Learn life lessons by following running and hiking mentors

Mentors guide their charges during some kayaking at Port Dickson.

It was a lesson in empathy and teamwork. The teenage boys were surprised by the reversal. The mentors they had looked up to as coaches had assumed the role of weaker, slower runners and the boys found themselves playing mentor instead.

Several were bashful and tongue-tied, and some were resentful at being slowed down as they believed their goal was to be the fastest. Most, however, jumped into their new roles with relish, supporting, encouraging and watching over their newly feeble charges. One even used psychology, talking to his partner about football to take his mind off the uphill climb.