EVELYN.THORN@cluthaleader.co.nz
Adventurous youngsters are on their way to an ‘‘unforgettable’’ experience next year.
Ten South Otago High School (SOHS) year 10 pupils have been selected to attend the 2023 Spirit of Adventure course. They will be joined by teams from three other New Zealand schools, to compete for the Spirit Trophy.
Year 10 dean and SOHS teacher in charge of outdoor education Jason Palmer said he was thrilled for the pupils to be selected and would be joining them on their journey.
‘‘The Spirit of Adventure is a positive and pivotal experience in the lives of the young people who get the chance, so we’re very lucky to get the opportunity,’’ Mr Palmer said.
The programme offered an environment uninterrupted by technology and the distractions of home and school life.
Activities on the five-day voyage include ship-handling, teamwork, problem-solving, debating, and water sports. Teams also go ashore and complete tasks against each other and enjoy competitive games that involve ‘‘ingenuity, leadership and fun’’.
‘‘All of the students selected for this trip were interviewed and selected based on their leadership potential in the future, so I hope that the students will develop skills that will help them with both education and in the wider South Otago community,’’ he said.
The Spirit of Adventure experience promoted the values Mr Palmer saw as extremely important in the South Otago community, including environmental sustainability, excellence, community participation and equity. Mr Palmer said he and a dedicated group of parents were seeking fundraising and sponsorship opportunities to assist with the $18,000 cost of the course.
‘The Spirit of Adventure is a positive and pivotal experience in the lives of the young people who get the chance, so we’re very lucky to get the opportunity.
