By TBHS | Posted: Tuesday November 26, 2019
The Rite Journey programme has culminated with the final challenge of the year, recently completed at Peel Forest.
This final and most difficult challenge for many of the boys, is called The Solo. The Solo is based upon our Year 10 boys completing twenty hours camping in isolation within a designated site.
The boys are well prepped before they head to Peel Forest where they make their own "penny stoves" to cook their food. They are briefed on how to make the best possible shelter out of the meagre supplies they are given (one tarpaulin, two guy ropes and a pack liner) and then they are off.
This year the forecast was reasonable for most of the week and the first class headed into the bush. As all boys were escorted to their sites, the weather began to deteriorate and it began to drizzle. Fortunately, the boys were all comfortable and dry when they were checked and were in excellent spirits; a nice warm meal of noodles and sausages (depending upon whether or not they ran out of fuel for their stoves!) and they were set for the night. Being put to sleep by the sounds of wood pigeons and other native birdlife was a highlight for a number of the boys.
The weather was sound until Wednesday when 10AD arrived at Peel Forest; solid rain began at around 6pm and did not stop till around 10pm. all boys had built excellent shelters and managed the isolation and weather well. After Wednesday, the weather improved considerably and all other classes had an excellent week, pushing themselves outside of their comfort zone.
Congratulations must go to all boys who completed the Solo and earned their badge - these can be worn with pride in the years to come.
A huge thank you to all staff who taught the programme and to those staff who also attended camp and took the opportunity to support the boys.
