Rainforest Adventure
 Natasha Kenny, Tasha to her friends, is a 15 year old, year 11 student at Wheatley Park School. She has been busy undertaking all sorts of odd jobs from babysitting to dog walking in order to raise funds for her plans to take part in the World Challenge Expedition in July 2010.
The focus of the World Challenge is to provide educational expeditions to developing counties to teach life skills, expand minds outside the classroom and foster team and leadership skills. This long established company offer a variety of locations and this year the school have chosen Costa Rica, South America.
One of the worlds most biologically diverse countries, Costa Rica is bordered by Nicaragua, Panama, The Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. This huge country offers spectacular wildlife, rugged interiors from rainforests to volcano’s and stunning beaches, Costa Rica truly has it all.
Tasha will form part of the schools 22 strong team headed by Mr Rattigan, Head of Mathematics, all are keen to take part in the four week trip. This really will be an experience of a lifetime testing the students both physically and mentally, presenting them with the opportunity to learn all types of new skills and overcome challenges .
The expedition is spilt into four phases including mini treks into the jungle providing a few days of acclimatisation. July is one of the rainiest months so torrential rain and humidity can all be expected. Accommodation will be provided by a mixture of local hostels and tents. With little previous camping experience, Tasha will have to quickly get to grips with setting up camp, collecting fire wood, cooking and living in the jungle. The opportunity to overcoming her fear of heights presents itself with a jungle zip wire, completion of this challenge will be a huge personal achievement for Tasha.
>
Irazu Volcano - Costa Rica
(photograph reproduced courtesy of World Challenge)
Moving camp involves carrying your fair share of camp equipment alongside personal belongings. Only the bare minimum can be taken so no room for make up or home comforts. The climate is variable with freezing cold nights in high altitude, to the heat and humidity in the jungle, buying the right equipment including a good pair of boots, is essential. Tasha keeps in shape playing football and cycling, however, the terrain will certainly present many challenges for this young adventurer . The main part of the expedition could be five days trekking in the steamy jungle or hiking to the summit of a volcano. Which every challenge is chosen it will be physically demanding requiring stamina and lots of determination.
Each student will have the opportunity to spend time helping with community based projects. This could mean lending a hand in a rural hospital, school or maybe with a fantastic turtle conservation project, it’s location so remote it can only be reach by boat through jungle lagoons.
Finally, a few days of well deserved rest and relaxation. The students will have the opportunity to take part in activities such as white water rafting or spend a few days just relaxing on the beach. Although Tasha will miss her family she relishes the challenges ahead . Hoping to learn valuable life skills that will stand her in good stead for the future.
Each year a different destination for World Challenge is selected. However, taking part in the challenge requires the same level of commitment and dedication from the students. Along with regular fitness tests, Tasha will attend a gruelling three day training session in Buxton. Designed to build physical and mental strength, teamwork and determination, this trip will be a small sample of what to expect in Costa Rica. By far the largest part the preparations is raising the £3595.00 each student pays to take part. So far Tasha has made good headway but she needs some help to reach her target.
 Tasha is willing to undertake any odd jobs so please give her a call on 01865 876335
Or indeed if you would like to make a donation to her challenge fund please send your cheques to: N Kenny, c/o 16 Farm Close Road, Wheatley, Oxon OX33 1UQ
|
