On 3-5 August, Fourteen Silver Award participants from Northpine Christian College set off on a three day expedition on Bribie Island. The expedition explored the northern end of the island which is only accessible by 4WD or foot. There are no paved roads, just sand tracks. The first day was a hike into Poverty Point Campground which is on the western side of the island on Pumistone Passage. There were great views and reflections and a spectacular sunset over the sea to the Glass House Mountains.  Many enjoyed playing in the shallow cool waters of the passage after the walk in.  There was an abundance of kangaroos and birdlife around the campsite. That evening we walked out to the mud flats looking at the stars and a very bright Mars and Venus as well as hundreds of small crabs. A beautiful sunny Queensland day was followed by a toasty campfire to warm up the cool evening.

The next day was a long hike across the Island.  We passed through pine forests and native bush. Some took a short cut through a burnt out swamp area which proved to be not as easy as first thought. The tracks were sandy and where possible we avoided the sections where 4WD vehicles had carved the tracks into soft sand which was more difficult to walk in. Again it was another beautiful warm sunny day as we reached the surf side at Ocean Beach, our second night. That evening we sat on the beach looking at the stars, the lights of Caloundra and watched an ocean liner sail past, all lit up like a small city. A warm campfire and a few stories latter we were being lulled into sleep by the relaxing sounds of the surf.

One group was up early on Sunday morning and started their walk out before sunrise. It was a big hike out along the surf side.  There was a low tide in the morning which made the walk out easier with the firm sand. Early in the afternoon as the tide came up there was less firm sand which made walking a little more challenging. It was another beautiful day with a cool breeze and the relaxing sound of the surf and views across to Moreton Island. There were some tired muscles and a few blisters but all finished in good spirits.

Students used map and compass and latitude and longitude from the GPS to pinpoint their location. The top end of Bribie Island is such a beautiful place and not as well-known.

This was an excellent trip to prepare them for their qualifying expedition which will be on Moreton Island. Congratulations to the participants for completing the challenge!

Thank you to our helpers Mrs Luisa Coleman, Miss Dammia Brosnan, Mr Clayton Forbes, and Mr Darryl Hobson

-Mr Colin Wilson, Camp Leader

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is open to all students who are 14 or over.  It aims to provide a challenging and fun environment where students learn to become more independent and learn new skills.  For more information go to http://dukes.northpine.qld.edu.au or contact Mr Hobson or Mr Wilson.