This week Old Swan E.A.R.L.Y. Team are on their 5 day residential with Boulder Adventures in North Wales. Yesterday I joined them to help out with some extra filming and ensure the camera were functioning and had enough space. The change in the team member was apparent straight away, they had gone from being strangers to a close-knitted group who look out for each other and work together. It felt like I was with a group of people who had known each other for years, despite the fact they had met for the first time just over a week ago.

They were all enjoying using the cameras and found them extremely easy to use. Having used the underwater Flip Camera the day before they were really impressed by it and were looking forward to seeing the footage.

After a much needed cup of tea we set off to Anglesey with the Boulder staff to go rock climbing and abseiling. This was the perfect opportunity to try out the head camera. Nearly all the team were really nervous about the rock climb and especially the 120 foot abseil and were swearing blind they were not going to do it. We recorded them telling us this, however we also recorded them conquering their fears and having a go! It was excellent to be able to capture these moments and play them back to the team afterwards to show them how much they achieved in that one session.

I am confident that they will carry on recording not only throughout the week but right through their course. The difference that the Flip Cameras have made is incredible – the ease of use and quality being the key factors.

Thanks to all the Team and the excellent staff at Boulder Adventures for a great day!

After working with Huyton Prince’s Trust Team 19, a number of lessons were learnt and experience gained. As we trialled and tested the Samsung Q1 Ultra devices it became evident that they were not up to the job. We wanted devices that were ready to use at the touch of a button, uncomplicated, portable and would work in rugged conditions… too much to ask? Not when it came to the Flip Video Ultra HD.

After a lot of research and testing we decided to purchase the Flip camera, having already gained an excellent reputation for recording video at ease, the Flip cameras came highly recommended. We opted for the Ultra HD model which would not only provide us with 2 hours high quality video and audio footage but would also be tough enough to be out and about without being too small to lose or damage! We also purchased an underwater case (up to 9 meters) and a mini tri-pod for the camera. This would allow the next team we work with to capture all their experiences whether it be in air, water or land! We are hoping that we will be able to capture the development of each young person along with their thoughts and feelings throughout the course including rafting, work experience, fire fighting and community projects.

We will now introduce the Flip Video to the young people and integrate them into the programme they are completing. Although I expect some resistance to speak into the camera at first it will soon become an enjoyable task and the young people will enjoy filming each other and themselves throughout the 12 weeks.