On Tuesday 30 April, students in Year 12 undertook black water caving as part of their Level 2 credits in Outdoor Education with the Legendary Black Water Rafting Company at Waitomo Caves.
In this blog post, we highlight the achievement of students who completed the US20133 standard in basic caving skills, earning 2x Level 2 credits. During this activity, students demonstrated both individual and group preparedness in a caving environment. They adhered to safety protocols by wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, identified hazards, navigated through the cave efficiently and safely, and followed principles of cave conservation to minimize human impact.
For many of our students, this experience marked their inaugural journey through a cave; some had initially considered withdrawing. However, every participant persevered, resulting in a rewarding experience for all. Being immersed in a dark, confined space for nearly an hour pushed students beyond their comfort zones, fostering resilience. Conquering such challenges allows students to discover their capabilities, manage their anxieties, and develop a supportive mindset towards their peers. The students learned about their capabilities and supported each other throughout, demonstrating Manaakitanga tikanga / everyone matters.
We received commendable feedback from our instructors on the positive attitudes and conduct of our students during their time in the cave.
Thank you to all the staff who helped make this experience memorable.
