by Clare Rayner

Compass Level 4 and Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous journey

Warrandyte State Park (31st and 1st Sept)

It has been a challenging couple of days in various ways for the students. Walking in the rain with full hike pack created some hazards on the slippery tracks. All students coped very well and developed their navigation techniques. Carrying the packs is also another challenge, which will get easier the more they try to do it, along with the cooking their meals on the camping stoves and aiming to be totally self-sufficient.

Many students spoke about the mental challenge as well as the physical one, they looked at their strategies to be resilient and beat that little voice that says "I can't do it" and they kept going to accomplish their expedition.

I was particularly impressed with their comradery and support of each other. This was the real strength of both the Compass and Duke Students – I loved to watch their developments.

Great job to all students and look forward to seeing your reflections, log books and a range of photos.

Thanks also goes to the staff and volunteers that help make this programme run. We will follow the next steps of our award group as they head to Murrindindi Scenic Reserve in Oct.