The Young Explorers’ Trust annual Expedition Leaders’ Training Course was held at Hesley Wood Scout Centre and Campsite on Saturday/Sunday 20^th/21^st November. On the Saturday evening a presentation was made about the 2010 Yorkshire Schools Exploring Society’s Expedition to Sinai. This presentation gave aspiring expedition leaders attending the course first hand feedback on a very recent expedition and the chance to ask questions of the young people and their leaders. The presentation was also open to parents of the young people. YSES was delighted that some parents were able to attend.

4 young people gave a very succinct coverage of the time they spent in Sinai. They were Emily Yates, Rachel Hullat. Hannah Pickles and Sarah Payne. They were supported by leaders Martin Wilkinson and Gene Spencer. Their talk covered the two programme areas – firstly living and camel trekking with the Bedouin and secondly scuba diving. It was clear from their enthusiasm that this had been a wonderful experience for them all. They also talked a little bit about what had made them apply, their apprehensions as the departure date drew near, coping with such a different lifestyle and culture and finally the fantastic memories which will stay with them for a very long time. They were truly delighted with everything that Sinai had given them  and all recommended other young people to take up similar opportunities if they possibly could.

In closing the session the chairman of YSES Peter Drake thanked the young people for giving such a fascinating account of this expedition and praised them for their individual performances.  He said their parents, teachers and leaders should be proud of them all.

Peter will be leading the 2011 YSES South Africa expedition which is now full but places are still available for Mongolia 2011 and Knoydart 2011. More information elsewhere on this website.