As you plan your Trials & Tribulations challenge, you’ll probably face pressure from participants (and maybe yourself) to make things easier or more comfortable. While this comes from caring about people, it’s worth thinking carefully before you compromise on the core elements that make this challenge meaningful.
Why the difficulty matters
It’s supposed to be challenging
The whole point of Trials & Tribulations is that it’s difficult:
- Refugees don’t choose to leave their homes or face hardship
- Real empathy comes from experiencing genuine discomfort, even briefly
- Easy alternatives don’t create the same emotional connection or learning
- The sense of achievement comes from pushing through something that felt hard
Each element has a purpose
- Fasting while being active helps participants understand hunger and weakness
- Wearing modest clothing in challenging conditions shows solidarity with refugee women who don’t have the luxury of changing into sports kit
- Uncomfortable sleeping and basic food represent the lack of comfort and choice refugees face
- Physical exhaustion mirrors the tiredness of people making difficult journeys
Common requests you might hear
“Can we skip the fasting?” Some participants might ask to eat during the day because they’re worried about getting too tired or unwell.
“Can we wear sports clothes instead?” People might want to change into more practical gear for the physical challenges.
“Can we have better sleeping arrangements?” Participants might ask for mattresses, blankets, or more comfortable accommodation.
“Can we make the walking shorter?” Some might want to reduce the physical demands or take transport for difficult sections.
How to respond compassionately
Acknowledge their concerns
- “I understand this feels daunting – that’s actually the point”
- “Your worries show you understand how challenging this will be for refugees”
- “It’s natural to want to make things easier, but the difficulty is what creates the learning”
Explain the purpose
- Help people understand why each element matters
- Share how the challenge connects to real refugee experiences
- Explain that the temporary discomfort leads to lasting empathy and motivation to help
Offer support, not compromise
- “We’ll support you through this, but we won’t make it easy”
- “You’re stronger than you think, and we’ll help you discover that”
- “The whole group will be going through this together”
When adaptations are appropriate
Genuine safety concerns
Make changes only when:
- Weather conditions create real danger (not just discomfort)
- Medical conditions genuinely require modification
- Equipment failures compromise safety
- The planned activities are beyond the reasonable capabilities of your group
Health-based modifications
- People with diabetes or other medical conditions should eat as needed
- Those who can’t fast for religious reasons (like menstruating women) should still participate fully
- Anyone with mobility issues might need alternative routes
- Mental health considerations might require adjusted expectations
Keep the spirit intact
Even when you make modifications:
- Maintain the overall challenge and meaning
- Find alternative ways for people to contribute meaningfully
- Don’t let one person’s needs undermine the group experience
- Focus on sincere effort rather than perfect compliance
Building participant confidence
Before the event
- Share stories of people who found it challenging but rewarding
- Help people prepare physically and mentally
- Create a supportive community where people encourage each other
- Be honest about the challenges while expressing confidence in their abilities
During the challenge
- Celebrate small victories and progress
- Remind people why they’re doing this when they’re struggling
- Use the buddy system to provide mutual support
- Keep the focus on the purpose rather than just getting through it
The long-term benefits
Personal growth
People who complete the full challenge often discover:
- They’re capable of more than they thought
- Genuine appreciation for their normal comforts and privileges
- Deeper connection to refugee experiences
- Pride in their achievement and commitment
Community impact
A demanding but supportive challenge:
- Inspires others to push their own boundaries
- Creates powerful stories that motivate future participants
- Shows that your community is serious about supporting refugees
- Builds respect for what participants have achieved
Practical strategies
Set expectations early
From the very beginning:
- Be clear about what the challenge involves
- Explain why each difficult element is important
- Share testimonials from previous participants
- Give people time to decide if they’re ready for this commitment
Create supportive leadership
As the organiser:
- Model the commitment and attitude you want to see
- Show empathy while maintaining standards
- Provide practical support without reducing challenges
- Celebrate effort and progress while maintaining the overall vision
When people want to quit
Listen to their concerns
- Take their feelings seriously
- Try to understand what’s driving their desire to give up
- Distinguish between temporary difficulty and genuine inability to continue
Provide perspective
- Remind them of their original motivation for joining
- Help them see how far they’ve already come
- Connect their current struggle to the experiences of refugees
- Offer encouragement from others who’ve felt similar doubts
Respect genuine limits
- Don’t pressure anyone to continue if they’re genuinely unable
- Help them find ways to contribute that don’t compromise their wellbeing
- Maintain their dignity and connection to the group
- Use their decision as a learning opportunity for everyone
The ripple effect
Inspiring others
When participants complete a genuinely challenging experience:
- Their stories inspire friends and family to get involved
- They become advocates for refugee support in their wider networks
- They demonstrate that ordinary people can do extraordinary things
- They build momentum for future events and charitable work
Building character
The difficulty creates:
- Resilience that helps in other areas of life
- Confidence from overcoming challenges
- Deeper appreciation for everyday comforts
- Motivation to help others facing genuine hardship
Remember, your job isn’t to make everyone comfortable. It’s to create an experience that changes people and generates real support for refugees. The challenge’s integrity is what makes it powerful.
Trust your participants more than they trust themselves. Many people will surprise themselves with what they can achieve when they’re supported through a well-designed challenge that maintains its connection to the serious realities it represents.
The temporary discomfort creates lasting empathy, pride, and motivation to help others. That’s worth preserving, even when it feels easier to compromise.