a
professional surfer (he let me paddle in on his board!)
My first time exploring an old haunted building at Samhain (Halloween)
and getting spooked by the Irish banshees inside.
My first time hearing the lore and legends of Changelings, Tír na nÓg,
Cúchulainn, Fionn Mac Cumhail, and Diarmuid and Gráinne.
My first time hearing traditional and original Irish music live (Kíla
were class performers!)
My first time horseback riding in grassy sand dunes at sunset on Tullan
Strand.
My first time hiking the highest sea cliffs in Ireland, Slieve League.
My first time exploring sea caves and fairy bridges.
My first time appreciating a "quiet pint of of the black stuff" served
by two dear ladies in their silver years.
My first time having the piss taken out of me by my family of Homefield
hostelmates (apparently it's because I'm Canadian!)
My first time leading two groups of 22 eight-year-olds through games and
obstacles and having a blast every time.
My first time feeling like a role model or a hero for kids, while at the
same time it was
My first time feeling humbled and awed by their wit, pluck,
determination and wild abandon.
My first time trying boxing.
My first time running 4.5 miles without giving up.
My first time jumping off a 25-30 ft cliff into the sea.
My first time climbing 40 ft tall structures (balance beams, towers,
poles and trapezes) and abseiling or jumping off of them.
My first time completing a 400 m timed swim in 6 mins 52 secs.
My first time becoming an internationally recognized certified Beach
Lifeguard.
My first time on a surf board.
My first time catching and riding a wave from out the back.
My first time wiping out (a la washing machine tumble) then getting back
on my board and charging for the next wave.
And the next one, and the next, and the next.....
For the first time I feel invincible. That anything's possible.
And after this experience I am confident it won't be my last.
(For the record, originally:
-I have never been the athletic type (I have an fine arts background).
-I couldn't complete the 4.5 mile run because I was too wheezy and out
of shape (I have mild asthma).
-I swam the timed swim in 9 minutes 35 secs, (a minute and a half too
long).
-I was deathly terrified of heights (noodle legs!).
-I had never surfed, popped-up, paddled or "got out the back" (I was
deathly afraid of wiping out)
-I thought (and most folks from home) thought I was a lunatic for even
considering getting into the "nippy" North Atlantic in the Fall/Winter.
-They thought I was crazy to learn how to surf. And in Ireland of all
places.
-I thought I wouldn't survive the course.
-& more than once I thought I was going to die.)
Apparently I didn't.
Actualy I have never felt more alive. And more at home.
The minute I'm not in the water paddling for the next set of waves,
something's awry;
The minute people don't know what I mean when I say "that's class" or
"sound" (and don't take the mickey out of me for saying "eh?") I just
might cry;
The minute I've left Bundoran's mercurial sea and craggy emerald coast
I'll be dreaming of them in my sleep;
And
The minute I am thousands of kilometres away from my hardy and hearty
Irish frieamily, I'll weep.
Thank you for everything Collie, Ken, Trish, Fiddy, Ciara, Neil,
Cillian, Eoin and Kyle - I will miss you and will never forget you and
this extraordinary experience!"
Erin Elliot
Gap Year 2011
I think I got out of this what I wanted and had a great time and
thats's all I really cared about. Met some brilliant people and had
memorable nights together. I think the thing I'm most going to take away
from Ireland is people's spirit and lively personality. Just seems to be
a lot of people her with that Happy Go Lucky attitude. I'm very glad I
did this course because I think I grew up a lot here which I know I
really needed to do before going to college. That is what I'm most proud
of myself at the end of this course. Not the good shape I got in or the
lifeguard certificate but just learning more about myself and how
to deal with different situations. Thanks for helping me become a better
me as well by teaching me to take more responsibility for myself and my
actions.
Matt Roache
Gap Year 2011
My experience with the DAC was incredible. Literally, I feel
like my time here has been surreal. I adapted to the area and my
surroundings much quicker than I usually would have anywhere else.
I don’t fully know what I was expecting when I got here. I know I was a
bit hesitant at the start of the course because it was different than I
imagined, but once that whole ordeal got straightened out, it was grand.
One of the reasons I love it here so much and definitely one of the
reasons I want to come back is because of the people I’ve met. The young
people in the course with me, the adults and most definitely the
instructors have all been wonderful.
Ali Klinsberg
Gap year 2011
As a parent I can say with 100% assurance not only is this program
well thought out but I also felt my child was safe and under excellent
common sense supervision at all times. I sent him there to learn the
kinds of things not taught in an academic setting, such as self
assurance and self confidence in his own judgment. I think he got those
qualities and so much more. I would send him again.
Alex Hinton, parent, 2009.
The Adventure Ireland Cultural Program is a great program that tailors
to the needs of every individual within the program to make sure that
they are satisfied with the course. All staff members are incredibly
friendly and are always willing to lend a helping hand. I instantly felt
at home when I arrived here because of the genuinely kind and welcoming
people of the Adventure Centre and the town. Bundoran is an ideal
location for Adventure Ireland because of the lively social scene and
the charming locals. This was the perfect program for me because not
only did I get to explore the beautiful country of Ireland, but I grew
as a person and learned how to be more independent. I will always
cherish the time I spent with the Adventure Ireland program in Bundoran!
Jamie O’Donnell, participant 2009.
Dear Niamh & Collie
We, as parents, are very pleased with the opportunities afforded Daniel
in Adventure Ireland. It was his first experience being away from home
for an extended period and it was well worth it!
It was important for Daniel to get "out on his own", experience new
surroundings and meet some new friends. We were very pleased with the
program and the people involved with his development.
Daniel has been in Clearwater Florida since January at Players School
of Music. He will wrap up his tenure there in December and hopes to
pursue a performance major at an accredited school.
Adventure Ireland was the launching pad to his development and has given
him the confidence to pursue his passions. He appears to be genuinely
content and motivated to take the next step in his education.
We appreciate what your program has done for Daniel. We would
encourage other parents to consider this option for their adult children
who may need to expand their horizons in an alternative educational
setting.
Best Wishes,
Randy & Carrie Stary
The Donegal Adventure Centre experience was transformational for
Abby. Not only did she acquire unique and challenging skills but she
learned how to survive and, ultimately, thrive in a new, international
culture. The power of her time in Ireland is evident in the number of
times she still references Bundoran when she summarizes her top life and
learning experiences.
Mr. John Wilpers, parent, 2008
I traveled to Bundoran with Meredith College in the
summer of 2009. My time in Bundoran was
possibly the most memorable summer yet. My classmates and I still look
back on our times at the Adventure Centre and talk about the times we
went surfing, kayaking, and all of the hilarious team building
activities we participated in. I would recommend this unique and
challenging program to anyone who is looking to be surrounded by some of
the most beautiful scenery in the world complimented by an amazing staff
at the Adventure Centre.
Sarah Chadwick
Meredith College '11
The DAC provided an environment where our daughter could build
independence, confidence and enduring bonds of friendship. The physical
challenges and experience of life in Bundoran have enriched her life
greatly.”
Kathryn and Rick Werner, parents 2009
