From East Lothian Courier:

EIGHT Musselburgh Grammar School students are the first in Scotland to take part in a new, adventurous education project designed to improve self-confidence.

The pilot scheme, entitled ‘C Project’, gives 14 and 15-year-olds the chance to try challenging activities – such as abseiling, rock climbing, canoeing, cliff jumping, hiking, mountain biking, bushcraft and archery – at a range of locations both county-wide and nationally, in a bid to develop self-esteem.

The 14-month programme, transported to Scotland following successful beginnings in New Zealand – where more than 15,000 students have already taken part – has three stages: ‘wilderness adventure’, ‘community challenge’ and ‘C Project mentoring’.

The first encourages youngsters to confront their fears through adrenaline-fuelled pursuits, while the ‘community challenge’ segment will educate students on what sporting, recreational and cultural facilities are available to them locally. Participants then learn goal-setting skills through 10 months of one-to-one mentoring sessions.