Keen for boot camp

Early mornings and physical exertion may seem like the antithesis to the teenage lifestyle but they are proving to be drawcards for a youth boot camp in Feilding.

Improved fitness is high on the list of goals for the latest intake of the eightweek Cactus (Combined Adolescent Challenge Training Unit and Support) programme hosted at Feilding High School, and available to students between the ages of 14 and 17.

It involves getting up early, sprints, interval training and various fitness tests, followed by a hearty breakfast and a motivational talk.

The students said the early morning workout and strict rules not only helped keep their bodies in shape, but also sharpened their self-discipline and selfconfidence, and provided an opportunity to make friends.

The programme resumed in June with 26 students enrolled.

Maggie Nicholson, 14, said the boot camp was the best way to test herself.

‘‘Though it was challenging and sore in the beginning, I wanted to do it to be fit. I wanted to challenge myself to step up my fitness levels.’’

Cody Hall joined Cactus to prepare himself towards a future.

‘‘We started off by learning drills and marching, and now it has physical activities and team building stuff.’’

For some students, it was a chance to connect with their siblings and make new friends. Maia Joan Walker said the programme was preparing her for life as an adult.

‘‘I get up early. I eat breakfast every day, that keeps me energetic throughout the day.

‘‘I also made some like-minded students, friends at the camp.’’

Manawatū District mayor Helen Worboys, said she wished something like Cactus was running when she was growing up.

‘‘When I took up as a mayor, I could not see any proactive stuff for the youth. Something that challenges kids to do better both physically and mentally. Police suggested us to have the programme.

‘‘In many cases, the programme has helped entire families.

‘‘I have heard mothers saying the programme let them work-out after dropping their kids at school early morning.’’

Some parents said the best feature of the programme was the talks given by experts, and by people who had made mistakes in their lives but turned it around.

Bryan Guy, whose grandson Finn Macdonald had gone through the programme, helped out the Cactus team with breakfast once a week after seeing how it benefited Finn, especially the inspirational talks organised during the breakfast.

‘‘Apart from physical activities, the programme teaches teamwork and the discipline of getting up early in the morning.

‘‘One of the best things is that speakers are invited to inspire students. We have had speakers who told kids about feet health, hygiene, nutrition, importance of good sleep and more.’’

The nationwide programme is run by Feilding police, the district council and hakea air¯obase staff.

The community is encouraged to watch and cheer on students during their final challenge, The Longest Day, traditionally held in the town square.