by Clare Rayner

A big congratulations goes out to our Level 4 Compass Award students for completing their final exploration in order to qualify for their Award. Our Bronze students also completed an amazing journey for their practice exploration.

All students were great throughout the whole weekend, trekking around the Nature Park at Phillip Island. On the Saturday they ventured from the Nobbies section to and around Cape Woolamai, and then on the Sunday they navigated their way from Smith’s Beach through the wetlands and inlet walks to Rhyll Fisherman’s Jetty. I could clearly see that the learning from all the students’ training had had a brilliant affect. They were increasing in their confidence and resilience as well as their skills. After a short burst of rain and hail as the students walked onto the Island over the bridge, the weather turned it on and they were able to see beautiful views, take photos and reap the rewards from their walking efforts. I was also impressed that the students’ support of each other continues to grow when making decisions about map reading, when needing to take rests and with other activities around camp. It is a pleasure to take the awardees on activities like this and especially to see young leaders/explorers develop!

All Award levels are almost finished; the Compass students have completed their final exploration, whilst Bronze and Silver have their final assessed explorations coming up. They all need to make their final hard pushes to complete their hours in the other three areas of the Award, as well as their reflections. Remember to contact me if you have any questions or if you are interested in starting the Award next year.