By MISTIKA IDRIS and ROXANNE LOW
brats@thestar.com.my

ARE you bored of your same old routine? Want to try something new, but don’t know how?

Well, in line with its motto, “Get Out There”, Raleigh KL is organising exciting monthly meet-ups to encourage young people to step out of their comfort zone and engage in activities that just scream “adventure!”, like waterfall clean-ups and group hikes.

A couple of weekends ago, they organised a bouldering event, and we BRATs were there to crash the party.

Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that is performed without the use of ropes or harnesses. It’s an activity that’s not just for people who want to get extremely fit, but for pretty much anyone – young or old – who just wants to have a bit of fun.

It is, of course, completely safe when done with proper safety equipment and supervision. There were cushions all around the Madmonkeyz Wangsa Waju Boulder Climbing Centre, Kuala Lumpur where the Raleigh KL event was held, so you can boulder without worrying (too much) about falling.

“I was quite nervous before the event because prior to this, I went for basic rock climbing and I failed to reach the top. So I was convinced I was going to fail as well this time, but it turned out otherwise. I am really glad that I came for this,” said participant Vanneeda Keowmang, 18.

Fellow participant Cassandra Ooi, 23, added: “It was truly an amazing experience. For a sporty person like me, I never thought bouldering would be so challenging. It is physically demanding, but I enjoyed it a lot.”

In Raleigh KL, members are given four “challenges”. First, you participate in one of their Introduction Weekend Camps. Then you raise funds for a cause. After that, you participate in one of their expeditions. And lastly, you do something to contribute back to the local community after you’ve returned from your expedition.

“By organising monthly meet ups, we hope to reach out to young people and share with them our experiences going on expeditions. From there, we want to inspire them to participate in the expeditions for youth development,” said Raleigh KL president Chong Poh-E, 26.

Raleigh KL’s next Introduction Weekend Camp will be happening on Nov 29. If you want to “Get Out There” a little more, this would be your chance.

Deadline for registration is Nov 15, so you better hurry! For more information, go to www.raleighinternational.org.my