What an incredible thing for two leaders to see: our entire group rallying together and completely planning out four wonderful student directed travel days! After only knowing each other for a week, each student stepped fully into their chosen leadership roles; booking accommodation, transportation, planning and cooking meals, and facilitating group meetings. Our adventure began in the remote Waipatiki beach. We welcomed our newest member, Taylor, and celebrated with delicious meals and games. Waipatiki was just the rest and relaxation we needed before the next stage of our journey, with lots of beach relaxing and playing in the waves. After some much needed sunshine and play, we boarded a bus to the middle of Middle Earth, in fact to Mordor itself, to take on the epic Tongariro Crossing. This challenging trek was met with enthusiasm, tenacity, and lots of scroggin (trail mix). The team grew closer together through this challenge of Student Directed Travel, and have truly stepped into their leadership roles on this trip. We couldn’t be prouder of these young leaders and look forward to the coming chapters ahead!
Much love, Lauren and Avi