One key aspect of the transition to the DP program is the DP orientation trip. The trip is designed to push the new DP students to work as a team and form strong bonds between one another in order to get through the two years of the program. The purpose of the trip itself is to help orientyou for the DP in the years ahead. In the last few years, the trip has taken place at Borderlands in Kithulgala, which gets its name because its first camp was situated right on the border between Tibet and Nepal. The camp in Kithulgala on the other hand, is based on activities surrounding the Kelani river that flows through the city. However, the name “Borderlands” is still highly relevant at least metaphorically, as the entire program is designed to push you out of your comfort zone.

I had previously visited Borderlands during the Week Without Walls back in Grade 9, where we spent a whole week in Kithulgala engaging in activities such as canoeing and canyoning. As the DP orientation trip came closer, I was not too excited since I did not see much of a point to the trip. I couldn’t understand how the trip was going to orient me and prepare for my DP years. However, now that I reflect upon the trip, I feel that it was a very valuable 3 – day experience, that taught me some valuable lessons.

Day 1

The first day of the DP orientation trip was easily the most action-packed day of them all. The day started bright and early, as we were expected to be ready to go at school early in the morning. After a three-hour bus ride, we arrived at the white-water rafting location. We were offered some snacks, and immediately readied for rafting with life jackets, paddles and helmets. We never could not do any rafting back in Grade 9 due to poor weather conditions, so this was a new experience for me. I enjoyed rafting, as it was quite exciting to go down the rapids.

After rafting, we stopped for some time to do some fun activities. The first of these activities, were designed to get us laughing. We were expected, to carry a paddle a few meters, while looking at the sky, after being spun until we were nauseous. The highlight of the activity was probably seeing a few of my peers veer off course and even fall into the river. After this activity, we slid across the underside of the raft, using it like a slide, and spent some time swimming in the river.

Thereafter, we had some lunch and moved onto the canyoning location. Canyoning is an activity, where you travel across an area using various methods such as walking, jumping and sliding. I had already experienced canyoning at the same location in grade 9, but that did not make it any less exciting. I guess rushing down the rocks with cold water splashing in your face never gets old. After the canyoning activity, we floated down the river to camp. Day 1 was full of activities, that I would never have done on my own, yet they all helped me gain a new experience and value the beauty of nature. After dinner, we also played a game of Giant Jenga, I enjoyed this quite a lot as well.

Day 2

Although Day 2 was less exciting and thrilling than Day 1, it was a more valuable day as I learnt a lot more. We began the day with a hike up to the Belilena cave, which is an archeological site, where many artifacts of prehistoric humans have been found. The activities in the cave were very enriching. We began by mapping out the path we took along the hike and then, engaged in a Theory of Knowledge discussion about the cave itself. One part of the discussion was the “Allegory of the Cave”, which was very interesting. I was intrigued by the fact that our perception might not highlight true reality.

After the activities in the cave, we stopped for some lunch and then started a long and arduous hike up to the “Sandun Ella” waterfall. This was the hardest aspect of the trip, since the trek was both long and up a steep incline. Yet, it was all worth it after we saw the mesmerizing view from the peak of the waterfall. We had gathered at the waterfall, to participate in an abseiling activity down the vertical wall of the waterfall. Although, I had done similar activities such as repelling, and rock climbing before, I had never abseiled down a slippery waterfall, yet I was not too nervous. The abseil was a good experience, but the best part of it as reaching the beautiful pool at the bottom of the waterfall. The pool was an infinity pool that showcased an amazing view of mountains, and lush greenery. Day two was a very valuable day of the trip, since I learnt to appreciate nature and also to critically evaluate my surroundings and my perception of reality.

Day 3

Day 3 was set to be the last day of the trip, and the feeling was bitter sweet. On the one hand, I was excited to go back to the comforts of home. Yet at the same time, I was disappointed that the experience had come to an end. The day began with a jog around Kithulgala, followed by breakfast. Then we headed out to meet some locals and talk to them about their livelihoods. I talked to a tea plantation manager, who was very passionate about his work. I learnt a lot about tea plantations, the tea industry, and a lot more information about tea in general. Tea is one of the main exports of Sri Lanka, and I feel that the information will be valuable general knowledge. After the interviews, we had lunch at headed back for Colombo.

 

Overall, I think the trip was a very enriching experience, I learnt a lot and had many new experiences. At the end of it all, I did not feel anymore ready for the DP than I was before it. Yet either way, the experience was different and challenging. It pushed me out of comfort zone and taught me some new skills, which might be useful in the future.