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Adventurers return from challenge of a lifetime

 

 

6 MF-OB1-512Two adventurous Mangawhai teenagers who won coveted Outward Bound scholarships have returned from their mind, body and soul challenge with renewed self-perspectives.

Mahurangi College Year 11 student Danika Perkinson, and Lachlan Ewing, Year 12 at Rodney College, thrived in the 21 day venture of whitewater kayaking, sailing, high-rope walking, treking, camping and pre-dawn wake up’s deep in the wilderness of the Marlborough Sounds. However the strenuous activities also instilled personal insight and self-discovery.

Lachlan says Outward Bound ‘was such a massive adventure’ with the course constantly throwing up new and different challenges.

“But these were overcome by everyone refusing to admit they couldn't do something,” he says. “This was my most valued learning, that everyone is capable of so much more than they know, reminded to us every day by the quote from OB founder Kurt Hahn printed all over the school: ‘There is more in you.’”

Danika also says the experience was amazing.

“I learnt that I can do so much more than I thought I could, simply by a change of mind-set,” Danika says. “Thank you so much to everyone who made it possible for me to go to Outward Bound!”

The students were awarded the scholarships, valued around $5000 each, by Mangawhai Club in December 2016, travelling to the South Island Anakiwa camp site in mid-January to join 100 other young adventure seekers.

When people say OB is challenging they’re not lying, Danika says, but she found taking on the everyday testing of physical and mental limits immensely rewarding.

“I was able to do things that I had never done before and never thought I could do, from waking up every morning at 5.50am and running 3.2km, to tramping 72km in two days, to running a half marathon on the last day,” she says. “It is definitely something I will remember forever.”

Danika found her most challenging moment was the white-water kayak training, partly due to her recently-developed fear of the ocean.

“We had to flip over in our kayaks and let someone else flip you back. For me this was terrifying because you had to fully trust whoever it was to flip you back,” she says. “It was definitely a trust-building activity more than a training activity.”

Learning to sail in the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound with a crew of total novices was definitely one of the highlights, says Lachlan.

“Also, discovering that I can actually run a half marathon and then soaking in the ocean afterwards, feeling at one with the universe… and the companionship and general comaraderie of everyone on the course.”

However getting out of bed before sunrise for the gruelling physical workouts was a struggle.

“Definitely one of the lowlights as well as our group forgetting food for a tramp… and having to leave everyone at the end of the 21 days.”

Danika says one of her favourite times involved being soaked and muddy after a 72km, two day trek across Queen Charlotte Track to Ships Cove. After spending a wet night in tents, her group was looking forward to sailing back to Anakiwa on a cutter sailboat, however they were faced with the possibility of yet another lengthy hike.

“We walked all the way to Ships Cove with blistered feet and wet everything to then find out there was a possibility of walking all the way back – another 72km – because there was a storm coming and the sailing conditions were too dangerous!” she says. “As you can probably imagine no one was too keen for that to happen, but I guess OB is about always keeping on your toes!”

To keep themselves entertained while waiting for the decision, the group passed time by creating and skidding down a mud slide.

“It was cold and raining and nothing was dry or clean, but that day was probably the best out of the whole 21 days!” she says. “Our instructors finally told us to pack up everything and head towards the jetty. Soon after everyone was celebrating that we were travelling back in a boat and would be at Anakiwa in four hours, able to have a hot shower – and get to sleep in a real bed!”

Being 21 days disconnected from the world with snail mail as the only way to contact people, and down-to-earth comforts like dry sheets and cushy seating were newly appreciated Danika says.

“One afternoon our instructor told us to head over to the movie room. We were all a bit surprised that there actually was a movie room but we definitely didn’t complain… and there were couches! I don’t think I’ve ever appreciated a simple old couch so much!”

Both teenagers deeply endorse the OB experience and urge others to take on the challenge.

“Don’t worry that you may not be the most athletic person, because you definitely work on that over the course,” Danika says. “I made friendships that I will keep for the rest of my life and am so grateful for the opportunity to go… thank you again so much!”

“OB caters to people with all sorts of backgrounds, needs and abilities, and does more than just youth courses so any adults interested should know that it’s never too late,” Lachlan says. “I'd like to extend a massive thank you to the

Mangawhai Club and everyone involved, I'll be grateful for the rest of my life. I want to encourage them to keep up the good work so even more people in our community can get this experience.”

-By Julia Wade

 

“I learnt that I can do so much more than I thought I could, simply by a change of mind-set.”

- Danika Perkinson

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