The St Thomas Boyle River Rite Journey

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The rumble of the bus as it pulled into the Boyle River carpark was quickly replaced by the students’ chatter, their anticipation palpable and grumbling good natured. The moment has arrived where they will tackle the fifth stage of their year long Rite Journey Programme part of the Year 10 curriculum at St Thomas of Canterbury.

Tucked away on the edge of the Boyle River, at the southern end of the Libretto Range is the Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre. In 1972, a member of the Belfast-Kaiapoi Rotary Club suggested, ”…build a tin shed somewhere up in the mountains where our local high school kids can experience the high country of Canterbury.”

“I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and it made me feel better about myself.” BROEC student.

After several years of planning, embellishment, consultation, research, tireless effort and the establishment of the North Canterbury Alpine Trust (NCAT), The Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre (The Boyle) was opened in 1978. The initial objective was to provide outdoor educational experiences now 40 years on from when the doors first opened, they run a multitude of different style programmes.  

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“The St Thomas of Canterbury College year 10 ‘Rite Journey’ boys programme is designed to support the development of self-aware, socially just, responsible, respectful, resilient and worldly adults.
It raises the young men’s consciousness about the transition from boyhood to being a man.
Throughout the ‘Rite Journey’ students explore and discover connections, communication, challenges and celebration. It links extremely well with the schools Edmund Rice philosophy; of having an educated heart and educated mind.” www.stc.school.nz

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The 4 day programme at The Boyle forms the fifth stage of the Rite Journey. It takes the students on a journey of challenge, exploring who they are and their transition into adult hood, becoming a man and entering the senior school. On camp students undertake activities while discovering challenge, teamwork and that they are capable of more than they thought.

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When the moment arrived to set off from the repack site, where students have just had their gear checked and packed. A low hum of enthusiasm pulsed through the group as they headed towards the Sylvia Canyon. Under a beach tree covered in mistle toe the students find the safety equipment for this activity and their first clue in a series of challenges that will lead them to tonight’s dinner. The team don’t realise it yet but the decisions they make have real consequence! Across the Lewis River and up into the lower reaches of the canyon surrounded by sub-alpine beach forest, the students find before them two roaring waterfalls, the big pool seemingly endless, the water clear and ice cold. Kitted up in wetsuits, spray tops, pfd’s and helmets the students make their way under the waterfall before taking the plunge into the water. All going to plan the students have conquered the challenges, deciphered the riddles and made their way to where their dinner has been stashed.

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“I was extremely anxious and nervous about the solo, I had to really dig deep and use all the strategies and confidence I had to stay out. The next day a huge weight was lifted and I felt so stoked to have achieved this, I knew it wasn't that bad and my mindset had shifted, I look forward to my next big challenge.”

Ben Harrison YR 10 St Thomas
 

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Day 2 sees the students wake to the morning bird song. Tomtits, and Piwakawaka flitter around picking off the morning namu namu (sandflies). Students will embark on a 18km tramp today making their way along the Boyle River heading south. Along the way, students undertake challenges including two river crossings, a stretcher carry and learn about navigation and tramping skills.

 

“Camp was a great opportunity to make me reflect on how grateful I am for the small things, it pushed my boundaries and it was a great way to use the skills of the Rite Journey around resilience and taking my mask off.”

Roman Bradbrook YR 10 St Thomas

Each night the students make their way to a different campsite firstly staying in tents then under flys, then finishing under a bush bivy they build themselves.

Two parts remain of camp, the Challenge Arvo and the 24 hour solo. A time for reflection of, who they were, who they are and who they want to become.

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“The Rite Journey Camp at the Boyle River is a highlight of the programme, it places the boys in an uncomfortable, different environment and they have to use all the knowledge and skills they have learnt building towards it, seeing the share delight on the boys faces once they have conquered fears is awesome, seeing the young men working together outside the classroom and using life skills like team work, communication, helping others who need it help to mould them into fine young men.
The year 13 boys later on in their schooling are asked of highlights of their school career and the Boyle River is always one of the major ones.”

Richard Washington-Rite Journey Coordinator 

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Day 4 comes around quickly and a sense of achievement can be felt as students share stories with each other of their individual journeys. This week has been an opportunity to explore and discover consciousness, connection, communication, challenge and celebration. These young men will continue their journey into adult hood having stepped out of their comfort zones to learn more about themselves.

“After four days in the bush our boys return to Christchurch equipped with the life skills and resilience to face the many challenges life will throw at them. The Boyle River camp is the perfect environment to foster their transition from boys to men.” Paul Burton, Rite Journey Teacher at St Thomas of Canterbury.