Our second group to head to Colo had a bit more of an idea of what to expect after hearing stories form friends in the first group. As a result, the boys headed off with high expectations. In talking with the boys when they arrived back, they certainly weren’t disappointed!
Below is a report from the Colo staff:
Adventure Ropes Course:
During the afternoon session, the boys tackled the adventure ropes course with confidence and vigour. Marius van Jaarsveeldt (Cremorne) demonstrated his strong will and determination while ascending the caving ladder on the ‘Postman’s Walk’. Yirrbi Jaffer-Williams (Hanging Rock), Josh Smyth (Newport) and Tom Costigan (Paddington) showed great balance on the “Fidget ladder”. John Kessing (Neutral Bay) did particularly well to make it all the way across the ‘Tension Traverse’. Archie Tait (Maroubra) impressed staff with his perseverance and by pushing himself to do his best in making repeated attempts on the traverse.
Mountain Bike Riding:
The mountain bike riding session is divided into three parts: (1) Bike familiarisation – learning about the different components of a bike, the essential safety equipment, and the basic rules for riding; (2) developing bike riding skills, such as getting into the ‘attack position’, braking techniques and cornering; riding along raised platforms, see-saws and over grassy mounds; and (3) single track manoeuvres, which included riding over small rocky drop offs, logs, and jumps, attacking ‘burm’ corners and riding up hills. It was exciting to see all of the boys riding skilfully, confidently and safely. The most outstanding riders were Marius Van Jaarsveldt, Yirrbi Jaffer-Williams, Archie Tait, John Kessing, Joshua Smyth, Charles Daley (Roseville), Callum Paterson (Ryde), Callum Harris (Somersby) and Zac Banu-Lawrence (Gladesville).
Orienteering:
It was particularly pleasing to see all of the teams find at least 75% of the correct markers in the time allowed. In fact, six teams were outstanding with their performances because they managed to find all 15 markers in less than 52 minutes. However, Charles Daley and George Ewin (Crowther) were undoubtedly the most impressive team because they successfully completed the course in 35 minutes, the fastest time so far this year.
Campsite Competition:
One camping group – Joshua Smyth, Ricky Palmer (Gladesville), Zac Ritchie (Lane Cove), Charles Daley and Thomas Costigan – did an outstanding job of pitching tents, collecting water and fire wood, digging the correct sized fire pit, demonstrating good team work and a strong understanding of minimal impact camping strategies. Therefore, these boys have won the campsite completion. Coming a close second were Joshua Agostino (Gladesville), Johnny Bechara (Abbotsford), Callum James (Chatswood), Julian Kochanowicz (Gladesville) and Odysseas Stavrou (Hunters Hill) who impressed greatly with the friendly cooperation with each other and willingness to pitch in and share the load.
Well done to the boys in this group who received superb reports from the staff at Colo. Also a big thank you to the Year 11 Leaders who spent the week with the boys and helped them throughout. There is no doubt that the first two Colo groups have set an incredibly high standard for future classes to reach.
Photo 1: Marius van Jaarsveldt keeps his balance on the low ropes course.
Photo 2: Charles Daley, Ricky Palmer, Tom Costigan and Zac Ritchie give their best in the 4-way tug-of-war.
Photo 3: Richard Yen (East Ryde) and Johnny Bechara collect a marker in the orienteering.
Photo 4: Callum James and Ben Corrigan (Roseville Chase) prepare to go on the overnight bush-walk.