OSC Daaaaaay 4!

Today we got split up into teams and built rafts out of cardboard, tape and a tarp. The four groups had to do an adventure race for points. The activities included: solving a puzzle, hard-boiling an egg, and more teamwork activities that were frustrating, challenging, yet fun.

After that we went rafting, which was particularly fun, because there was a lot of spirit.

Then we raced down the river in the cardboard/tarp boats, counted the points, and then celebrated victories. The day ended with the roasting of marshmallows and celebrating Amit's birthday. We learned the most about teamwork and leadership in these activities.

OSC Day 3 - Intro to Kayaking and Rafting!

An introduction to kayaking and rafting awaited us today, providing us with both technical experience regarding the activities, as well as experience on working together as a team on rafts and kayaks. We were split into two groups, one that took two rafts up and down river and another that jumped into kayaks, which they paddled up and down river as well. Both the groups were given a brief but detailed explanation about hydrology (including descriptions of vector flows, eddies and streams).

The rafting group was divided into two teams that were placed in one raft each. As the raft was paddled up and down stream, the groups were taught how to hold a paddle properly, get back on to the raft if they fell out and the various commands associated with rafting. 

On the other hand, the kayaking group was taught how to paddle properly, create group formations and wave surfing. Both these activities were highly taxing in terms of both physical and mental strength, as we were often paddling against strong currents and thinking about the right actions to take in certain situations such as when we had to make the raft or kayak straighten along the river. 

Each group swapped their activities (kayaking and rafting), after a short break for lunch. At the end of the day, everyone had most if not all the strength drained from their bodies and were craving a rest. It was by far the toughest day yet.

Ashab a.k.a Orion

OSC Day 2 - Abseiling Adventure!!

Today the blog was written by Kalila and Shenali:

"Today, we completed our abseiling adventure. It started with a bumpy, thrilling truck ride up to the foot of the Sandun Ella. Our abseil descent could not commence until our sweaty hike to the top of the waterfall - which was steep and strenuous - was done. Once we got to the top, drenched in sweat, we were able to start our adventure.

There were a mix of emotions all around - exhilaration, fear and tension. Attached to our carabineers and figure-8s, we put aside our natural instincts and walked backwards over a cliff of an 80-foot waterfall at a 90-degree angle. Our descent finished with a relieving plunge into a deep pool of water at the base - where we could all look up and smile with a sense of accomplishment.

Afterwards, we devoured our picnic lunch on a beautiful rock face overlooking the beauty of our paradise island. Our adventure ended with a dip in a crystal-clear, natural pool; filling us with serenity and flooding us with refreshment. We returned to camp exhausted, yet thoroughly pleased with the day's outcome."

Congratulations on finishing a difficult day, get some rest for another fun day tomorrow!

OSC Grade 9: Day 1!!!

We welcome back the OSC grade 9 kids for their Week Without Walls program at Borderlands.  Following a tiring first day, here’s what three students (Athena, Maya and Shobana) had to say:

Today was shape (to all people unfamiliar with the hip and cool phrases of today – shape means awesome.) We threw ourselves off canyons, flipped off some cliffs, and slid down rocks of all different sizes, and all different levels of comfort. Looking back on today, we all can’t believe we actually let ourselves get put into these situations and conquered them. I wouldn’t hesitate to do this again! 

I felt moments of fearlessness, moments of complete nervousness, and most of the time I felt pretty proud of myself! Can’t wait for the next few days, considering today was only the first day. We’ve definitely earned some bragging rights today.

When we arrived we did one activity called Magic Stick where we all stood around this long pole and the pole would be lowered down onto everyone’s index fingers. We had to lower it as a team without letting our fingers leave the pole. It’s actually much harder than it seems. It takes a lot of communication, and leadership to get the task done. It was a really great first day. 

Elizabeth Moir's Adventure - Day 2!!!!

The started slowly for the students today, as may did not seem to be able to drag themselves out of bed by the required 7am time. The latest showing up by 7:20, this meant a morning swim in the cold river for all. Parents, if you ever need to get your kids out of bed, this works perfectly. Many kids said it was even a “nice and refreshing way to wake up.”

Stretching began afterwards, much to the amusement of some who were able to actually do the stretches. Breakfast was quick and there was a feeling of excitement in the air as everyone kitted up to go abseiling. The highlight of the abseil for some though was definitely the drive there (and later back) in the trucks over the bouncy roads that lead to the beginning of the hike.

Students took on leadership roles with dividing the equipment amongst each other to hike to the top of the waterfall, all harnesses, ropes, carabineers, figure eights, mats, and other gear was carried up by the students.

The hike was a fun filled one with laughter and much scrambling (and much worry about leeches for some). At the top of the waterfall the students were amazed by the view and led through a detailed safety briefing before being allowed near the edge of the waterfall (clipped in of course).

Of course this is when it started raining for the first time in days. After checking in and assessing the situation, it was decided to safely continue to the abseil.

Students cheered each other on as they stepped over the edge of the water fall, clipped in by their harnesses and self-belaying. The looks on the faces ranged from exhilaration and pure bliss, to steady concentration to overcome their fears. All reached the bottom of the waterfall safely and with a huge smile as they unclipped from the rope and swam through the pool.

After every student and teacher went down the abseil, the decision was made to hike back in the rain. The hike down was much slower, and screams of “leech!” could be heard every 30 seconds or so. Students took on leadership positions and encouraged everyone to keep moving, to reach the trucks before the rain really started pouring down harder.

The hike ended us every student happily climbed into the trucks for the bumpy drive back, bracing themselves in various positions to not hit their heads on the roof. Every so often another scream of “leech!” could be heard as the last of the little buggers were removed from the students feet.

Upon reaching camp and having an extremely late lunch, a challenge was set to the students. It was not to be clean, showered, in dry clothes and ready to go at 5pm, though that was part of it. The challenge was to come up with short skits demonstrating qualities of good and bad leadership in different types of leadership.

The students skits were incredible! Some were funny, involving the Hulk and Ironman, some were sporty, involving a full on basketball game, and some were more serious, including steering a boat correctly and the consequences if not. All the students cheered each other on and laughed through the skits.

Then the slideshow and dinner followed. The social afterwards was filled with marshmallow roasting and trying not to let the marshmallows drip on to the fire, playing guitar covers of One Direction, Avicii, and more, before putting on loud music and EVERYONE singing along to it. The singing could be heard from across camp.

The students closed their fun-filled and exhausting day, covered in marshmallow goo and voices tired from singing at the top of their lungs. Sleep well Elizabeth Moir students and be prepared for a tent inspection tomorrow morning!