Duke of Edinburgh Awards - Bronze Qualifying Journey
18 of our Year 9 Students, celebrated their achieving their ‘Adventurous Journey’, towards their Duke of Edinburgh BronzeAward.
Before the camp there was weeks of Preparation and Training for the students. Every Wednesday after school, students attend meetings to prepare for their camp and discuss the other components of the Award. Last term they had a practice day included hiking around Piney Lakes with a filled backpack, cooking with a Trangia and setting up a tent.
Day 1
Students arrived at the college to pack their backpacks with all the gear they needed for the two-day over-night camp. They had to plan for all their meals and equipment that was needed. They commenced their journey at the base of Sullivans Rock making their way to Mt Cooke Campsite through Jarrahdale State Forest. Before head out to conquer the summit of Mt Cooke at an elevation of 582m, they set-up their tents and had lunch, returning to camp to cook dinner enjoy talking around the fire cooking s’mores and roasting marshmallows on a beautiful clear starlit night.
Day 2
At 6:30 students were up and having breakfast and preparing for their 14km (4.5hr) hike around the base of Mt Cooke. Each students carried 3-4 litres of water and enough snacks for the hike. Upon returning to the campsite, students completed packing up their tents and ate lunch before hiking back to Sullivans Rock for the drive back to school.
Three main components to complete the Adventurous Journey are:
- Preparation
- Training
- Minimum One Practice Journey and
- Qualifying Journey.
Students are assessed on: Effort, Perseverance, Progress, and Teamwork.
The Qualifying Journey Camp is the conclusion and one part of the four sections required for the Bronze Award. Other sections are Skills, Voluntary Service, and Physical Recreation, requiring a minimum commitment of 3-6 months. Bronze Award will be awarded to students in Term 4 upon the completion all four sections. These students can continue to challenge themselves further by pursuing the Silver then Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Finally, a big thank you to our Journey Co-ordinators, Ms Jacqui Johnson, Mr Jim Greaves and Mrs Nikki Griffiths.
