The past two weeks have literally been non-stop action, activity and emotion. In spite of doing some of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life, I had an absolutely amazing time. I went on a trip called Westventure for 12 days, and it taught me so many valuable life lessons.
Thirty-four of us arrived at the base camp eager for the days to come. We were split into four groups that we would be spending most of our time with for the next few weeks. The first two days were spent learning the basics of kayaking and sailing and going for 5 km runs in the afternoons. On the third day we went for our first overnight, and after a few hours of hiking we arrived at our destination. The next day we finished off our lessons with the kayaks and sailboat and prepared for the first big adventure; a 15 km kayak/sail, navigated and led by the kids, to a nearby town. My group kayaked all the way there with all our packs and we were awarded with money to spend at the little shops. After some fun games and a restful night, it was our turn to sail back home. We had a blast “getting our lean on” and nearly capsizing several times! The next day we pushed our limits as group members by running 17 km sticking together and cheering each other on. The afternoon was spent doing more team building activities, and it was a struggle getting our exhausted bodies to work. The next three days were spent camping out on a special island with some spectacular sand dunes and a beautiful ocean view. Once again our group kayaked to the destination and sailed back home.
Some highlights of our days there were a cheesecake competition–using our little tin cooking kits; some reflection time on the beach watching the sunset (although it was too cloudy to see much); and the night we spent singing along to songs while one of the instructors led us on the guitar.
The final full day was without a doubt the most challenging, since had to push ourselves through a gruesome 17 km individual run. In the end, everyone felt so proud of themselves, having been determined to push past their limits and into a whole new difficulty level. Although it was physically draining, it was even more exhausting mentally, since we had to keep focused on the task at hand and keep our legs going.
The memories, laughs and good times spent at the camp will never be forgotten by any of the lucky students who got to go on the awesome trip. I cannot explain how amazing I felt being there; the rollercoaster of emotion, and the bonds that have been made to last a lifetime. This week brings with it my final days here in Adelaide, and surely it will be a great last few days. –Sarah Salzman ‘13