Jackson's Outward Bound experience

"Twelve days, with 28 people hiking rugged bush land in the Australian Alps - this is how I spent the school holiday’s in April." I was lucky enough to be sponsored by Nowra Lions Club and Bomaderry Bowling Club to represent Nowra Christian School at the Outward Bound Navigator course in the Australian Alps in the ACT. After arriving at base camp and getting to know everyone, we received our gear that would keep us dry, warm and fed over the next 12 days. This was all put in our backpacks and we had to carry this through the rugged bushland…no trails for us - it was off trail the whole way! The course aims to build leadership skills while challenging you along the way. High ropes challenge (the hardest for me), above ground caving, and 24hrs in the bush alone, were only a few of the things designed to show us what we are capable of. The responsibility of guiding the group was a leadership challenge that everyone had a turn at, while keeping fingers crossed you didn’t lose your way. Freeze dried food was a challenge to prepare and to eat but having nachos at the end proved a highlight for everyone. Some other highlights for me were star gazing in the ‘pit’, the views, and the friends that I now have for life. I am so grateful that I was able to have this experience and can’t thank Nowra Christian School staff enough for suggesting I apply, as well as Nowra Lions Club and Bomaderry Bowling Club for sponsoring me for this amazing opportunity".

Last Wednesday night, at the Nowra Lions Club dinner, Jackson & four other students gave short reports of their experiences and were presented with certificates.