ADVENTURE CAMP

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29713, 5 January 1962, Page 14

ADVENTURE CAMP

19 Youths Take Part Climbing rock faces and crossing rivers have been among the experiences of 19 youths taking part in an adventure camp in rugged country near Waiouru Military Camp. The camp is the third run by the Y.M.C.A. Among those in the camp are John Maxwell, of Christchurch, and Robert Hayman, of Oamaru. Instructed by graduates or third-year students at the Otago University School of Physical • Education. the vouths have learned the practice and theory of expeditions. Parties have traversed miles of barren country, guided by maps and compasses, and have descended rock faces. River crossing was considered an important exercise because of the number of trampers who lose their lives when doing this. This week the party moved to an advance camp. The move was designed to test the boys’ ability to establish a bush camp to support a party of 20 in convenient conditions for a long time. Future exercises include a 24-hour survival trip on a specified route. The climax will be a four-day tramp through the Kaimanawas. with an air drop to add a realistic touch. The camp director (Mr B. Williams) said that no finer training could be given to bring out leadership talent. He hoped the young men would go home apd teach others the skills needed for taking part in expeditions in mountain country. No-one taking the course would fail to benefit in character and self-reliance. he said.