Rotary clubs have continued to support Outward Bound by sponsoring participants and by making financial contributions. Many purchased bricks laid on the Outward Bound Foundation Pathway helping students on their journey of personal development and self-discovery.
Rotarians have also been involved with governance over the years, particularly Sir David Levene from the Rotary Club of Auckland, a donor since 1962, past Trust Director, Outward Bound Foundation Trustee and now Trust Patron.
September 2012 saw 50 years of Outward Bound ‘unlocking Kiwi potential’ in NZ, and to recognise this, Rotary clubs around the country pitched in to financially assist around 60 young people to attend the 50th anniversary course from August 26 to September 15. Of the eight watches of 12 participants, five were made up almost entirely of Rotary sponsored students.
On September 13, I arrived at the Outward Bound School to share in the last few days of their course. Friday was ‘OB Marathon Day’ – at 7.00 am they lined up at the start of the 21 km half marathon along the shores of the sound. I joined them and managed 14kms – I need to do some more hill training if I am going to finish the OB Alumni Run in November when many alumni are expected to celebrate the 50th anniversary by running the half marathon along the Queen Charlotte trail.
That evening I spent an hour with the Rotary students talking about Rotary and what it achieves both here and internationally, why Rotary supports Outward Bound, its focus on youth and the opportunities Rotary has for them, encouraging them to remain in the Rotary family so that they might be able to benefit from these opportunities.
I encouraged them to visit their club to share their experience with members. I talked about how they can contribute to Rotary whether they decide to join (now or in the future) or not, saying that they are a great resource for clubs looking for young minds or help for a project or event. One of their course objectives is community service, so they are primed and ready to make a difference in their communities.
I also talked with the instructors of the Rotary watches and without exception they were impressed with the calibre of students that the Rotary clubs selected. They were well prepared, got stuck in, worked well in their watches and gave it their best. One instructor told me that the Rotary watch was the best watch of students she had ever had, so well done Rotary! Don’t underestimate the influence that Outward Bound has on the lives of young people. In sponsoring them, you have changed their futures and influenced many more lives, and just as Outward Bound is the beginning of a journey for them, their connection with Rotary could also be the beginning of a journey.
Thank you to those clubs who financially supported a participant in the 50th anniversary course. Please make contact with them, make use of them, make them part of your Rotary family, and maybe you will make them into a Rotarian one day!
- Raewyn Kirkman, IPDG, District 9930, and Outward Bound Alumni
