Life changing experience in Ecuador

Times Reporter

 

In April Strathmore High School, SHS, students had a chance to apply to take part in an Outward Bound adventure. Brett Wilson and the Prairie Merchant Corporation have created a new $5,000 scholarship for SHS, which allows two students to attend an Outward Bound outdoor adventure every year.  

Students had until April 15 to write a 250-word essay about how and why an Outward Bound trip would help them.

Blake Bishop is one of the two students who received the first scholarships. Bishop decided to capatilize on an opportunity to travel by picking the furthest place away that he could. Bishop chose to go to Ecuador for three weeks, saying he isn’t sure he would ever get another opportunity to go. 

“We spent 10 days in the Andes (mountain range), and when we were in the Andes we (got to) summit three mountains,” said Bishop. 

The Grade 12 student said he found it hard to breathe at some points because of the altitude. 

The mountains weren’t the only place the teen had a chance to explore.

“I think we spent six days in the Amazon and when we were in there we did whitewater rafting, (and) some caving,” said Bishop.

“We were expecting to see monkeys and a bunch of cool birds and stuff, but we only saw a couple of snakes and some really cool insects for sure.”

Bishop said the experience of the Outward Bound adventure was life-changing. He didn’t realize it until coming home, but said many of his peers have pointed out he has matured. Bishop has also noticed his social skills improve, which he credits to having to get to know the 16 other Canadians that were on the adventure. 

Though the Amazon and the Andes may have been amazing in themselves, they weren’t Bishop’s favourite part of the trip. 

“Probably the Galapagos Islands,” said Bishop.

“We did lots of snorkeling and we got to see sea turtles and schools of fish, like thousands, huge sting rays, just different fish that you wouldn’t see here.”  

Bishop said if he had the chance to go on an Outward Bound trip again he would definitely take it but isn’t sure where he would go next.