Senators' trip

On Friday, 9th September, the senators travelled to Hell's Gate for overnight training.

It all began at Elsa Gate, where we met the staff and started our sessions. Following that, we hiked 1km to Fischer’s Tower, where we ate lunch and participated in an activity before continuing our journey with other team-building exercises.

The hike taxed everyone physically and psychologically, but it allowed us to stick together in difficult situations, such as helping each other carry our luggage. Once we arrived at camp, we were allowed to set up our tents and settle in, before being divided into groups for the culinary challenge, which required everyone to use the same ingredients to produce their own unique cuisine. This increased competitiveness within the group, while still keeping the experience fun.

We had a reflection session by the fire, which brought everyone together, followed by a candy salad that everyone helped make. Everyone went to bed, expecting an early wake-up time.

We all woke up at 6:30 a.m., watching the dawn as we refreshed ourselves and got ready for the day. While some group members were cooking breakfast, others worked to take down and pack the tents so that we could trek back down. After breakfast, we participated in a couple of leadership courses and team-building exercises before hiking back to the bus and returning to school.

Overall, it was a fantastic experience that allowed the 15 of us to grow closer and learn how to make excellent decisions as a team, which will benefit us for the rest of the year.

Thank you to Infinity Outdoors, Ms Coleman, and Mr Lateo for joining us.

Some of the team members’ opinions on the trip:

• Triscilla (Year 13): "The trip helped us embrace the leadership skills we hold as a team. We also brainstormed other attributes we needed for this role, from the workshops, activities, and taking initiative to adapt to the campsite using what we had to our best abilities. We grew closer as a unit and learned so much from one another."
• Ian (Year 13): "It was a beneficial trip for us as individuals and as a team. We learned more about ourselves and identified the strengths we’ll continue to hone and the weaknesses we’ll continue to work on."
• Alex (Year 13): "I felt as though the trip both challenged me as an individual, as well as the senators as a team, pushing us to our boundaries and making us form closer bonds with one another. While being difficult, the trip brought with it some highly life-changing leadership skills as well as key life lessons that none of us will forget. It truly was a remarkable experience, and I am extremely proud to have been a part of it."
• Harlene (Year 13): "I’m just so grateful for the opportunity we had to bond together, helping one another to persevere and get through challenges in all aspects. It was a good trip to understand more about our roles and responsibilities as senators, and we are all excited to lead the school."
• Jasmine (Year 13): "The trip was a phenomenal opportunity to grow and develop our leadership skills. Through discussions and team-building activities, we learned how best to use our individual strengths to lead. Not only was it an educational experience, but it was also a chance to bond with our fellow senators, develop strong communication, and enjoy the outdoors.’’
• Aaliyah (Year 13): "The trip was an amazing experience where we were challenged by team-building activities which strengthened our cohesion as a group. We also participated in engaging conversations and moments of reflection."

By Vanessa Muchiri 13B