Got any plans for the term break? Year 13 Haeata Community Campus student PJ Iva does. He plans to spend a night camping out by himself in the Marlborough Sounds bush.

PJ will be doing a few other things as well – the solo bush challenge is just part of a 21-day “Mind Body Soul” course at the Outward Bound centre in Anakiwa, in Queen Charlotte Sound at the top of the South Island.

PJ was awarded an Outward Bound scholarship to attend the course, which is designed to help young people become fitter and stronger, and further develop their social skills and confidence in group situations. “I think it will help with my leadership skills,” he says.

PJ headed to Anakiwa on Sunday and will return after the term break. Once back at Haeata, he wants to share his experiences with other young people. “I want to tell others that they can also have this chance,” he says.

He is looking forward to the solo bush challenge, where he will get to test out the skills he has learnt over the course. He is thankful for the opportunity to experience Outward Bound and to show other Samoan young people that there are many opportunities for them to experience and grow.