CONFIDENCE FOR A NEW GENERATION
Dave has spoken to over 750 schools and youth groups since he began his adventure career in 2005. His message is simple for the youth of today. Dream, believe and never give up.
He is passionate about inspiring young people and his talks - whether online or in-person, balance the importance of hard work with alleviating the stress felt but so many of today’s schoolchildren.
Dave was bullied at school and many children in similar situations have grown as a result of his shared experiences, and importantly, everything that happened later.
His school talks are balanced between a growth mindset philosophy and a sense of positivity and excitement about life. Using stunning slides and film to bring his expeditions and projects to life, Dave inspires, animates and wows young audiences.
Not only are children impressed with his eleven world records, they love the stories behind the challenges. His contagious enthusiasm, passion and positive attitude are great fun to observe and the students (and often teachers!) are left feeling motivated and inspired.
“By far my favourite session yet! So many interesting and exciting adventures, and just not enough time to ask questions! Every Beaver and Cub was transfixed to the screen and couldn’t wait for their turn to ask a question. Brilliant!”
“Dave gave an incredibly inspiring and powerful presentation to our year 13 students, and shared with honesty his many stories of adventure, travel, endurance, and creativity! Dave’s energy and passion for life is completely infectious, and our students revelled in the opportunity to explore Dave’s story, and were left feeling inspired, challenged, and alive. I would absolutely recommend anyone to invite a bit of Dave into their life, and for our young people approaching a significant junction in life, the presentation and Q&A was refreshing, thought provoking and utterly inspirational.”
“A big thank you for your inspirational and engaging talk yesterday at South Island School. Students and staff were raving about what a refreshing perspective on life you had, we all gained so much from your visit.”
“Just wanted to say a big thank you for taking the time to talk to us today. The excitement levels were through the roof. They really enjoyed hearing all of your stories.”
“Hearing Dave’s stories has inspired me to always keep trying and persevering to be the best I can be.
I look up to Dave as he inspires me to be the best I can be. I want to be as brave and excited by life as he is. ”
In 2013 Dave visited Burraton school in Cornwall towards the end of one of his 1000 mile journeys. It led t quite the memorable departure!
Dave is available for one-off assemblies and award ceremonies, as well as day/multi-day-long visits including an assembly and workshops/ presentations tailored to specific age groups.
To sustain the excitement generated from the visit, Dave always likes to build a relationship with schools. From Skyping in from the midst of an expedition, tuning in to student projects and encouraging geographical and social awareness through Operation Postcard.
There is also plenty of scope for teachers to create their own sessions - from having children set out their own journey goals to designing forms of non-motorised transport. Dave’s visit lays the groundwork for ongoing lessons and projects to ensure the inspiration never dies.
“Dave’s two-day visit to Rochester School for the Deaf far exceeded our hopes and expectations. Our students were enthralled by his stories and really seemed to take his positive, life-affirming message to heart. It’s no wonder why they lined up to give him hugs every time they saw him! The adults who attended his evening presentation were equally as impressed and uplifted. I’d be rich now if I had a nickel for every time someone used the words “Awesome!” or “Wow!” when telling me what they thought about Dave and his presentation! Most importantly, we all felt that Dave was wonderfully selfless in his interactions with us, with no ego getting in the way of his encouraging message. He is a breath of fresh air for our times and a unique “man for others” in our world!”
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Dave proved to us what you can do if you put your mind to it! #sayyesmore
We heard about the incredible experiences of an incredible person!
Dave inspired us by telling us about his motivation and how to make your dreams come true.
Dave’s stories have been an inspiration. I want to be an Olympic runner. I now know that anything is possible.
Dave inspired me to pursue my dreams.
Dave’s exciting stories have inspired me and many others in my school, to believe in ourselves.
Dave is an inspiration as he pushes himself. He is limitless.”
Skype Into the Classroom
After visiting a school, Dave will offer a free follow-up ‘visit’ via Skype from an upcoming adventure. Of course, this depends on availability of signal, but it takes the children one step closer to the places and activities Dave experiences on a regular basis. He has skyped to classrooms while balancing on a stand up paddleboard on the Mississippi River, kayaking and skateboarding in Australia, and from island campsites in Scandinavia. Beats your average Geography class!
Dave is also registered with Microsoft's Skype to the Classroom programme
Operation Postcard
With a huge world map up on the wall in a public area of your school, fire the pupil’s imagination with an aim of receiving a postcard from every country in the world. Dave can use his wide-ranging network to get the ball rolling, and by engaging parents and community members to reach out to their friends and colleagues around the world, Operation Postcard becomes so much more than just a map on the wall.
To enquire about availability and prices, email dave@davecornthwaite.com or fill in the contact form
“You have made a lasting impact on our region forever. You exceeded our expectations as a keynote presenter for The Adventure Summit, your inspiring nature was contagious and our guests ate it up. You fully embraced the event. You easily could have just did your presentation and left town (after all, that was what we paid you for!) but you went above and beyond to make it a more valuable, personal experience for yourself and our guests! Your style appeals to all types of people, not just those who are seeking high adventure or an epic journeys. Your message came through clearly that simply saying yes more will allow people to have a higher quality of life.”
