A recent Outward Bound (OB) hosted event in Masterton acknowledged financial supporters and celebrated the achievements of 14 local senior college students. The students successfully completed a high endurance three week course of outdoor pursuits in Anakiwa. Masterton Trust Lands Trust (MTLT) contributed $10,000 and was acknowledged for its financial support, along with other community groups.
OB graduate Jorja Holden, a year 12 student from Kuranui College thanked everyone who had contributed to support the group to attend the life changing Korowai programme in the Marlborough Sounds. “Without you, our lives wouldn’t have been changed. We are very grateful,” she said.
Guest speaker Christine Brewster, Deputy Chair of MTLT wore her late husband’s Outward Bound pin gained in 1969. She read from the words of Outward Bound’s founder – Kurt Hahn. “Without the instinct for adventure in young people, any civilisation, however enlightened, any state, however well ordered, must wilt and wither.”
She explained how the Korowai programme of outdoor activities like rock climbing, kayaking, tramping and a half-marathon were a “natural fit” for the Trust to fund.
“Over the past 10 years, we have provided grants totalling $10 million, with around half of this going to education, predominantly Masterton schools,” she said.
Christine issued a challenge to the young graduates, “Take what you have learned at Outward Bound. Respect it, grow it and share it with your friends, family and fellow students.”
Cooper Griffin in year 12 at Wairarapa College, spoke about the challenges of completing the Korowai programme. He described being pushed mentally and physcially but when the going got tough he learned how to break down the obstacles to focus on ‘getting around the next corner’. “Every corner, every obstacle eventually adds up to reaching your destination,” he explained.
Jorja said she would carry with her the experience and skills of learning how to work with a group to achieve a common goal. She is looking forward to pursuing a leadership role in her final year of college and plans to study astronomy and astrophysics at Canterbury University.
Both Jorja and Cooper said Outward Bound taught them how to live in the moment – mā te wā.
The OB instructors praised the group for showing “commitment and responsibility well beyond their years.”
Early next year, the students plan to run another half-marathon to fundraise for Outward Bound, as a way to give back for their experience. The idea was sparked by Annie Ferguson of Solway College who wanted to keep the momentum of the group going.
Karla Paotonu – Outward Bound’s Fundraising and Partnership Manager acknowledged the students for their commitment to ‘take up the baton’ by running in the February 2022 Round the Bays event to fundraise for Outward Bound.
Donations can be made to team Cookie Bears #682 via https://outwardbound.wellingtonroundthebays.co.nz/t/cookiebears682