Outward Bound’s latest group of interns, nicknamed the Oscars, graduated recently at a ceremony at National Base at Tharwa.  The ceremony was the culmination of an eight month course which teaches skills and leadership.

Outward Bound is a National Centre for excellence in training outdoor leaders.  Each graduating member of the class earned their Certificate IV in Outdoor Education.

Nine of the ten members of the Oscar group have become operational staff members, with some starting immediately.  Others will join the Victoria base in early September, while the remainder will make the journey to the Western Australian Base towards the end of the month.

As Outward Bound Instructors, the new graduates will help people strive to reach their full potential.  Part of their role will be to lead Regional Community Partnership activities.  These programs help young people who would not otherwise be able to take part in an Outward Bound experience.

It’s satisfying to know you have made it through the whole experience and can to look back and see what you have achieved.
When I joined the internship program, I had just left home for the first time. It has broadened my view, and I’ve realised just how lucky we are to be able to do what we do. – Sean

Each graduate was presented with the traditional Outward Bound Australia Blue Peter Pin.  Six of the group accepted their Blue Peter, signifying their preparedness to head “Outward Bound”.  Those who have not yet taken up their Blue Peter feel they have more to learn and teach as well as more to give to the Outward Bound program before they accept the honour.

The Stephen Wells Award for the Oscar group was presented to Daniel Byrne.  The award honours the memory of Stephen Wells, an instructor of exceptional merit with Outward Bound who died tragically in a bushwalking accident.  The award is presented to one intern from each group who best upholds the core values of Outward Bound.   The recipient is voted for by the graduating interns themselves.

The Tharwa ceremony saw the graduating group joined by more than 40 friends and family.  The graduates celebrated their achievement and demonstrated the skills they had learned.  They facilitated a session for friends and family on the Outward Bound Ropes Course.  The session ran for three hours, during which the graduates put trust in what they had learned as they helped their guests to challenge themselves and push their personal boundaries.

I’m more confident working in a team, more patient and open minded, and a better communicator. It was great working with people who were so different but shared the same interests. I’ve got more resilience- if I did that I can do anything. - Petra