A cunning plan ...
Teacher Graeme Christey is a firm believer in the power of the great outdoors to make a positive difference in people’s lives and jumped at the chance to organise the outdoor education aspect of Immerse & Inspire. “I want the boys to be both immersed in and inspired by this adventurous journey. To get them out of their comfort zone and into the wilderness, motivate and challenge them, equip them with the skills to cope and see them thrive.” As facilitator of the Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award scheme at College, Graeme immediately saw how Immerse & Inspire could be designed to meet the adventurous journey requirements of the Bronze Award, and worked with Nick Chapman, Development Manager at the Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre, to create the perfect programme. “The boys have a pre-trip briefing at College, do their practice camp in the first two days, then have a 24-hour break before the qualifying camp. The Boyle River instructors are excellent; the boys learn so much. They end the week more confident, with a better outlook and having achieved a significant part of their Bronze Award. It’s an amazing opportunity, couldn’t be better.”
Registration for the Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award is now compulsory for all Year 10 students and through various school commitments many boys can easily tick off the requirements for the different sections of the award. For some, the adventurous journey has always been the hardest part – but no more. By creating this link between Immerse & Inspire and the Bronze Award, Graeme hopes more boys will be inspired to follow through and complete their silver and gold awards. “I want to keep the momentum rolling and use Immerse & Inspire to make a more meaningful connection with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. We’ve already had two very good trips. It’s been great to see these plans come to fruition.”
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Christ’s College Canterbury
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