~ Rafting Activity ~

The Rafting Activity is always a fun one and it's designed to develop skills in team building and group cohesion. We'd formed our groups the week before and had already had our co-operative skills put to the test in a Sports session. As well as this, we'd practised knot tying and many of us could actually tie Figure Eights and Reef Knots with eyes closed and even behind our backs!

After the disappointment of one postponement, we were delighted to see a beautiful high tide and perfect conditions as we met with Mr Prizmic. He gave us the 'good oil' on lashing before we started.

The challenge was to build a raft with cylinders, wooden planks and rope, that would float and stay together to successfully compete in a race. We had plenty of parents to help out, assisting when necessary.

It takes some time to do the building. Some things we could do on our own but other things we needed to do together.

Once in the water, it was a matter of working out how best to do it. Not everyone could have an oar, so some provided motors by kicking.

And now for the big race...

GO!

And they're off!

Rounding the buoy was a difficult proposition, especially with another raft right beside you.

Some rafts needed a few running repairs before the second race. Mr Prizmic also provided us with another challenge: the teams needed to cross over after rounding the buoy this time. Now two of the teams had a bit of a stalemate before they finished the race.

Good teams work together to put things away and we dismantled our rafts and stowed everything in the trailer in no time at all. Ruby thanked Mr Prizmic on behalf of us all and we had a quick dip with the sea lice to cool off before returning to school.

Thank you to all the wonderful parents who assisted us and cheered us on. We had a beaut time!