One of the commonly asked questions by not only parents but also the other boys in the form is “what do the Full Boarders do when they stay at school all weekend?”. Well the answer is that they have a lot of fun! This is not to say that they don’t love getting an invite out as well – but certainly if this is not possible then they are well looked after here at Joeys.

Each weekend there is a “Sunday Activity” which is run by Br Anthony Boyd (Deputy Headmaster) or Mr John Reading (Head of Boarding). This activity is an opportunity for the boys to get out of school and experience a whole host of things. Already this year, the boys have been to Manly Beach, Darling Harbour, and the movies. Today they took up the challenge of Rock-Climbing.

“Climb-Fit” is in St Leonards and, after completing a short safety session, the boys have open access to all the challenges on offer for two hours. This includes walls for climbers of all abilities, an electronic speed climbing machine and a favourite challenge for the boys, “The Table”.

Indoor climbing is an experience that offers the boys a great deal. First and fore-mostly, it is great fun. It was wonderful seeing the boys enjoying the challenges and giving each of the different walls a go.

Another great thing about climbing is that it places great responsibility on the boys who have to look after each other and their safety. The team-work involved was very evident as I walked around different pairs of boys. They were communicating with each other, trying to help them out by pointing out which “holds” to use, encouraging them to go further and of course, keeping hold of the belay to ensure their mate’s safety. The boys showed impressive team work skills and it was superb to see them in this somewhat different but positive environment.

So what’s “The table”? This is exactly what it says it is … a table. The challenge is to start on top of the table, work your way around under it and then back onto the top without touching the ground. It requires great strength in both the upper body and legs as well as flexibility.

Another of the challenges was the giant ladder … a super-sized ladder with the rungs over a metre apart. It is a great climbing challenge and it was fantastic seeing Binban Jaffer-Williams (Hanging Rock) make it all the way to the top.

With a short break mid-way through the afternoon, most of the boys spent the whole time on the climbs and exhausted themselves attempting the various challenges, coming out of the centre having had a great time!

Photo 1: Jack Webster (Kensington) just manages to hold on.

Photo 2: Aidan Porter (Dubbo) makes his way up one of the many walls available.

Photo 3: Damian Sevil (Narrabri) starts his attempt on “The Table”.