Six Maniototo Area School (MAS) pupils were determined in the face of surprise team outdoor activities during the Blue Light Alternative Strategy for Teenagers (BLAST) longest day last Friday.

Puna Rangitahi Alexandra and Districts Youth Trust manager Tash Kane, youth workers Nathan Zimmerman and Marley Ferguson, New Zealand Police youth aid officer James McDonald ran the day of activities from 8.30am to 3pm. 

The group spent much of the day on the water at St Bathans and despite chilly conditions everyone had an awesome time, Marley said.

“The team started with a store from the St Bathans domain and through to the township.

“They then stopped for a couple of challenges – acid river and spider web. 

“The team then hiked along the St Bathans trail through the hills, and then when they reached the lake, they traversed the edge of the lake – along the shore, through the reeds, and swimming in the water.”

Lunch was an important refuelling and warming up stop with pizza and hot chips provided by the Vulcan Hotel.

Team work, resilience and confidence are skills the BLAST programme nurtures. PHOTO: Supplied

The afternoon’s activities included a card and a memory game.

Marley said the group found swimming across the lake the hardest as it was very cold.

“A few of them said the hike around the lake was the best as it was a sunny day, others enjoyed the team building challenges, as well as lunch.” 

Marley said due to a few pupils being away with the MAS trip to Vietnam, or starting their Easter holidays early, the BLAST hooded sweatshirts and certificates will be presented when everyone is back on deck.

Read more: Team work shines during BLAST longest day.

Read more: Maniototo Area School pupils head to Vietnam.

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