Outward Bound Experiences

Outward Bound is an international institution which was established for team building and team work especially on the youth. Watershed College 2011 form threes had an opportunity to attend a team building course from 27th January to 1st of February. Four members of staff and 92 students left for Chimanimani at around 5.30am on 27 of January. The whole bus was full of excitement and anticipation. It was a long journey from Marondera to Chimanimani, but students never felt tired because they were looking forward to an enjoyable five day stay and learn new life skills.

When we arrived at around 4.00pm all students went into their groups of 16 members. The Outward Bound instructors in charge of the teams and the members of staff were just there to assist on extreme cases of deviant behavior especially at night. In the groups, the students learned a lot about life skills. On every task they were given, they got help from neither the instructors nor members of staff. They organized themselves and they came up with very brilliant solutions to different tasks. Some of the activities they did included Jacob’s ladder, zip wire and rock climbing. Most of the tasks were done in pairs or as individuals. The other group members not taking part were cheering individuals who were successfully doing their tasks and encouraging those who were facing challenges. Most of them managed to complete their tasks. However, some managed to do the tasks half way and some failed the tasks completely.

Mountain climbing was another huge task that all students took part in. Two groups at a time went up the mountain and spent two nights at the hut or cave. Mountain climbing was one of the most difficult tasks and students needed a lot of encouragement to complete the task. Each student carried a rucksack with food hamper, clothes and a bottle drink. They also carried cooking utensils. After the tiresome 3 hour journey up the mountain, one group would spend the night at the hut (a house that belongs to National parks and wild life) and the other group at the cave. At the cave and the hut, at night and in the morning students would prepare a plan on how they would consume their food over a day and two nights. They also organized themselves on how and who would prepare which meal. They would quarrel and disagree on small and big issues but, eventually, they would agree on the way forward. Mountain climbing taught them endurance. After two nights the groups went back to the camp site. At the camp site between 6.00pm and 8.00pm, students were given tasks to discuss and came up with a conclusion. They then shared with the other groups. It was very exciting for them to discover that each group had a different answer or conclusion.

After a successful five day course all students were awarded certificates. They all agreed that they had had a very enjoyable stay in Chimanimani. They were able to share and interact with some students they had never talked to at school. Many thanks go to the school for organizing such a trip.

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