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!
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