By DOC’s Volunteering Co-ordinator, Jo Gould
It was so hard to choose just three conservation volunteers for the 21-day Classic Outward Bound DOC scholarship, that Outward Bound agreed to boost it to five!
Our five lucky conservation volunteers are: Sara Larcombe, Fenella Fenton, Lotte van Ginkel, Daniel Grover and Sian Bent.
All of them have already committed lots to conservation.
This fully funded scholarship will build their skills and confidence and help them develop into leadership roles.
This is a great celebration of our young conservation volunteers and an important development opportunity for our future conservation leaders.
If this pilot programme is successful, DOC hopes to continue working with Outward Bound to turn it into an annual scholarship programme.
Huge thanks go to Outward Bound for their contribution.
Sara Larcombe
Sara Larcombe with a fairy prion chick
Sara was nominated by DOC Ranger, Graeme Loh for her voluntary work with Forest & Bird’s project to protect fairy prions on the St Clair cliffs in Dunedin.
She’s “a volunteer we can rely on,” Graeme says.
Sara has been involved since the project’s inception constructing the fence and monitoring the wild fairy prion colony.
Graeme sees this Outward Bound opportunity as more than a reward: “it will assist in developing her as a leader. I believe she’s well worth investing in for the good of our conservation community.”
“I’ll gain better knowledge of my strengths and weaknesses and how to motivate myself and others to overcome challenges… and I’ll be better equipped to work with others to achieve common goals.” ~ Sara Larcombe
You can see Sara’s commitment to the fairy prion project here:
Fenella Fenton
Fenella was nominated by DOC Ranger Emma Dunning for her volunteer work on Matiu Somes Island.
Fenella is a member of the Eastbourne Forest Rangers and is involved in a range of work on the island: meeting and greeting visitors, carrying out biosecurity checks and guided walks and talks.
Fenella Fenton
Emma describes Fenella as a ‘Super Volunteer’ who puts herself forward and commits to all sorts of opportunities.
“I am certain this opportunity will help me learn more about myself and will help me grow in a positive way. I’ll gain important life skills that will be beneficial for future conservation work.” ~ Fenella Fenton
Lotte van Ginkel
Lotte was nominated by DOC’s Janice Gravett and Maria Deutsch for her volunteer role as Youth Ambassador in the Tasman Bay Big Beach Clean-up.
At school Lotte is an environment leader and she’s passionate about native birds and wildlife preservation.
Lotte van Ginkel
Janice and Maria were impressed by Lotte’s courage and willingness to grow into a leadership role.
Lotte hopes Outward Bound will help her grow in confidence and independence.
She plans to study Zoology and Environmental Science and Statistics at Massey next year.
“I hope to gain skills in working as a group, motivating group members and learning how to speak my mind more feely, to help with future DOC activities.” ~ Lotte van Ginkel
Daniel Grover
Daniel was nominated by Ally Taieri from the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust.
He’s been involved in the Trust’s work for three years in a range of volunteer roles, including pest eradication and aviary work, and helping release kiwi chicks.
Daniel Grover
Daniel had a lead role coordinating volunteers when the Trust hosted Sirocco in 2012.
Daniel wants to use Outward Bound to learn how to deal, cope and perform with expectation in uncomfortable and uncertain situations.
Sian Bent
Sian Bent
Sian was nominated by Peter Crane from the Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust.
Since joining the Trust as a volunteer she’s been elected onto the Board of Trustees.
Sian has a background in flora and fauna conservation management and has volunteered in a wide variety of conservation projects, from planting pingao to translocating kiwi.
Everyone will face different challenges on the course. Lack of sleep, sharing feelings in a group and removal from everyday routines and luxuries. They will grow personally and develop confidence to take on leadership roles.
We wish them well for successfully completing the challenges they face.
