Ella’s Outward Bound Adventure
(as featured in the November Grapevine)
Greytown student Ella Butler-Peck recently returned from an unforgettable 21-day Outward Bound Korowai course in the Marlborough Sounds — an experience made possible with a $3,000 sponsorship from the Greytown Lands Trust.
The course challenged Ella both physically and mentally, focusing on leadership, teamwork, and personal growth. She’s come home full of new confidence, friendships, and memories from her time away.
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting leadership and growth in young people living in Greytown, the Trust partners with Outward Bound each year to sponsor a local student to attend the September course. It’s one of the ways we help create opportunities for personal development and community contribution among our town’s future leaders.
Reflecting on her experience, Ella says the three-week adventure was life-changing:
Over the Term 3 holidays I participated in Outward Bound, a three week long outdoor adventure program which aims to build confidence, leadership, and resilience that will last a lifetime. I got the chance to white water kayak, sail the Queen Charlotte Sound, rock climb, tramp for three days along mountain tops, run a half marathon, spend two nights alone in the bush, and develop life long friendships.
What I enjoyed most about Outward Bound was the chance to get off my phone and be truly present in the moment. Part of the course was not knowing what we were going to be doing in the future. The days were filled with surprises and anticipation for what would come next. My favourite activity was definitely sailing the Queen Charlotte Sounds. I discovered my love for the ocean and can’t wait to get out sailing again.
Outward Bound taught me that I am capable of a lot more than I thought. It reminded me how much I love being in the outdoors and exploring our beautiful Aotearoa. A saying my instructors would tell us a lot was “there is more in you” - something I still remind myself today.
Outward Bound was an incredible experience and I am forever grateful for the sponsorship from the Greytown Lands Trust that made it possible for me to go. I recommend the course to everyone as I know every single person could take something away from it. I challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone and sign up for Outward Bound today! ELLA
Having lived in Greytown all her life — attending Greytown Primary and now Kuranui College — Ella’s enthusiasm and commitment made her a wonderful recipient of this support. We’re proud to help local young people take on opportunities like this and look forward to seeing where Ella’s journey takes her next.