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“When the opportunity arose to apply for a DWN scholarship to attend Outward Bound back in January, I found myself diving deep into why I wanted this. Turns out the why was the timing was right it was doing something to challenge myself… make a video and put myself out there! 

I didn’t realise it at the time, but I needed this fabulous opportunity and I am SO thankful to the Dairy Women’s Network and the Luna Foundation for choosing my video. 

Now less than a week back at home, surrounded by our modern comforts I have been reflecting on what an incredible experience I had. 

The 8 day Dicovery Masters Course we completed had the perfect balance of physical, mental and self reflection challenges. It provided the opportunity to switch off from the demands of being a mum, wife, business partner, farmer, and other admin that comes with taking your phone on holiday. Because the course was so well balanced you missed the people but not your phone. 

The Marlborough Sounds is a stunning playground for the plethora of activities we undertook at Outward Bound. From yachting, kayaking and Waka ama, to rocking climbing, hiking and orienteering, health and safety is paramount, and each activity pushes your boundaries of what you thought you could ever do. Camping solo with 80ml of rain that confined us to our tarps was hard, both mentally and physically. But that feeling of walking out of the bush and into to sunshine of the Sounds is indescribable. 

I’ve returned home realising that I can do hard things and have self belief that I can do anything that I set my mind to. The daily PT sessions, the cold plunges off the jetty at the start and end of each day, running “a km for each day” at the conclusion of the course, hiking in the dark were all hard but I have proved to myself I can do it. 

Perhaps the best thing about this amazing opportunity was meeting the incredible Wahine of our Watch. The life long friendships I have made, and the lessons I have learned from each individual and their stories is incredibly special and I will carry these with me for the remainder of my life. 

Prior to leaving the self doubt I had about my age and ability was extremely high. However, the first person I met was a wonderful 69 year old who showed me up on almost every occasion. Age is no barrier!  If you have ever wanted to attend a OB course, don’t wait for years like I did, go for it and book it in, because you will never regret it.”

Blog post by Mel Graves