On Friday 5th May our Year 13 PED students undertook the Taieri Challenge. The focus of this trip was around leadership and effective communication.

The boys had to complete a series of challenges throughout the day as well as taking a ride in a jet boat up the Taieri River and rafting down the rapids to the end.

There were four groups, each group had their own raft in which they had to work together and navigate the following tasks. At each task a different set of leaders was assigned, and they had to ensure the group carried out the task as required.

Flag Run – The groups were timed to see how fast they could complete the hill run, along the way there were seven flags that needed to be found. Quite a challenge while wearing wet suits!

Bucket Challenge – Each group was timed to see how long it would take to fill a 40 gallon drum with water to get a ball to float out of the top. The drum was dotted with holes and the boys had to use their bodies to block the gaps.

Swim Rescue – A race against time to save a group member, one member of the group had to swim up the river to a buoy and wait to be rescued by the remaining team members. The boys had to paddle and guide their own raft on their own with no guide to help.

Raft Flip – Again, a race against the clock. The boys had to paddle out to a buoy and flip the raft over, they then had to flip it back while in the water, climb back in and race to the shore.

Race – The final challenge was a raft race down the Taieri River, navigating the other rafts, rapids and trees along the way.

A great day out and one that the boys and I certainly enjoyed. I would like to thank Wild Earth Adventures for the experience they provided and to Mr Cassidy and Miss Lawrence (student teacher) for their efforts in the organisation and running of the day.