Staff were busy with the final preparations ahead of Tuesday’s departure as the boys completed their end-of-year exams this week. Venture, now in its 18th year, offers boys a substantial outdoor education challenge in the bush land setting of Walpole Nornalup National Park.

Director of Kooringal Mark Tait and Director of Co-Curricular Mark Morrissy are the key co-ordinators behind the adventure experience. Part of Mr Tait’s role includes the logistics associated with the 14 groups’ walk routes and two base camps, liaising with national park authorities, training staff and organising the transportation of equipment.

Mr Morrissy is heavily involved in staff logistics, including the appointment of staff and ensuring first aid and training requirements are met. He is responsible for all administrative matters between the School and families, collecting medical and dietary information, sorting boys into groups and organising radio network coverage for the 150km Venture area.

Kooringal assistant Kate Mitchell has the all-important task of co-ordinating the groups’ food supplies – no mean feat when meeting the requirements of 200 hungry boys and staff. Boys must carry and prepare all their own meals for the first five days before a second food drop off is made. “Food has to be lightweight but it must also be nutritious and sustaining for the amount of exercise they are doing,” Ms Mitchell said.

A staff member and an outdoor education leader accompany each group of boys. Participating teaching staff must complete a two-day wilderness first aid training course as well as two-and-a-half days of outdoor education training. There are also several members of staff in the background working at one of two base camps. Past Christ Church staff members Jamie Eaton, Sue Gordon and Sue’s husband Douglas will once again offer their expertise with radio coverage support.