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CACaburras embark on Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition

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Year 10 Coomera Anglican College students recently trekked and camped in Mount Barney National Park to complete the “adventurous journey” component of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award

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Year 10 Coomera Anglican College students recently trekked and camped in Mount Barney National Park to complete the “adventurous journey” component of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award.

The Award is an internationally recognised youth development programme for young people aged 14 to 24, helping to cultivate individual goal setting and self-improvement through persistence and achievement.

There are three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, which progressively become more challenging. The Bronze and Silver levels have four equally important sections: voluntary service, physical recreation, skills and adventurous journey. The Gold level has an additional residential project component.

The adventurous journey section of the Bronze Award requires participants to embark on a team journey with a specific purpose in an unfamiliar environment, so they can develop self-confidence in challenging circumstances.

To succeed in the adventurous journey component of their Bronze Award, students must demonstrate the skills of leadership, teamwork, initiative, problem-solving, resilience and empathy. These skills align with Coomera Anglican College’s (CAC’s) future-focused 21st century goals.

The small group of CAC students led by college teachers, Mr Manson and Mr Sendon, trekked in mosquito-ridden conditions, which were caused by recent flooding events, to their camp site near Mt Barney Creek at Paddy’s Plain.

Students set up camp and spent a night in the national park to satisfy Award requirements and cooked their own hot meals.

Year 10 CAC students enjoying the sights of Mount Barney National Park

CACaburras enjoying the sights of Mount Barney National Park (near Rathdowney) during a Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award expedition in March 2022

Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Bronze participant Chelsea Owen described the journey as a rewarding experience and said that she particularly enjoyed the unique natural landmarks.

“On the first day, we hiked up the side of Paddy’s Peak, stopping by a beautiful waterfall for a quick break,” Miss Owen said.

“As we were leaving the waterfall, it was getting dark, so we turned on our head torches to continue the last stretch of the hike to the campsite.

“We set up camp in a clearing in the forest, ready for the walk the next day. I want to thank Mr Manson and Mr Sendon for making the camp possible and encouraging us along the way.”

Although the hike was challenging, students returned home on the Sunday in high spirits, glad to have successfully completed their qualifying Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award adventurous journey.

Founded in 1956 by the late Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, the Award is a leading structured (informal education) youth development programme, empowering young people aged 14-24 to  find their purpose, passion and place in the world, regardless of their location or circumstance.

Editor’s note 7/4/2022: “CACaburra” is a blend of “CAC” (Coomera Anglican College) and the “kookaburra”. “CACaburra” is an affectionate name for CAC’s sport teams and other activity groups. 

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