04 Sep 2013
The Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh's Award group recently completed their first overnight expedition designed as a training camp for their 3 day camp later in the term. The group walked in the Bellinger River National Park and camped next to an idyllic swimming hole in a pristine area. The students worked together to overcome challenges and they learnt how important it is to minimise the weight in their backpacks, how to prepare their own food; manage themselves in the campsite and along the walking trail. Students learnt how to use a GPS and read maps. They enjoyed relaxing by the river and even in a small waterfall on a side creek. Even though the night was quite cool, the group enjoyed beautiful weather during the day, a few even game enough to dive in and enjoy a refreshing dip! This group will be completing a 3 day bushwalk in Week 10 of this term in the Dorrigo National Park. A group of Year 8 students have also commenced their Duke of Edinburgh quest with a one day kayaking course at Oyster Creek. This day was all about teaching some basic skills to the students for future expeditions they undertake as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.