Publication:Sea Talk Winter 2007/‘HAVE A GO’ - adventure training by DSCM FBW
By CPOWTR Mark Ferrell
Seven members of the Directorate of Sailors’ Career Management (DSCM) at Fleet Base West (FBW) completed adventure training(AT) in Busselton (WA) with the help of two AT members from HMAS Stirling.
The FBW group exuded a “have a go attitude” as they participated in mountain bike riding, bushwalking and orienteering over an extremely busy two day period.
"The adventure training trip has been an excellent morale and team building experience, providing excellent stress relief and health benefits," said WO Richard Elsom
Day one saw the group depart HMAS Stirling in fine weather conditions. On arrival at Busselton a safety and activity brief was conducted. Accommodation was three two-bedroom units in the Navy-owned Amblin caravan park. The park is located right on the beach and provided the ideal base for our adventure training program.
Shortly after arrival the group headed off on a 20 kilometre bike ride to get events going.
The pace of the ride was varied with one of the AT staff leading a small group at a quickened pace while some members of the group and another AT staff member were content to take things that little bit slower with all riders only pushed to their comfort and ability. With the temperature a warm 32 degrees, drink bottles were getting plenty of use.
After the ride the group headed down to the beach for some group games and a well deserved cooling swim.
Dinner that evening was a chicken salad, with the group using the event to promote not only exercise, but also a healthy diet. After dinner a ‘Bocce’ tournament was conducted. This event provided plenty of laughs with all enjoying a cool drink and a chance to recharge the batteries. Day 2 saw the group awake and ready for more adventure before sunup. Breakfast of cereal and fruit and provided the group with plenty of fuel for the programmed 12 kilometre bushwalk.
The walk was conducted in the very beautiful but very wild Cape Naturaliste National park. At the end of the day staff were left feeling somewhat tired but very proud of their achievements with some excess kilograms lost and fitness levels improved.
Overall the aims of our adventure Training: team building, trust and camaraderie were easily met. A special thanks was passed to the AT cell staff who excelled in their role and were instrumental to the overall success of the event.
