THE OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
RUGBY HAS GIVEN DYLAN LAM FROM NORTH HARBOUR AN OPPORTUNITY THAT HE RATES AS ONE OF THE BEST ADVENTURES HE HAS EVER EXPERIENCED. The 19-year-old was a lucky recipient of an Outward Bound course scholarship and attended the course late last year.
Located in the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, the Outward Bound course is designed on four principles: learning through experience, adventure and challenge, physical activities in the outdoors, and a safe and supportive environment. With stunning mountains, bush and waterways as the classroom, Outward Bound focuses on helping people reach their full potential through challenge in the outdoors.
It is those principles and the setting that the New Zealand U20s camp attendee believes makes the course so empowering.
“It pushes you to limits that you are not used to,” said Liam. “I didn’t know what to expect but I was looking forward to it. You learn so much about yourself. I had never done sailing, tramping and camping and I got to do them all which was awesome.
“The highlight of the course was meeting other like-minded people from professional environments that were not in sports. I learned that I need to believe in myself more and be more confident so that is something I can take back to my rugby.
“We did a solo night in the bush camping which was a great time to reflect about what you have done and what you can take back into your environment.
“I am so grateful for the opportunities that rugby offers. This was definitely a life-changing one and I would recommend that anyone who gets the chance to go to take it up.” Outward Bound welcomes people of all ages, cultures, abilities and backgrounds. To find out more information visit www.outwardbound.co.nz