Phil Battersby’s Legacy carries on into 2024 
Each year, Cheal awards the Phil Battersby Memorial Scholarship to one dedicated staff member, providing an exceptional opportunity to embark on a transformative journey with Outward Bound, honouring Phil Battersby’s legacy of adventure, resilience, and personal growth. In 2024, Laura McLay was selected as the recipient of this prestigious award, allowing her to challenge herself in ways she never imagined.
Laura reflects on her experience, sharing insights from her time in the wilderness, the lessons learned along the way, and how the program has shaped her both professionally and personally. Overcoming physical and mental challenges to forging deep connections with fellow participants, her journey is a testament to the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
Read on to discover what Laura has to say about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Staff Testimonial – Laura McLay, 2024 winner of the 2024 Phil Battersby Memorial Scholarship to Outward Bound
“Flying into Blenheim, I have to admit I was nervous. I was headed for Outward Bound’s Professionals course in Anakiwa, a picturesque setting, but known for its notoriously challenging nature. The idea of pushing my physical and mental limits was daunting. Would I be strong enough for it?”
“At the Interislander Ferry Terminal in Picton, I met a nervous group of strangers—mostly in their thirties and forties, all at some crossroads in life. We took turns sharing our reasons for joining the course, all of us seeking something, but none of us entirely sure what we were getting into. After handing over our phones (a digital detox that would turn out to be one of the best parts), we were quickly thrust into action. The first command: “Change into something you can run and swim in.”
“After stowing our luggage on the launch, Rahiri, we began our physical training by running to Bob’s Bay Reserve. The run was intense, and once we reached the bay, the swim to the boat was a welcome relief. Aboard the boat, our instructors responded to our multitude of questions with a calm, “mā te wā,” or “wait and see”—and we quickly realized not knowing what was coming next was part of the experience. It was about letting go of unnecessary worries and stress.”
“We spent the afternoon learning to sail a cutter boat along Grove Arm before tying up at Torea Bay, where we were tasked with cooking dinner. I realized we weren’t just navigating the boat—we were navigating group dynamics. Our watch had to work together, solve problems, and rely on each other.”
“After dinner, our evening kōrero went deep as we shared our stories and goals for the future. As 9pm rolled round and I eagerly looked forward to my head hitting a pillow, we were told we would be sleeping on the boat, under the stars, with nothing between us and the sky. I knew there would be challenges and deprivations on Outward Bound but sleeping outdoors with a dozen or so strangers was not what I’d been expecting. However, as we rowed our boat to a nearby mooring point, bioluminescence glowed each time our oars hit the water. Despite the cold and the uncertainty, I felt about sleeping outside, this was by far the most magical experience I’ve ever had. Falling asleep to a sky full of stars, and waters sparkling with the bioluminescence – I will never forget it.”
“The next morning, the day began early with a HIIT workout, and a cold dip in the ocean with the jellyfish. A quick breakfast and it was back into the cutter boat with Anakiwa as the destination. Without wind to sail, rowing 11 km with a 1pm deadline was a hard task, and let’s just sum it up by saying we did not make it to Anakiwa by 1pm! But we were met with a warm mihi whakatau (welcome ceremony) before being tasked with cleaning up the boats.
The days at Outward Bound merged together. From sunrise to sunset, we were constantly at work. We learned to row a waka as a team, tackled the high ropes course in the dark (clinging to ancient kahikatea trees), and each day a run and a plunge into the cold water to start the day.”
“The solo experience itself for me was fine – I was very content at my allocated site and found peace in the quiet and sounds of birdlife. I didn’t mind the minimal provisions or the fact that we had to hand our watches in and simply ‘be’ during this 24-hour window. It was the hike up the steep incline to the site that unravelled me. With roughly 15 kilos on my back, my body already tired and dehydration having been my constant nemesis the past 3 days, the steep trek up the hill pushed me to the edge and I will admit to breaking down in tears once I was on my own.”
“On the final day, we faced what I considered the most nerve-wracking challenge: kayaking, but with a twist. We had to deliberately capsize our kayaks and rescue one another. Though frightening, this exercise was an opportunity to put our learning into action. The exercise concluded with the exhilarating experience of pushing each other off the jetty in our kayaks, testing our trust and teamwork.”
“Later on, when we received our certificates and lapel pins, our instructor Jon shared how Outward Bound gave him faith in people—how a group of strangers, out of necessity, can come together in ways they never thought possible. And with the planting of a small totara sapling, we said goodbye and made our way back to Picton.”
“On one level, Outward Bound is about gratitude – and I spent a lot of time feeling grateful. Grateful not to have camped in torrential rain. Grateful not to have been savaged by bugs. Grateful for the excellent meals. Grateful to the other 12 members of my watch for being so easy-going. Once I was home again, I was grateful for my own bed, for loved ones, autonomy, books and hot running water. With my phone returned, I resolved to continue limiting my time online, and after a day’s rest, I woke up on Sunday and challenged myself to a 3km run.”
“The course was more than just physical challenges; it was about building deeper connections—with others, with nature, and with myself. The group formed a bond, and by the end of the course, we were different people than when we started.”
“I couldn’t easily sum up Outward Bound. If you want to know what it’s really like, you’ll have to experience it for yourself. Find out what you’re made of. Chances are, there’s more in you than you realise, too.”
– Written by Laura McLaySenior Administrator, Cheal Hawkes Bay- 