The Thursday Adventurers Group have been out exploring. Thursdays outings are about exercise both mind and body. Allowance is made for different degrees of adventurism, providing the opportunity for each individual to test their capability. Needless to say, some are more adventurous than others!

Since the start of July, the Adventurers have being heading out exploring. Rather than seek out the highest peaks, the Adventurers find new and interesting places.

These trips involve challenges: fallen trees; bushwhacking through undergrowth; crossing shaky bridges; caves; tunnels; and stream crossings. There is lots of positive risk enablement for participants to find their level of challenge.

Developing autonomy of movement is a big focus of the outings. The locations are chosen to provide challenges that are achievable. Staff and volunteers are instructed not to help over obstacles. Participants learn more by problem solving.

Some of our more adventurous Adventurers seek out extra challenge. Such situations require rapid risk assessment – likelihood of mishap and severity of consequences. Occasionally an imperative “No” is required but if the action can be enabled, there are lasting benefits to not always saying “No”. Having the autonomy to test ones own physical boundaries is an important freedom. The chosen activity itself often involves problem solving. The individual has already made their own risk assessment and they believe they can do it.

Noticing these occurrences, then moving in swiftly to “spot” to mitigate any miss-step. “Spotting” is term used in bouldering and scrambling. This involves placing hands ready, to guide a slip, to protect the head and spine. Unless there is a slip, no physical contact is necessary or warranted.