OSC DAY 3!

The blog for day 3 of OSC Grade 9's Week Without Walls is written by Ceola Daly.

Today I, along with my 32 other classmates in Grade 9 of OSC, woke up and went jogging, followed by stretches and then a cool down swim in the river. Although at first this was widely unwelcome because of the time, we soon all woke up properly and enjoyed it. 

After Breakfast we split up into two groups. Group 1 (not my group) went off kayaking, while my group (Group 2) prepared to go White Water Rafting by learning about River Science, which at first seemed slightly boring but then proved to be extremely useful later on. 

Getting into the rafts, Group 2 split up again into two groups, 8 each in a raft. My raft was 8 of us + Ms Amanda + Richard. We set off rafting, and although parts of it were a struggle with patience and physical strength, everyone enjoyed it thoroughly. We all came back excited for lunch and kayaking, only to find out that apparently the kayaking was very tough for the other group, leaving them still glad they did it but very tired. 

After lunch, Group 1 and 2 switched activities and we headed off to out starting points. Honestly, even though kayaking was pretty tough, I found carrying the kayaks tougher. During kayaking, we were all sort of scared of going down the rapids, although there were only 4 capsizing moments (2 of them were mine.). After kayaking it was raining, so walking back to camp while muddy, wet and sore was not ideal, and we were all a little tired and grumpy, but we liked it nonetheless. Afterwards, we all washed up and just watched a video at the Long House to cool down. 

This was probably the most tiring, but definitely the best day of camp so far.

OSC Day 2

Our blog today was written by 2 people. The first part is by Malaika Salman.

"When we woke up, we had the mandatory luxury to take a dip in the freezing river at 7:00am. Then, on the bumpy and uncomfortable ride up the hill, we got off and set off for a hike to get to the waterfall. We got lost. More than half of the class headed in the wrong direction while hiking up to the waterfall (Editor’s Note: We challenge groups to take leadership and initiative to find their own way up without assistance from guides unless safety is at stake), after going up and down in wrong directions and in the end a guide came and took us to the right direction (Editor’s Note: They were about 20 feet from where they needed to be). We were told that this is the first time anyone has got lost hiking up the hill with borderlands, so we can all say proudly we have written history today. The whole “getting lost” was actually a fun and challenging experience for most of us because together as 9^th grade were trying to figure out where we had to go, but in the end, we learnt that we should always stick together as one unit.

Then after lunch, we headed into the village to interview people around the village about the dam that will be built in Kitugala, and I learnt a lot. Today was a fun, but tiring day and we all achieved something today. "

The second piece is written about the abseil activity, by Nathan Omprasadham.

"One does not always find they hanging off a 110-foot cliff with their life in the hands of an inanimate object, but one finds that doing so often gives you a rather different perspective on life. Wade (accompanied by his trademark grin) happily told us back at school all about how abseiling was technically the safest activity we would undertake on our trip. He told us we had nothing to worry about. He failed to tell us about the fact that doing so meant you would probably end up kissing a mountain…hard. 

Rocky intimacy aside, the decent was exhilarating, with water rushing past your feet as you descend down the incline, everything else disappears as the rope and the rock become your whole world. Slowly that expands and you start to take in the scenery, breathing the mountain air and digesting the spectacular view. Gravity is pushed to the back of your mind as your friends cheer you on, and step by step you descend into victory… and beyond."

OSC Day 1!!

Today's blog post is written by Nathan Omprasadham.

"Day 1 of Borderlands was an emotional rollercoaster to say the least. One that hardly went down, but seemed to maintain a steady climb as we stretched ourselves farther, pushed ourselves further, then stopped to look back and realise that we had only just begun. From crossing rickety old bridge to literally “going with the flow” down a river, there always seemed to be a fresh experience to surprise us, to make us reconsider what we knew and how we could change ourselves for the better.

Right off the bat we were given a task that seemed simple, yet we all knew held it’s own set of challenges. We were asked to find our way to camp, but with a guide that was only as reliable as our own eyes and minds. Blue ribbons acted as silent sentinels, tied along the path we were meant to take, but oftentimes positioned to intentionally lead us astray. Our small groups of 5 slowly began to work out systems, pick up on clues, and work better with one another, and it made the simple action of getting from point A to point B that much more gratifying. When looking back, I can firmly say that the single most challenging aspect of our day was not freezing water, the slippery slopes or even the ever present fear of facing the unknown, but instead was the simple act of lowering a stick to the ground. The so-called “magic stick” became our personal, psychological hell. Shouts and accusations flew across our grade as we attempted to move a stick that was balanced precariously across our fingers to the floor. It put a harsh yet realistic spotlight on the second of the four stages of teamwork: “the storming”.

The day followed with more physical challenges as we delved into the world of canyons. Acts as simple as standing were pushed back as we embraced all our limbs in order to move forward. The ever-present rush of the river accompanied us as we slipped, slid, leaped, and swam our way through nature’s obstacle course. The thing that impressed me most was not the fact that everyone made the biggest jumps and steepest slopes, but the fact that people would, without prompting, help their fellow man. The weak swimmers were pulled on by the strong, the struggling climbers could count on the able, no one hesitated to lend out a helping hand and everyone was happy to accept it. It was great to see every one of those people attempt the extended part of the rapids course, but it was better to see them helping and encouraging each other every step of the way.

We ended our day’s activities with a moment of zen as we formed small circles in the river and simply let it carry us home for the night. I’d love to say I had fun, but it was more than that. I saw the grade I have spent a good portion of my life with in a whole new light, all through the silent wisdom of the river."

British School of Colombo - Day 2

Today's blog post is written by Sharna.

As soon as my team arrived at the bottom of the mountain we looked up and groaned. The first thing that came to our heads was: ‘this is going to be a long hike’. The first few steps were easy, but then it got hard. The smooth pavement turned into stones, the stones turned into huge rocks which turned into steep steps. Suddenly, stunning views popped out. The views had stolen my eyes. It was amazing. My pain still attacked me more. But, the views were distracting me. 

Luckily we had only a bag to carry but the sun was right on our backs. It was tiring. The main thing was to keep walking. This time I could hear my whole group panting. It was like the entire herd of leopards.  i could hear something in front. Something that wiped away all my worries into hope: water.

I called back to my team. I had to keep them on the bright side of things. So I called out: “Water! We’re near the water fall.” There was a loud cheer.  I knew then that they were all happy. As soon as we got to the top of the mountain, where the cave was there was a wave of relief. We all stumbled down on the ground. Finally! I could see some people getting their drinks out and staying as quiet as mice. No one needed to talk. Soon the team leader, Mr. Nirmal, told us to gather up. I couldn’t even move my legs, but I used the last amount of energy I had left so I could turn and face him. “Respect the person who is speaking” is always an important rule to remember. Mr. Nirmal told us to listen (the 2^nd most important thing to remember) to the man speaking. 

In the end all our strength had crawled back to us. So we were all ready for a game. We played two games that were so fun. What we didn’t know was that the adventure was just beginning. We were told that we were all going to be allowed to have a little shower on the water fall. Yaay!! The water was biting cold. I didn’t care. I was having too much fun! I loved every second. All of a sudden there was yelp from my friend Tanzilla. She had slipped. Was she okay? I pulled her up and asked her. Thankfully, she was okay. I told her to enjoy it while she can. So we did, together. But all great things have to end. I got outside to join my group which was just about to leave.

The hike down was much better than the hike up. I learnt that Kitulgala wasn’t just about making friends, but to get together with your old friends who you haven’t spoken to in years. The entire time down I was catching up with my old classmates. That’s why I didn’t feel exhausted at all. I was enjoying myself. In the end we did get back to camp where we were told to get ready for river bathing. We still have so much fun to do. That’s what makes it fun!

British School of Colombo - Day 1

The first morning of BSC’s trip was spent arriving to camp, settling in, hiking to the canyon and having lunch. In the afternoon the students went canyoning and then hiked back to camp.

Written by: Sasha.

The bus ride to The Borderlands in Kithulgala from The British School of Colombo was approximately 3 hours. We were divided in to three different buses. When we arrived in the Borderlands base camp, we had some instructions and were sorted into our tents and cabins. I was happy in the cabin I was because fortunately, I was with my 4 best friends and a few pretty good friends. I had only spent a day here, and I absolutely love it here! I had so much fun hiking through the forest and crossing the river. This day has been full of adventure! I had learnt that the activities that we did and do are risky but fun. It can be both in the same time you know! I really enjoyed my time here. I am really looking forward to tomorrow and the day after! 

Written by: Dhanika.

We arrived at Borderlands at 9:00 am. We took our luggage with us to the entrance. We then got introduced to the Borderlands staff, who guides us to our destinations. First we got changed into our action clothes and then played some nice games. Then we had an energetic hike, it included crossing rough rivers and creeks. After that we headed to our destination where we had lunch. We then played a game where leadership qualities were needed. We had our lunch, packed rice. We had another long hike to go canyoning. We had great fun. Then we had a two hour hike back to The Borderlands. We swam in the river and then got changed and got debriefed. We had dinner and then we slept. We looked forward for another adventurous day.