Duke of Edinburgh Award

GOLD DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD

At the end of June 2021, eight Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award participants went on the trip of a lifetime to the Northern Territory.

As part of the Adventurous Journey component, we completed the Jatbula Trail in Nitmiluk National Park, north of Katherine. The Trail has been walked for thousands of years by Jawoyn people as part of their songline - also called dreaming track. We experienced six days of hiking, great exploring around scenic campsites, countless incredible swimming opportunities, and valuable life lessons.

To prepare, we spent some time in Katherine unwinding from the busy term. What a relief, with exams finishing the day before. We were lucky to spend time soaking in the Katherine Hot Springs, where we even met a friend of Ms Jane Danvers’ mum! It was then time to prepare for the trek, packing our rucksacks and groceries to equip us with all that we needed. It started with a boat transfer across Katherine River, that took us to the beginning of the walk. As we familiarised ourselves with the landscape and trail in 30 degrees plus temperatures, we needed many drink breaks along the way. We practiced our navigation and leadership skills, as this journey was about being self-sufficient. Our days stared early to avoid the scorching sun. This meant we enjoyed picturesque sunrises on the track, or short but rejuvenating sunrise yoga sessions. Some days felt exceptionally long. On others, we took our time solo walking to practice mindfulness and take in all that was around us. The environments were varied, feeling like we were on a different trail multiple times a day - from sections charred by controlled burns, marshes studded with Banksia, rocky outcrops on top of the escarpment with distant views of waterfalls, and open grassy woodlands - just to name a few. We navigated river crossings with minimal errors. One crossing had to be done multiple times – we’d left our floaty rings at the campsite on the other side - and Head of Outdoor Education, Ms Lauren Walker forgot her boots.

On one of our well-deserved breaks, we enjoyed the peace and cool of the Amphitheatre - a pocket of monsoon rainforest located in a compact steep sided depression, containing artwork of the Jawoyn people that was thousands of years old. The incredibly preserved rock art on stunning orange and yellow sandstone walls, here and on other part of the trail, gave us a deeper understanding of the culture, traditions, and practices of the Jawoyn people.

WILDERNESS SCHOOL CELEBRATES FIRST STUDENT TO ACHIEVE GOLD DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD SINCE ITS RE INTRODUCTION

Congratulations to Amolika Bhatia, who has completed her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, our first student to achieve this prestigious award since its reintroduction to Wilderness. Amolika has embraced challenges and new adventures as part of the Award and made many significant contributions, having an impact on the lives of others in the community.

JATBULA JOURNEY

After long and hot days, we were rewarded with stunning campsites - either right on the riverbank, a waterhole, or even nearby stunning cascades - which we explored until sunset. Craving the adventures each afternoon - and in awe of each new location - we swam in waterfalls, explored, and scrambled upstream to larger waterholes and small cascades, or peacefully floated around watching birds and dragon flies. We spent our nights keeping entertained with games, sharing stories and delicious desserts, relaxing at camp painting gum nuts, or choreographing a dance routine to recount the events of the trip. Switching off each unforgettable night sleeping under the stars - protected by a mosquito net. Unfortunately, the blisters of one of the hikers were so severe that they had to complete the last section wearing crocs and hiking socks - a memorable experience for her. Finally, this incredible hike came to an end at Edith Falls. Swimming under one last large waterfalls, we were rewarded with a basket of delicious watermelon and a fresh bakery lunch. There was an ‘interesting’ end in Darwin. Following a well-deserved celebratory dinner and a good night’s sleep, we were excited to check out the Nightcliff Markets. But this excitement was short lived as we heard that there was a COVID outbreak in Darwin. We rushed to the airport and spent the rest of the day playing card games and relaxing before arriving home safely. We had our COVID tests and went our separate ways. This experience was truly like none other. We formed life-long bonds with everyone on the trip. The group dynamic was the foundation for each memorable moment that will stay with us for many years to come. This trip really pushed us out of our comfort zone; our curious natures craving each afternoon’s adventures. Being surrounded by natural, untouched beauty provided countless moments of awe, reinforcing our connection to the land and desire to explore.

We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and for Ms Walker and Outdoor Education Assistant, Charley Newton for enjoying the journey with us.

Amelia Vlahakis, Leah Unerkov and Mia Jersmann Gold Duke of Edinburgh Participants

SILVER DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD FLINDERS BUSHWALK

As part of our adventurous journey component for the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award, 26 Year 10s had the privilege of travelling to the Flinders Ranges for a six-day bushwalk.

While COVID-19 saw the initial date of our camp postponed, we are incredibly grateful for the dedication of our Head of Outdoor Education, Ms Lauren Walker, and other Outdoor Education staff and instructors, without whom, this unique and precious experience would not have been possible.

Despite this minor obstacle, we embarked on our journey on an incredibly bright and sunny day, filled with anticipation and excitement. After splitting the large group into three, each group took a unique route leading back to Wilpena Pound. We soon began to form connections with our peers and relearn or newly-learn the camping skills necessary for the rest of the bushwalk.

Surrounded by a spectacular landscape that boasted breathtaking views and stunning wildlife, we learnt to appreciate the environment and the unique state we live in - while also growing a newfound understanding of the importance of taking care of our precious earth. Adopting the ‘leave no trace’ ideology, we made conscious and considerate decisions and actions by carrying our own rubbish, leaving campsites better than we found them and responsibly managing food waste to ensure that the Flinders was as beautiful as it was for us, for generations to come. The rewarding nature of this bushwalk meant that even though the more challenging days presented us with some lows, they undoubtedly always ended with breathtaking views and places, such as Aroona Ruins and Brachina Gorge. We also had the privilege of attending a Welcome to Country, presented by a local Adnyamathanha gentleman who educated us on the creation story of Wilpena Pound, ochre, bush tucker and our obligation to preserve the Flinders Ranges. This bushwalk enabled us to develop our teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal skills - while also personally learning and growing. In addition, the bushwalk presented us with many opportunities to push our boundaries and embrace a growth mindset, whether that was physically when crossing mountains, or mentally when pushing through tiring parts of the day.

These experiences have definitely been character building and have given us new perspectives and skills which will be highly useful throughout our lives.

Furthermore, when presented with challenges during the hike, we experienced first-hand the power of friendship and support. Knowing our peers and instructors always had our backs, we formed bonds and friendships that will last for life. Additionally, each group learnt what tactics worked best to distract them - often using the well-loved distractions of singing and conversation starters as well as coming up with their own. With a never give up attitude, and the goal of getting to Wilpena Pound in mind, we persevered and pushed through the challenges we faced. With the initial guidance of our instructors, we quickly learnt to become highly capable and self-sufficient campers, leaving the experience with a greater depth of knowledge and ability around camping. This experience produced many unforgettable highlights, many of which featured the landscape and people we were surrounded by. For many girls, this camp holds fond memories and moments they will cherish forever.

One moment that really encapsulated the happy spirit of the bushwalk was sitting under the stars by the campfire on the last night, toasting marshmallows and laughing with our friends - the utter sense of appreciation and contentment in the air and the reality of this phenomenal experience sinking in. This truly was a once in a lifetime experience that we will cherish forever. We couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity.

Nidhi Karachur and Molly Simpson Flinders Bushwalk Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award Participants