A 16-year-old has clocked up almost 1,000 hours of volunteering with Outfit Moray in his bid to become an outdoors instructor.
Brandon Choularton, from Elgin, has been working with the outdoor organisation for four and a half days a week since April 2022.
The charity has been able to help him develop his skills through various outdoor-based programmes.
Throughout his time with the charity, Brandon has gained his Paddlesports Instructor and Foundation Safety and Rescue Proficiency award.
He has also been recognised for his commitment to volunteering receiving his Ascent 500-hour Saltire Awards certificate.
Enjoying activities such as kayaking and coasteering gives him confidence in his abilities to tackle most challenges.
And now Brandon has clocked up more than 1,000 hours of volunteering for the charity.
Brandon, who left school in July, feels that Outfit Charity is a better fit for him and praised the charity for making him feel welcome and accepted.
He said: “Compared to school, being at Outfit Moray gives me a place I feel that I belong and I feel part of their team.
‘A place I feel that I belong’
“This allows me to learn new activities and, though I find some activities challenging, over time I have got used to them, such as coasteering and get more comfortable in the bigger swells.”
He also enjoys working with young people and helping to develop their skills have been in their positions, saying he now has more confidence.
“Outfit Moray gives me the confidence to speak to people and helps me challenge myself daily and I am looking forward to learning more and getting a career in the outdoors.”
He is now actively pursuing a career as an outdoor instructor, inspired by his work with the Outfit Moray team.
The team say that he “adds considerable value, both in supporting the team and supporting young people on activities”.
His parents, Charlotte and Rob Choularton said: “For us, the volunteering experience for Brandon has given him much more confidence, a sense of belonging, qualifications and experience (all of which we never thought he would achieve given his additional support needs) and also the enjoyment of passing on his love of the outdoors and outdoor sports/pursuits to others.”
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