Swinging into Success: Boss Your Future Takes on Go Ape Blackburn
Posted on:
This week, our Boss Your Future programme took a giant leap—literally—into the treetops of Go Ape Blackburn for an unforgettable activity day with our young people from Bolton.
The Boss Your Future programme is all about building confidence, resilience, and real-world skills that young people can take forward into their future careers and personal lives. But we know growth doesn’t just happen in classrooms or workshops—it happens when you’re stepping out of your comfort zone, facing challenges, and learning to trust yourself and others. That’s exactly what this trip was all about.
Climbing, Swinging, and Conquering Fears
From the moment we arrived, the energy was electric. Some of our young people had never done anything like this before—high ropes, zip lines, and obstacle courses suspended high above the ground. There were nervous laughs, hesitant first steps, and then, one by one, courage kicked in.
Jennifer said, “At first, I didn’t even want to get on the ropes. But everyone kept encouraging me, and once I got going, I felt unstoppable. It’s made me realise I can do hard things if I just try.”
Paula shared a similar experience: “I was terrified of heights, but I didn’t want to give up. Having my friends and the Boss Your Future team there cheering me on made all the difference. I’m proud of myself for finishing it!”
Oscar, 13, one of our youngest participants on the day, summed it up perfectly: “This was the best day ever! I was scared at first, but then I loved it. I want to do it again because it made me feel brave.”
Mike Alleyne, Director of Genuine Futures, reflected on the day: “This is what Boss Your Future is all about—helping young people push past their fears and realise their potential. Watching them support each other and achieve things they didn’t think possible is exactly why we run this programme.”
The Power of the Outdoors
Spending time outdoors isn’t just fun—it’s essential for our mental health and wellbeing. Research shows that being surrounded by nature helps reduce stress, boosts mood, and improves focus and confidence.
For many of our young people, this was a chance to escape daily pressures, breathe fresh air, and connect with others in a positive, supportive environment. The Go Ape adventure gave them space to clear their minds, challenge themselves physically, and experience the joy of simply being present in nature.
As one young person put it: “I felt free up there in the trees—it was like I left my worries on the ground.”
More Than Just a Day Out
The Go Ape trip wasn’t just about having fun—it was about building the kind of mindset that helps young people believe in themselves. Our programme is designed to help those aged 15–24, who may not be in education, employment, or training, find their strengths, unlock their potential, and start building a future they’re excited about.
Days like this prove that when you’re surrounded by support, encouragement, and people who truly believe in you, you can climb higher than you ever imagined—both on the ropes and in life.
Looking Ahead
We’re incredibly proud of every single young person who came with us and pushed past their fears. This trip reminded us why we do what we do: because every young person deserves opportunities to grow, to shine, and to believe in their own future.
______________________________
Call to Action!
If you’re aged 15–24 in Bolton and want to build confidence, gain real skills, and be part of life-changing experiences like this, join the Boss Your Future programme today.
Contact the Genuine Futures team to find out more and secure your place on the next adventure.