KNYSNA NEWS - John Eldredge in his book, Wild at Heart, says "The way a man’s life unfolds nowadays tends to drive his heart into remote regions of the soul."
The world we live in continues to surprise. Our economy continues to grow and the young people of today seem to want more and more self-gratification. There is a feeling that having the latest cellphone, laptop or technology is what will keep you happy. Young men and women are finding it more difficult to find themselves, to understand who they are and how they relate to the world. Peer pressure continues to place them under enormous strain.
"Boys, ultimately, want to know whether they have what it takes to be a man. Until a man knows he is a man, he will forever be trying to prove he is one, while at the same time shrinking from anything that reveals he is not.
Young ladies face similar challenges," says Shane Kidwell, Oakhill principal about the legendary Oakhill Odyssey that becomes a journey in to the soul. This 21-day walk takes place between February and March each year and focuses on Grade 10s. It is one of the ways this school aims to challenge comfort zones "by making the young men and women feel uncomfortable in a number of situations that will challenge them and ultimately help them understand themselves a little better".
Kidwell says Oakhill has been implementing a series of interventions, of which the Odyssey is one, that enable young men and women to understand who they are; to help them understand that the soul cannot be harnessed and dictated to. He quotes Eldredge: "The soul longs for passion, for freedom, for life."
The Grade 10 learners journey for approximately 400km, travelling on horseback, canoeing, cycling and hiking through some of the most rugged and picturesque terrain in the country. They eventually reach a physical destination, but realise that their emotional and spiritual journey has only just begun.
Halfway through the Odyssey, participants spend 30 hours contemplating, in total isolation, what they have learnt so far. Kidwell says the aim of the trip is for every boy and girl to participate in a life-changing experience. "We hope that this experience will go a long way to enabling them to establish the kind of positive values, perspective and self- awareness that they will need to adopt and build on during their early adult life."
According to him there are many benefits that emanate from this experience, including greater self-awareness, improved confidence, a deeper understanding of strengths and weaknesses, appreciation for the strengths and weaknesses of others and a sincere appreciation of friends, family and daily comforts.
"They realise that they can actually cope without their technology for a month. They also develop an appreciation for greater issues, satisfaction from stretching themselves, physically or otherwise. They become more open when dealing with and helping others, develop an admiration for nature and have first-hand experience in solving problemsdealing with difficult team members and they develop leadership skills, which will stand them in good stead for years to come.
Kidwell says he has seen children grow into young adults during this time.
"They realise things about themselves that they never dreamed of. They realise that they can push themselves further than they ever imagined. They realise how insignificant certain issues actually are and they begin to understand what is really important to them."
A learner had this to say about his experience: "A few lessons learned: Let tomorrow take care of itself; live and enjoy the moment; honesty is the key to freedom; and take time to reflect on the past."
· The Odyssey passes through 40 different properties where permission is required.
· The support vehicle covers 5 563km in the 21 days.
· 800 packs of 2-minute noodles on average are eaten during the Odyssey.
· 90kg of oats are consumed by groups on the Odyssey.
· On average, learners drink close to 2 litres of water each day. Fact of the matter: 2 000 litres of water are consumed!
· Learners survive 30 240 minutes away from the luxuries of computers, iPods, and cellphones!
Oakhill principal Shane Kidwell sees off one of the groups about to embark on their 21-day Oakhill Odyssey. With him are Scott Armstrong (left) and Sam Mvimbi . Photo: Penny Foyn.
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