As the August vacation commenced, the staff of Trinity College, Kandy waited with bated breath for the Outbound Training program, which was conducted from the 7th – 14th of August under the teams of Alpha, Bravo, Charli and Delta.
The training was conducted for each team over a period of two days at TELA, which was a memorable journey that would reshape perspectives and bring the staff closer together as a team.
The teams were gathered punctually at 6:45 AM, ready for what the day would bring. At TELA the staff was warmly welcomed by Mr. Shehan Pilapitiya and his dedicated team, alongside the Principal, Vice Principal, and Co-Vice Principal.
Their warm greetings and the sight of beautifully arranged rooms with fresh sheets was met with much appreciation from the staff.
The training began with a session outlining the program. The staff learnt that the purpose of this training was to help them navigate through VUCA environments—those that are volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. As the training unfolded, indeed they found themselves challenged in unimaginable ways.
Each team was divided into groups and faced a series of competitions, which included creating a unique haka and other thrilling activities. Some of these were truly daring, pushing many beyond what was possible.
The PT sessions were another revelation. It reminded many of the importance of taking ‘me time’—to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. A few simple exercises each day can keep anyone fit as a fiddle.
Throughout these activities, communication and collaboration were key to success. While winning was the goal for both groups in the team, it was far from easy. Decisions had to be made on the spot, plans had to be adapted, and the staff learned the value of flexibility.
These exercises helped them to get to know colleagues across different sections, understanding their strengths and areas where they needed support. This bonding is crucial for any institution to function smoothly.
One of the highlights of the training was the outdoor cooking challenge. As the saying goes, “Too many cooks spoil the broth,” but in this scenario, it was just the opposite. With limited resources and the pressure of time, the team had to come together, plan, and execute a meal that would not only be edible but also tasty.
This activity taught them the importance of resourcefulness, creativity, and most importantly, the value of collective effort. Each team member played a vital role, whether it was gathering firewood, prepping ingredients, or maintaining the fire. The result wasn’t just a meal—it was a testament to teamwork and perseverance.
Adding to the adventure, the weather decided to challenge Team Delta a bit further. A sudden downpour threatened to wash away their spirits, but instead, it only made them stronger. They adapted quickly, modifying their plans to continue despite the rain.
This experience reminded many that much like in life, challenges are inevitable but, the ability to push through and stay resilient is more important.
One activity that particularly stood out was the ‘lava game.’ This exercise was a powerful metaphor for the daily challenges faced by the staff. It taught them the importance of multitasking, setting clear goals, recognizing and overcoming obstacles, and most importantly, supporting each other even in competition.
The goal was to reach the finish line despite interference from Mr. Pilapitiya and his team, who represented the external forces trying to hinder the progress.
Through this game, the staff realized that the Trinity family must always stand as one.
In conclusion, what started as a two-day retreat turned into a transformative experience. It reinforced the strength of the community and reminded everyone of the power of unity, adaptability, and resilience. Whether it was cooking under the open sky, racing against the rain, or strategizing in the lava game, every challenge brought the staff closer and taught them that together, they could overcome multitudes.
The staff would like to thank Mr. Shane de Silva for his meticulous attention to every detail and precocious planning, and to Mr. Shehan Pilapitiya of Outbound Adventures and his remarkable team for organizing the most interesting two days.
A special thank you goes to the CEC for arranging this remarkable opportunity to grow and connect as a team. Finally, to the staff at TELA, especially Nimali, whose hospitality made the stay both comfortable and memorable.
Written by Fathima Majeed and Bryan Senaratne
