Day 1 and 2
After much anticipation, all participants arrived not knowing too much about what exactly their 12 day Navigator experience would entail. Day 1 was fairly short; the groups arrived, bringing the rain with them. The evening was concentrated on learning the ins and outs of camp set up as well as spending some time getting to know each other. A highlight for all participants was learning about toileting in the bush- they said goodbye to the ease of flushing!
For their first full day at Outward Bound Australia the participants learnt basic navigation skills. They were able to put these to the test quickly by heading off track hiking through thick shrub to reach the picturesque beach. Everyone was in awe by the millions of starts that lit up their camp that night. Surrounded by the beautiful shining lights, jokes were told around the group causing contagious laughter. A few participants in particular have become to driving force amongst the group. As well as other stepping up by taking charge of the navigation first up! Everyone has bonded really well already, and are feeling exciting for the next day and the many challenges ahead.
Day 3
Whilst the sun was rising, the group spent the morning bush bashing their way through coastal shrubbery to the river. Once they reached the river they had to swim 20m across to the other side where they 3 rafts waiting for them. They learnt vital rafting skills which would help them then paddled 3km’s down the river and into the Nornalup Inlet to their next campsite. They had many highlights of the day, especially doing “burnouts” in the rafts on the river! There were three participants chosen as the first leaders for the program and they all did a great job! Each person got a lot of learnings from their leader experience. The group is enjoying getting to know each other more and once again are looking forward to what the next day brings!
Day 4
At the beginning of day 4, the group is beginning to take ownership of the program. The instructors are beginning to step back so the participants can lead the way!
A break from hiking was warmly welcomed as the group spent the day rafting across the inlet and into Deep River. The inlet was “like a mirror” with the sunrise dispelling a screen of fog in the morning. After a big day, the group all enjoyed a campfire, especially after all the rain they have battled through so far. The highlights for the day included getting to put dry clothes on, as well as pulling everyone off the rafts and plunging into the water.
There were a few new leaders today. They did a great job balancing their respective strengths and weaknesses to present a cohesive and united leadership unit! Bring on tomorrow!
Day 5
Giant Ladder and High ropes was on the agenda for the group today. For many this was a great challenge but everyone was able to meet or exceed their own personal goals. “Everyone really enjoyed the high ropes and the challenges it brought.” The group is now feeling very comfortable with each other and have become sharing more from their past experiences. Each day they are taking more initiative as a team to get things done.
The highlight for today was definitely the high ropes course, everyone really enjoyed it!
It has still been raining quite a bit, which has meant the nightly fires have been very much appreciated. Members of the group have begun taking on more leadership roles, finding their own voices and making their way out of their shells! Others have really begun to push themselves as the challenges increase.
