On Monday night, and what is hopefully our last meeting by Zoom, James Davies recounted his experience on RYLA and confirmed for members why that is such a worthwhile program. 

James entered the program with little knowledge of the challenges ahead but noted that being kept in the dark helped build up anticipation.  He was not to be disappointed.

 

 

An emphasis on public speaking and access to many great speakers that included Michelle Dickenson [possibly better known as Nano girl], Cam Calkoen and Murray Thom helped the week off to a great start.

 

 

 

 

 

 

One speaker in particular, Kevin Bigger, resonated with James. Kevin who with fellow adventurer, Jamie Fitzgerald took part in the world’s toughest endurance event, the Trans-Atlantic Rowing Race, and trekking trekking unsupported to the South Pole. Using those experiences Kevin talked about the power of the human mind and how to deal with self-doubt. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RYLA places a lot of emphasis on working as part of a team but never the less it came as a surprise when part way through the final presentation the Army arrived gave participants 45 minutes to pack the gear they would need the upcoming physical challenge and then put everyone in new teams. A two hour walk in the pouring rain followed by the construction of  a shelter using just a tarpaulin and some ropes , three hours sleep, up at 4.00 am and into thirty hours of challenges. 

 

James evaluation was that it was awesome – “we were tired, wet and hungry but it was great.” 

 

The final day is the traditional community day and James group packed boxes for the Salvation Army. As often happens the bonds built in such an intense and shared experience continue well after the RYLA experience is finished . This has included further support for the Salvation Army packing food boxes over the lockdown. 

 

The rest of James year has involved a successful two semesters doing Structural Engineering at Auckland University.