Haurangi Hut Mis-Adventure?
Sometimes to take a quote from Ash, Plan B is the new Plan A!
Adventure is a tenet of what we do at WORD- it is one of our 5 founding values that guide all our choices. Sometimes, the adventure you set out to do isn’t the adventure you come home talking about; papatūānuku can have other plans in mind.
Last week, as part of our January Holiday Camps programme, Liam and Elliot set sail with the company of ten 10-12 year olds, with the goal of reaching Haurangi Hut on bikes from the Wainuiomata Coast Road. The excitement in the van was palpable, the only issue being, the rain outside of the van was equally as palpable... They did their best to wait things out, knowing that they had the infamous Orongorongo River to pass at some point in the day’s trek. As a newly formed team, they spoke of the importance of knowing when to turn back, having an attitude that accepts adverse conditions as something you can’t change- but you can change how you respond.
Sure enough, the 8mm of rain in an hour just before lunch coloured the experience in the valley- it was eventually not the Orongorongo River, but a tributary creek that hindered their plans. As only our Liam can do, the crew ‘took a knee’ and enjoyed five minutes of an anecdote on the time he and his brother got lost in the Tararuas; taking 5, sharing some kai, and staying calm got them out with smiles. Everyone participated in the conversation of what the next move should be, and it is a credit to the young champs that they turned around just as excited for what the new plan would bring.
Our final (and Liam’s favourite) value? Embracing change. Haurangi Hut will still be there waiting for them next time, and they still achieved what they ultimately set out to do: have a blast riding bikes and making new friends. The photos above show day two with the teasing sunshine, spent exploring Spicer Forest, and swimming at Mākara Beach.
Being part of WORD - NZ Youth Mountain Biking! is truly special. The only youth mountain biking organisation in Wellington to be Adventure Activity Operator certified by WorkSafe and a place where young people can truly be themselves - safe, supported and seen.
#adventure #connection #embracingchange #confidence #youthdevelopment