06/02/2020
Tribute to Simon Allott.
Basecamp 2020
Well, the Basecamp began on Tuesday 28 January, and by 3pm on Thursday 30 January we had 80 very tired, but mostly happy, D Block boys trudging back into Tinokura. They were short of the tuck procured prior to setting off, but not short of stories to tell, some of which I hope you have heard during the FFW!
The goal of the Basecamp is to help the boys come more together as teams, within their houses and within Tinokura as a year group.
The method employed is to put them into situations that stretch them, force teamwork, push them out of their comfort zones, and enable them to learn to appreciate and value their various differences and strengths. From the 25km hike, spread over an afternoon and a morning, with a night camping in between, to challenges such as abseiling and raft building, the boys were constantly on the go and focused on the various tasks and activities.
Each team undertook a series of learning activities on the first day, covering basic outdoor survival and etiquette (including introducing the small shovel that accompanied each hiking group, aptly named ‘Dug’, about whom I think it better not to say too much to those ensconced in the comfort of indoor living where running water and sewer systems operate!). They learned how to light a fire and keep it controlled in the outdoors, how to pack a hiking rucksack, how to plan and prepare meals, how to navigate a route using GPS, how to put up and pack down their tents, and about some basic first aid.
After these sessions, the first three houses kitted up and started their GPS-guided hike towards Ruzawi. There are a number of checkpoints en route, and team points were scored depending on how well or otherwise they completed the checkpoint assignments. Points were deducted for oversights such as not disposing appropriately of waste in camp sites, leaving rubbish on the hike, going off-track from the GPS-set route or leaving teammates stranded along the way.
The hike was through some beautiful country, with stop points where the hikers could cool down with a dip in a dam and swim or dip feet into a gentle waterfall. Many of the boys did need some reminding occasionally to look up and appreciate the areas they were trudging through as the hours walking with a backpack took their toll.
While three houses hiked, the other three engaged in a range of team building and challenging activities (such as abseiling, raft building and outdoor puzzle games designed to stretch team planning, interaction and relationships).
Whether it was watching the Ellis raft split it’s ties asunder, seeing Grinham determined to improve their time feeding bodies through the spiderweb or encouraging Founders to press on through their hike despite the rain, the tutors had great opportunity to see what their tutees are made of and how they respond under pressure. Points were earned for the way, and whether, teams completed the various tasks they engaged in during their time in camp.
At the end of it all, the house with the most points won ... pizza! This year, despite being the only house to gain a point for arriving back in Tinokura all together, Ellis did not get to enjoy the pizza! In fact, this year Ellis was ‘the strong man of the league’ ... the one that held all the others up! The honours this year went to Malvern, who were treated the following Tuesday evening (just a little bit before the house fire drill!).
Everything was planned, prepared, and closely overseen by the OBZ instructors and OBZ CEO, Mr Andrew Shoesmith. I was impressed with the levels of professionalism, knowledge, and engagement of the instructors with the children throughout the three days ... a commendable outcome from Andrew, Dougie, Uncle Sam and the rest of the team.
It must also be mentioned that our caterers managed somehow to remotely provide three hot meals a day, morning and afternoon tea, for nearly 50 people in camp for three days (hiking teams carried their own food and prepared it themselves on arrival at the Ruzawi campsite) as well as keeping the other 450 odd people at PHB fed! A much appreciated effort from the kitchen team!
