Students competing in the Auckland/Counties heat of the Get2Go Challenge in August. Photo: Supplied

Mt Albert Grammar School won the Auckland/Counties Manukau regional heat for the Get2Go outdoor adventure challenge last month and are heading to the grand final in December.

Teams of year 9 and 10 students, submitted by their schools, took part in challenges to test their communication and problem solving skills.

Starting at Western Springs Stadium, the students competed in mountain biking, orienteering, kayaking and rock climbing events at locations around Auckland. 

The competition, organised by the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre with support from Youthtown, is in its 7^th year.

“The Get2Go Challenge fits well with the attitude of Youthtown, which is to enrich the lives of young kiwis through physical, social and creative experiences,” says Youthtown chief executive Keith Thorpe.

OPC event manager, Darren Ashmore, says the students learn both physical and mental skills from some of the best instructors available, while at the same time enjoying throwing themselves into the challenges.

“The most important thing is to get these kids to have fun in the outdoors,” he says.

There are 12 regional heats held throughout the country  from July until September, with the grand final taking place in December.

It will be the first time Mt Albert Grammar School will compete in the 5-day grand final, which will be held at the OPC marine base on Great Barrier Island from 10-14 December.