Dannevirke students hurl themselves into sharp Cactus test

Lille Thorner (left) and Jamie McDonald struggle in the wind as Nicole Watts loses out to Rawiri Peachey, Benjamin Ellington, Ayden Peterson, Isaac Stephenson and Angus Chasland in a challenge.

For 33 Dannevirke students, their Cactus programme was a chance to wake up their minds and bodies, Senior Constable Wayne Churchouse told them early last Monday morning.

With the second Cactus training starting at 5.45am, the young people (12 girls and 21 boys) bounced into the Dannevirke High School gym at 5.30am.

There were some nerves as the fast-paced, eight-week programme began and plenty of tired bodies when they returned just after 7am, ready for breakfast.

But, Mr Churchouse said: "Pain is just a feeling. It is weakness leaving the body, no pain, no gain".

"We pack a lot into the eight weeks and my goal is to raise their self-esteem, self-discipline, sense of belonging, comradeship, self-belief and pride as well as a sense of community.

"My mission is to mould them into a proud, tight-knit team who will do anything for their mates.

"Fitness training, team building and trust activities are only the vehicles to get them there and we drive those vehicles hard and fast."

The eight-week programme runs three mornings a week, culminating in the longest day, a test of endurance and team-building skills.

Cactus pushes students through a physical training programme developed in the armed forces and Mr Churchouse, who is in the territorials, doesn't go easy on the teens. It's full-on from the first minutes.

"We are impressed with what we have seen from the first morning," he said.

"It was a good starting point but we still have a lot of growth to occur in the next eight weeks. But it was inspiring to see the effort and commitment the team put in on the first morning. I'm confident they will make us all very proud of them."

Ten of last year's Cactus graduates have volunteered as instructors and mentors, including Elizabeth Curtis, who said she was excited to be back, ready for the challenges ahead.

But along with the leadership group, students and their mentors, the programme couldn't run without huge support from our community and Mr Churchouse said all those who had supported Cactus needed to be acknowledged.

"They have enhanced the development of our youth and, therefore, also our community," he said.

For Jeanne O'Brien, manager of youth development at Tararua Community Youth Services, Cactus enhances the wellbeing of our young people.

"Young people on the programme have made a commitment to better their lives and wellbeing," she said.

"This year has been extremely exciting with the addition of a Cactus leadership team. Some of these young people are already excelling in leadership and it certainly reflects the possibilities and opportunities the programme has to offer.

"All the management team who have worked behind the scenes with planning and funding, etc, show complete dedication and commitment to the investment into our young people. A great testament to the saying 'It takes a community to raise a child'."

Twenty-five students from Dannevirke High School, five from Totara College and three from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Tamaki Nui-A-Rua, aged between 12 and 17, are taking part in the programme.