At the request of Richard Bennett, the expedition leader, SJH Projects put together a programme to deliver training and team building to an upcoming expedition to Africa. This was supported by Mac Mackenney of Max Adventure.
In September everyone assembled at Hestercombe Gardens just North of Taunton for an intensive period of skills training. The international team under training were all rugby coaches preparing to head out on a five month expedition through the length of Africa visiting schools and providing coaching.
The expediton website is www.rugbyinafrica.org
SJH delivered lessons in navigation, survival, vehicle marshalling and communications skills. We were greatly assisted by Simon and Hannah Gray, who were able to recount their nine month trip on the same route. They passed on some very valuable tips and tricks and it was their vehicle that was used for the practical exercises.
Over the course of the day and as the team became more tired were were able to ramp up the stress levels, culminating in a mocked up vehicle crash with very realistic wounds when they were least expecting it.
As a whole the training allowed each team member to gain a greater understanding of themselves and their team mates. This will be invaluable when operating for extended periods in remote locations.
