KNYSNA NEWS - At a time when there is little to look forward to in terms of travel and adventure, the Grade 10s of Oakhill School in Knysna got to embark on a unique journey.
The personal journey of growth and discovery, known as the Odyssey, is a tradition that unfolds annually when intrepid explorers from Oakhill School embark on a 21-day adventure covering nearly 400km of hiking, biking, kayaking and abseiling.
The route leads them through the natural splendour of the Garden Route and Langkloof, through forests, over mountains, across stretches of semi-desert and along lakes, rivers and the breathtaking South Cape coastline.
This year the Grade 10s' journey took place after their exams and after they had had a week's quarantine to ensure their health and safety from Covid-19.
Now in its 10th year, the Odyssey is a rite of passage that leaves no one unchanged. It is perceived as the gold standard of similar self-actualising experiences and other independent schools from Gauteng have chosen to collaborate with Oakhill for the past few years to offer their own pupils this unique opportunity.
This year the Odyssey comprised three separate groups of Oakhill Grade 10s, who headed off from Oakhill on foot with essentials in their backpacks, including a map, directions and the Oakhill flag in hand.
According to many who have done the trip, the freedom and independence brought about by venturing beyond their physical, emotional and mental boundaries also brought time for reflection in a Covid-intense year.
The respite from technology and luxuries while on Odyssey always gives the students time to truly appreciate their environment and their place in it.
The programme is designed to provide ample time to complete what needs to be accomplished every day, namely getting from A to B on the map in the beautiful natural environment.
At the same time, participants can marvel at the vistas, have a swim and laze on the river banks, listening to the call of the birds, as well as enjoy fresh produce from the local farms.
Learners and staff members hiking during the Odyssey. Photo: Supplied
According to the organisers, it is ''a time to build relationships with peers and to share yourself with them; to listen and to be heard. You will have time to test your individual resilience and to discover the immense power of teamwork. You will have time to lead but also to follow your leader, the route, your common sense and your inner voice. Enjoy the precious luxury of time and make the most of it".
After the ''journey to their souls',' students write letters to their parents, the school head and their "future selves". In the middle of the experience they also complete a 36-hour "solo", during which they spend time alone in the bush. – Supplied, Oakhill
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