Office makeover 2010

Out with the clutter.
The overhaul is more than skin deep.
We have rewritten all of our risk assesments, proceedures, food safety program, human resources files, in fact almost every aspect of the office has been modernised, to cope with our bussiest year ever, coming up in 2011.
Thanks to Sandra's vision, and all the staff for a huge effort.

New poolside cafe at Maranatha

We have created a new outdoor area over looking the pool.

Our favourite new shadey area for a coffee at breakfast time, while the kids do the cleaning up inside, or a cool place for dinner on a hot night. You are invited.

Bridge building sessions

In response to a request for a knots and rigging session, we designed the bridge building activity.

Students are taught square and diagonal  lashing, hitches and tensioning techniques to construct their own Burma Bridge. 

There is enough tying and rigging to keep everyone engaged, and the outcome is something to be proud of.

How to recognise good climbing gear when you see it.

 Click on the photo to enlarge

We know for a fact that some school camp operators are using gear that is waaaay too old.

Here's some tips on making a judgement for yourself:

Helmets: A good helmet looks good. If the clips at the back are threaded ring style, its way too old. If the straps are deformed and deteriorated along the edge its too old. If they are a wild mixture of different brands, styles and colours, beware.

Maranatha use new Edelrid Ultralite helmets U.I.A.A. approved.

Carabiners: Maranatha use all "keylock" gates. That's a system where the gate keys together with the body in a way that prevents snagging. All Kong carabiners have this and since Kongs' patent on the system ran out, newer carabiners of other brands also have it.

Notice the 4 bands of knurling on the gates. That signifies it is the newest version. 3 bands for the previous model. The screwgate carabiners pictured are Stainless Steel, more expensive but a joy to use.

Harnessess: It is vital to use good harnesses. Maranatha use "Vertical" brand "Gym" harnesses. We have 150 of them in service. Notice that they have a new shiney appearance. That's cause they're new. Look for the date of manufacture on the belt. If it is not there, be suspicious.

Ropes: We buy it by the 200M roll, Sterling brand from the USA, we give it light use then we throw it out.

If ropes look furry, faded or un-even be suspicious.

K2 Base Camp in Wickham St. Fortitude Valley is the exclusive supplier of climbing gear to Maranatha.