Year 8 Dragon Award Trip to Mkuru

The Year 8 visit to Mkuru Camp provided the students’ an exceptional opportunity to explore the hidden gems of the Arusha region including a challenging hike up Oldonyo Landaree. This trip was a chance for students to fulfil the expedition portion of their Dragon Award.

Students participated in a variety of activities including team building, showcasing their talents, and improving their overall life skills. Year 8’s improved their confidence and aspirational attitudes by consistently remaining positive throughout the challenging hike peaking at an altitude of 2100m. Students were self-motivated and demonstrated resilience alongside compassion towards one another by sharing water, snacks and encouraging words to one another to reach the peak of Oldonyo Landaree. Individuals were able to conquer their fear of heights and appreciate the landscape below them.

A few highlights shared by the students included roasting marshmallows around the campfire, the talent show, sleeping in tents and assisting in food preparation and clearing up.

Students conquered their fears and developed their confidence by singing, acting, and performing magic tricks within their talent show. Team building consisted of games such as the Human Knot and perfect pairs. Year 8’s exhibited exceptional communication skills and teamwork resulting in all students matching the “perfect pair” all within 5 minutes. Students demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills by assisting one another to set up tents and throughout the night where a couple of tents folded in on themselves due to high winds.

Overall students summed up their experience by the following words “We are tired, proud of ourselves for completing the hike, we liked sitting by the campfire and we cannot wait for Zanzibar!”