10 years ago, my dad took my two brothers and I for a Bear Grylls inspired adventure week down in Dorset (on a small forest owned by a family friend). The challenge was this: survive in a forest for a week…no tents, no running water, and no toilet.
The week was such a success that we have returned almost every year since and with each year our group grew in size. 2020 marked our 10th year - the biggest and best year yet. Although with 9 guys, no shower, and 1 ‘toilet’ (hole in the ground) … it was also the smelliest.
Each year the week is filled with a variety of activities such as caving, fishing, archery, and trekking. We’ve done clay pigeon shooting, minigolf, a few beach days (‘survival week’) and one year my brother even brought his motor cross bike for us to have a go on.
It’s a week packed with adventure, and I could talk about this side of it for hours. However, there’s another side to this week that makes it just as, if not more memorable.
First of all, this week offers a unique opportunity to completely detach from ‘the outside world’.
You’re outside all day every day, completely surrounded by nature and everything that comes with it – both the fresh air and all the bugs. I’d check my phone maybe once a day. It’s such a stark contrast to normal life that really allows you to unwind, relax, and be present. It reminds you of the importance of disconnecting from your phone and connecting with the natural world.
The other thing that makes this week unlike anything else is the comradery, friendship and banter shared by everyone during the week – especially during the chats around the bonfire. Nearly all my strongest relationships are with people who have been on a Bear Grylls week.
This week is one of the best weeks for building self-confidence and developing a positive mental attitude. Both of which contribute towards mental well-being.
Men don’t generally talk about this stuff. I don’t have to explain why, everyone has their own reasons, but we just don’t. During this week, however, there are a few nights where, after beer number 3 or 4, chats get really deep. Often, my dad will ask a question that makes us all really think. My dad is a smart man, he knows that it is through these chats that relationships are made, and self-confidence is built. Through sharing his own stories, and the lessons he’s learnt from them, he encourages us to look back at our experiences and really dive into what’s actually going on in our lives. He knows that to become the person you want to be, there’s no room for passivism, no room for beating around the bush – you must actively try to understand yourself, your relationships and what you really want in order to grow. He reminds us there is no growth without risk and vulnerability. He encourages us all to take more risks and be confident in ourselves.
It would be impossible to fully portray how impactful these chats have been for me, but I can say that much of my self-confidence today can be traced back to these holidays and these chats. I imagine a lot of the others in the bear grylls family would agree with me on this. Every year, we all leave the week feeling more confident in ourselves and more motivated to change our lives and the lives of those around us.
So, without trying to sound to cheesy… Each of us is on a different journey, and each of us will have different defining relationships, and discussions, and opportunities. For me, the Bear Grylls Survival Week is where a lot of these happen.
For you, it might simply be a chat with a loved one. My advice to you is to pay more attention to these defining moments, and when they come your way, lean into the discomfort and vulnerability. Don’t be afraid of judgement, don’t beat around the bush. Chat openly and have fun doing it. You’ll learn more about yourself and more about other people than you knew possible. You will go forward feeling more confident, more connected, and more empowered than ever before.
I give Bear Grylls 10/10
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