Testimonies from 2009
We have used the Pinnacle for the last 5 years at our school as part of our Year 9 Program. The aim of our program is to challenge the girls’ perceptions of themselves, what they think they are capable of, their perception of their world and how they fit into it, and their perception of others and how they relate to them. The Pinnacle of Terror is an integral part of this program. By taking the ‘leap of faith’ the girls are required to step outside their comfort zone and redefine what they think they can do. I have seen girls too scared to go more than halfway up the ladder, come back a second time determined not to ‘let it beat me’. - Helen Silvester (Challenge/Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator, Teacher, Mentone Girls’ Grammar School, Victoria) Click here to read more from Helen Silvester 
A special moment for me was when I jumped off the Pinnacle of Terror, it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my life. I’m so afraid of heights and I went to STORMco [Service to Others Really Matters Co] thinking that there was no way that I would ever jump off that thing, but I was convinced to do it and even though it wasn’t fun at all jumping, (it scared me so much), I’m so glad I did it, it was a life-changing experience. One cool thing I got to do two days after was get up the top and help other people jump, it really meant a lot that I had the chance to help others with something I knew I struggled with. -Lara (on the right, Kellyville STORMco Team, April 2009)  I would like to thank the Pinnacle of Terror team for coming to Noosa Christian College. The team were thoroughly professional in terms of their organisation and planning of the day’s activities with regular communication leading up to their visit, as well as during the running of the team building activities.
The Pinnacle itself is a great tool to challenge the students to face their fears and conquer them. It was very interesting to watch how the students each faced the challenge of the leap of faith. Some of the students who are confident socially, discovered that in this environment they were very challenged. But all students who made the leap, gained a positive sense of achievement and confidence from facing their fears. The other aspect of the Pinnacle of Terror challenge that I really appreciated was the positive encouragement that it fostered. The Pinnacle team are very proactive in encouraging the students to support and encourage each other and the positive atmosphere that they engendered amongst the students was of great value in a world often characterised by put downs and negativity. I thoroughly recommend the Pinnacle of Terror as a great tool to build confidence and resilience in the lives of students and youth. - David Reilly (Chaplain, Noosa Christian College, Noosa QLD) 
Jumping off ‘Everest’ was a pretty awesome experience. Probably one of the craziest things I’ve ever done, but definitely one of the best. It really was a special moment. Conquering it and overcoming some things that had been getting me down. I had used some of my recent struggles to motivate me to jump it. Thinking that if God can help me jump, He can help me do anything. It helped me put those struggles behind me and move on - I’ve felt great ever since. -Rachelle (Kellyville Stormco Team, April 2009) 
The Pinnacle of Terror was a huge hit at our school and all the children enjoyed it thoroughly, despite the bad weather. All the children were challenged on the day to do something they have never done before and some children pushed so many boundaries. The children showed encouragement to other children that struggled with heights and it was amazing to see new bonds built between all the kids. The Pinnacle of Terror staff were amazing with the kids and taught the children something new that they didn't know they had inside of them. -Jacob McEveley (Teacher - Wahroonga Adventist School, NSW) Another huge thank you to you and the Delhuntie team for yet another wonderfully successful ‘Pinnacle of Terror’ day for our special needs students. This being the 4th occasion over as many years, has again proved to be the highlight of the year for both staff and students. Over the four years we have seen an immense improvement in the attitudes and behaviours of the students who have participated in the ‘Pinnacle of Terror’ program. This program offers such a unique opportunity for participants to develop in character and experience the importance of team work and their part in it. As educators, we need to equip our students with the necessary skills, attitudes and behaviours that will allow them to live their lives in society with compassion, resilience, dignity, pride, trust and empathy, which will ultimately give them hope for a better outlook on life. - Dee Lewis (Physical Education Teacher – Marnebek School Cranbourne VIC) Click here to read more from Dee Lewis  Pinnacle of Terror descended on "The Block" Redfern, for their once a month Community Day involving local Aboriginal agencies (Tribal Warrior, Aboriginal Housing Cooperation) and Redfern Police. As soon as Pinnacle of Terror came down to the South Sydney Suburb, they stole the show.
What I liked about this concept was the support of family and friends who were watching. Encouraging their loved ones on. Even children as young as five were dared to take the leap and succeeded. I loved how the operators told the youth who took the plunge that they had so much courage and could accomplish so much. - Johnny Murrison (Youth worker, Pastor, awesome didg player) Click here to read more from Johnny Murrison I'd spent three weeks of my life in Central Australia and it was three weeks well spent. I came back a different person. It was the most fulfilling experience of my life...To just spend three weeks with the people I did was amazing enough, but as the focus of those three weeks was to be in service to others, particularly Aboriginal communities, I've found more of a purpose in in life. I pushed myself and was pushed by others out of my comfort zone. I jumped off Everest on the Pinnacle, which was easy compared to abseiling off Traphina Gorge and climbing through Stanley Chasm. Both times I found myself in tears, not wanting to move forward. I was scared out of my mind, of the thought of plunging down to the ground below. But people around me encouraged me, persuaded me, and pretty much just pushed me to keep going. -Bec (16 from Victoria pictured with Pinnacle of Terror inventor Elwyn Scale) Click here to read more from Bec 
Before my first 'Leap of Faith', Rochelle asked me if there was something I wanted to leave behind when I jumped. At the time I had one major part of my life to let go of. I was really scared but with a reason, became more determined to jump and my family were there supporting me. It wasn't easy for me but it was so worth it! That really was a high point for me, in that many changes have taken place since then. My focus has shifted, needing now to make everything count! Anita Jones - (Volunteer Staff, Duranbah NSW) Click here to read more from Anita Jones There are a number of aspects of the Pinnacle of Terror program that I have been involved with that I have appreciated and learnt much from. Firstly, as a leader who has helped put together community service trips to remote communities, I have seen those young volunteers grow incredibly even in a few short weeks.  This is backed up by talking with their family members months later who simply say the trip changed their lives. There is something very fulfilling in living for and serving other people in our communities who are less fortunate than oneself. The results of having a practical program which takes people outside their comfort zone and encourages positive decisions, is often so great it has to be seen to be believed. Neil Redman - (Assistant Youth Director, Victorian Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Churches, 2009) Click here to read more from Neil Redman 
This trip brought me to tears, laughter, smiles, pain and acceptance of myself and others around me. I was changed dramatically, in my personality and in my self worth. This trip changed me from me feeling that I’m worth nothing and that I am nothing to I’m worth more than anyone can afford and that I and fearfully and wonderfully made and that I was created for a purpose and I’m something special for God and He loves me no matter how far I fall and how low I sink. - Mandy (16, Victoria) Click here to read more from Mandy It takes quite a bit to shake me...I'm the one who goes on all the scary rides at theme parks, the one who wants to go swimming with the sharks. I think I might just let you know, that when they named it, they weren't joking! It was even scarier once you were up there. We climbed up a narrow ladder, and then crawled onto a platform. You held someone's hand while they brought you to the edge of the platform until you stood on a small ledge, perhaps 15cm by 15 cm. they counted to three... 1......2......3! They let go and you jumped. You reached out to a trapeze and grabbed hold of it. Sometimes it took up to three jumps to reach it, but it was worth it. You swung upside-down, and let go. Down you went. It was amazing. I was then given the chance to do something crazy, something scary, something FUN! To jump without a trapeze, arms spread out wide. I was scared, but I knew I could do it. 1......2......3 I jumped. It was Amazing! - I know I used that word earlier, but there is no other way to describe it. You could search the entire dictionary, but not a single word could do it justice. I went home that day a different person, feeling somewhat glad. I had tested my own faith, and prevailed. I would like to thank the Pinnacle of Terror team. They are professional miracle workers. I dare you, the person reading this, to go out and take a leap of faith today. I am certain you will come out a happier and better person. - Nakita (13, Winner of ABC TV’s Junior Einstein Factor 2009, Glenwood, NSW) | 
