All Out Adventures: 24 - 26 January
Embarking on a new year filled with excitement and learning, our recent expedition to All Out Adventures was nothing short of a spectacular success. This beautiful destination proved to be the perfect playground for our Clifton boys and girls to confront their fears, form lasting friendships, and create unforgettable memories.
The heart-pounding experience began with the renowned King Swing, a truly terrifying adventure that pushed the boundaries of courage. Those brave enough to attempt the swing were securely strapped into harnesses. They then climbed a spiralling staircase around a towering tree to reach a nerve-wracking platform suspended 30 meters above the ground. The daunting challenge involved walking across a bridge made out of planks to another tree, standing on a wobbly platform, and finally leaping into a 30-meter freefall before the safety harnesses kicked in, leaving participants exhilarated and feeling very much alive.
Adding to the excitement was the canopy tour, a slightly gentler yet equally exciting escapade. Standing on small platforms 28 meters above the ground, our children zipped through the sky for 230 meters between platforms, experiencing the freedom of flight. However, three stories high, the trapeze demanded participants to hold onto the bar by themselves, introducing an extra layer of difficulty that tested their newfound bravery.
All Out Adventures provided our Grade 6 boys and girls with a range of adventurous activities that not only thrilled but also fostered teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Under the careful guidance of Chris and Loretta Mecklenborg and their dedicated team, the children also engaged in tasks like knot tying, stilt walking, tightrope balancing, and even paintball shooting.
The children conquered their fears while negotiating with instructors on wobbly platforms, and ultimately overcame their anxieties, which was a powerful testament to Nelson Mandela's words: "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it." All Out Adventures gave the boys and girls a unique opportunity to experience this truth first-hand.
As each day of thrilling activities ended, we had the privilege of staying at the beautiful ATKV Drakensville Resort. We were accommodated in enchanting dorms that set the stage for an unforgettable experience. The charm of Drakensville extended beyond this, offering loads of fun activities for bonding time, the children revelled in hours of joy, bouncing on trampolines, engaging in friendly competition with games of putt-putt, and experiencing the thrill of the super tube. The indoor and outdoor pools provided a refreshing escape, allowing the children to splash and play to their heart's content. Amidst the laughter and excitement, the delectable food added a touch of culinary delight to the overall experience. Evenings filled with camaraderie as the children bonded with their peers and teachers, playing games and simply enjoying shared moments. Drakensville emerged not just as a backdrop for adventure but also as a haven of joy and connection, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts of our Grade 6s.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the Mecklenborgs and the ATKV Drakensville team for providing unforgettable adventures and to Mrs Abbott, Mrs Hourquebie, Mevrou Borgen and Mr Vercueil for orchestrating a truly wonderful and memorable trip and for accompanying the children.
