Nineteen 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 22 March to Sunday 24 March 2019.

Students learned how to navigate through thick bush using a map and compass, carry a full pack all day (some fuller than others!) 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 and just knowing that ‘you made it’. The weather was hot and water was at a premium. Those who arrived at the top of the hill running low on water could earn a litre of water from the support vehicle by doing push-ups! Saturday night entertainment was cooking damper over the hot coals of an open fire using Mr Hobson’s famous recipe.

After the recent wet weather the waterholes were full and the larger creeks trickling slowly. We need more rain but still it was a welcome contrast to the dry conditions we have had over recent years.  The bush comes alive when there is water.

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, Mrs Petrie, and two Gold Awardees Kailee Vardon and Jaeden Vardon.

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.