I arrived early at OSC on Thursday morning, excited and wearing my wet clothes. The reason for this was that all DP1s went on the three-day orientation trip to Borderlands. Borderlands is an adventure camp that focuses on team-building activities like rafting, canyoning and team games. All of us were happy to spend the next few days learning more about ourselves, each other and have fun.
The view from our room. Photo credits: Will Duncan
We arrived the rafting spot, had a brief safety check and then jumped into the rafts to rush downriver. It was a lot of fun maneuvering the rapids and we had to work together when paddling to ensure we would not fall into the river. This was a productive activity in improving our communication and collaboration skills.
Trying to beat the current during rafting. Photo credits: Will Duncan
In the afternoon we went off to a smaller stream for canyoning. Due to the slippery rocks, we often helped each other get through difficult places, and this was helpful in getting to know each other better and trusting our classmates. I particularly enjoyed doing front flips in the water from a 3-meter-high rock overhang, since it was the most challenging part of the activity for me. We arrived at the camp in the evening and settled in to our great rooms facing the river.
Pausing under a waterfall. Photo Credits: Will Duncan
The next morning, we did a river swim to wake up, during which we tried swimming against the strong current (in vain). After breakfast we hiked to a cave rich in history where we drew maps of our hike, relating the features all of us included in our maps to TOK and ways of knowing. It ended up being very interesting to see what features each one of us included in his/ her map and it reminded me that everyone picks up and remembers different things from the surroundings. After lunch, we did the most exciting part of the trip, which was abseiling. I never did abseiling before and thus was very excited going down the 20-meter rock face. It was a bit scary at first but when I got the hang of it I spent some time watching the scenery around me while hanging horizontally along a cliff, water rushing down between my feet – a very memorable experience!
Abseiling. Photo credits: Ian Lockwood
On our last day we interviewed a local artist. Having prepared the interview questions the previous evening, we were well prepared, and it was informative learning more about the local art style. The artist specializes in wedding art and gets orders for artworks regularly. It was impressive to see that all his artworks were made entirely of plant material. With that we returned to the camp, packed our bags and returned to OSC.
The happy group after abseiling. Photo credits: Ian Lockwood
Concluding, the trip was useful in bonding and getting to know each other better and made me take a step I would not have taken in other situations, which shows how helpful it is to be with friends. I hope to apply the same for the upcoming school time, as by collaborating the final two years will be easier for all of us.