Duke of Ed | Term 1 Reflection
This Term saw our first Adventurous Journey for 2023! As part of the Duke of Edinburgh Program, 19 Year 10 students set off on their Practice Journey in the Grampians National Park. It was here they spent three days, camping, hiking and exploring to help prepare them for their qualifying journey.
Talia Hobbs, Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator
“It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.” This is a phrase that supported us throughout our whole Duke of Ed experience. There were many hardships and difficulties, but we all managed to come out of it with a grin on our faces. The long, treacherous hike to the top of the pinnacle was the second most challenging experience on camp, coming close behind having to use drop toilets.
In order to foster the sense of independence and world wide thinking that the Duke of Ed program stands for, we were responsible for the planning and execution of the whole journey. At school, we constructed our menus and itinerary, as well as completing risk assessments and delegated roles fairly, so everyone could develop their skills holistically.
As we drove towards the Grampians National Park, we were filled with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. Our first stop was the Halls Gap Zoo, where we were greeted by a friendly dingo and our guiding zookeeper for a tour of the beautiful and diverse array of animals. Following that, we headed to the campsite, and enthusiastically set up our tents in record time, just beating the rain.
Next came food, definitely a highlight of camp. Some of our dinners worked (sushi wraps, gnocchi, kimchi fried rice) and some of them didn’t (tinned soup) but learning to plan and prepare a meal that was trangia friendly, was a valuable experience. Lunch was wraps or salads, and breakfast included maple syrup toast with avocado, porridge, and a vast array of cereal. Dessert was a high point, which included Ms Hobbs’ famous chocolate ripple cake, rice pudding, and toasted marshmallows on the campfire.
After a sound night in our tents, we were recharged and ready for the Pinnacle walk. We hiked from Halls Gap to the top of the Pinnacle, with numerous snacks and water breaks, and there was doubt we would ever make it, but when we did, we were filled with a sense of accomplishment. Looking down from the pinnacle of the Pinnacle, we could see our campsite, Halls Gap, and what felt like the whole of the Grampians. The hike down was filled with laughter, and when we finally got the bottom, it was the best feeling we’ve ever experienced.
Three days seemed to fly by. We loved our Duke of Ed experience, and will forever cherish the bonds and memories we formed. We can’t wait for the next adventure.
Hannah J and Yiluo H