Twelve Gaisce Silver Award participants completed this year’s Defence Forces Adventure Challenge, hosted by the 2 Brigade Artillery Regiment in Custume Barracks, Athlone. Among them was Michael O’Sullivan Irwin from Mayo, who joined young people from across Ireland.
Throughout the week, participants trained in survival skills, camouflage and concealment, navigation, and tactical movement. They tested their stamina on hikes through the Slieve Bloom Mountains while learning under the guidance of Defence Forces instructors.
Lt Col Niall Verling, Commanding Officer of 2 BAR, said the Defence Forces aimed to offer “a challenging interactive environment to assist the participants to achieve their Silver Award.” He explained that the programme gave participants “insight into the professional, unique and disciplined skillsets of the Defence Forces,” while also helping them build confidence and life skills.
Avril Ryan, CEO of Gaisce, said:
“Adventure in the outdoors is a cornerstone of the Gaisce experience, offering young people the chance to step beyond the familiar and discover both the natural world and their own inner resources. They pick up practical skills – from preparing meals, to setting up a campsite, to choosing the right gear, to navigating tracks and trails. These are not just outdoor skills; they are life lessons in preparation, problem-solving, resilience, and teamwork. The Challenge epitomises the spirit of adventure and learning that we want every awardee to carry forward in their award journey.”
We extend our thanks to Lt Col Verling and the military instructors from Custume Barracks for their leadership and support.
This year marks 37 years of partnership between Gaisce and the Defence Forces, giving young people the opportunity to build resilience, confidence, and life skills through adventure.