Berwick Outdoor Experience began in 1991 and soon the 30th course will start on May 12 with about 40 participants from all walks of life taking part.
The idea began in the late 1980s with Kevin Moore, formerly of Berwick and now living in Twizel.
"I had always had a secret desire to go to Outward Bound going back to when it started.
"I was still at school and one of my classmates was selected to go."
At the time Outward Bound was promoted as "being a bit elitist" and only for those who were likely to become leaders.
"I never saw myself as one of those, too shy, lacking in confidence and self-esteem and non-academic for those heady heights."
While he had nothing but admiration for Outward Bound, Mr Moore had an idea about another type of course that could run utilising the Berwick Lodge.
Mr Moore put forward a suggestion to the Taieri Lions Club to run a course for people 18 years and older who would take part in outdoor activities to build confidence and learn new skills.
The idea was accepted and Mr Moore was given scope with the backing of the Taieri Lions to develop the project and get it up and running.
"Let’s be quite clear that without the backing of the Taieri Lions and the wider Lions family this project would never have happened."
Mr Moore said he was grateful for the help of Rob Urquhart and the late Graham Foley, who put the course together.
"Without them I stood no chance."
He was also very appreciative of the volunteer instructors.
"No-one has ever been paid for all the hard work that has gone in over the past 30 years."
"Our volunteer instructors are a breed apart.
"Each year they turn out, taking time away from work and families for eight days.
"Without them it just does not happen."
Running the course had been "simply the best thing that I have ever been involved with, it changed my life", he said.
Heather Reid, formerly of Careys Bay and now living in Mosgiel, said having coffee with a friend was the beginning of her journey.
"We just talked about getting out of our comfort zone."
After seeing a poster for the course, and with the sponsorship of Port Chalmers Lions Club, she was able to join a team of 10 to undertake the course last year.
"I didn't really know how it was gonna go, so that was a bit nerve-racking."
But her confidence grew as she began to take part in the activities, including abseiling, mountain-biking and kayaking — learning new skills while camping outside in cold conditions.
She said although the new experiences were a challenge it was a transformative experience.
"It actually gave you an inner confidence in yourself."
