Twenty nine students had their first training expedition for The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in the D’Aguilar National Park (formerly Mount Mee State Forest) from Friday 16 March to Sunday 18 March 2018.  This is the largest number of participants ever to join the Award from Northpine Christian College.

Students learned how to navigate through thick bush using a map and compass, carry a full pack all day and to work as a team to achieve the goal together.  Some of the highlights were swimming at a beautiful clear, secluded waterhole and waterfall, climbing up very steep hills and scrambling down steep descents, bush-bashing through lantana, crossing the infamous South Branch Creek while encountering the legendary ‘Wait-A-While’ vines and just knowing that ‘you made it’.  Some still carry the scars to prove it! Saturday night entertainment was cooking damper over the hot coals of an open fire.

After the recent wet weather the creeks and waterfalls were flowing, such a welcome contrast to the dry conditions we have had over recent years.  The bush comes alive when there is water.  We had sunny and very warm days.

The enthusiasm, energy, positive attitude and the willingness to help others was what made this camp special.

Congratulations to all those who completed the expedition.  We encourage you to continue on with your Duke’s journey.

Thank you to our supervisors Mr Hobson, Mr Wilson, Mrs Coleman, Mr Petrie, Mr Forbes, Miss Houstoun, Mrs Cunningham and Gold participant assistant, Kaliesha Coyte.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is open to any young person from 14 years and it challenges students to develop in a holistic way.  For information see Mr Hobson or Mr Wilson or check out the link to The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award on the school start page.