On Friday 15 and Saturday 16 May, 70 of our Year 9 Bronze Duke of Ed students completed their first adventurous journey. Half of the cohort set out from Waterfall, following the Bullawarring Track alongside Heathcote Creek. Kingfisher Pool was a standout moment, and students kept an eye out for the resident koalas as they continued toward their lunch stop at Battery Causeway.
The other half of the cohort began at Audley and hiked to Heathcote via the Engadine Track, with the waterhole on Kangaroo Creek proving to be a highlight of the day.
All groups arrived at Heathcote Scout Camp with time to rest and then learn the essentials of setting up tents. Students debriefed their day, reflected on their experiences, and then turned their attention to cooking dinner. The campfire and toasted marshmallows were a hit.
The next morning, groups swapped tracks to complete their hike. Having fewer groups along the same tracks helped with timing and flexibility. It was encouraging to hear students singing, chatting, and supporting one another along the way. They handled this introductory journey well, gaining a taste of the adventures still to come.
A big thank you to the teachers who volunteer their time to make these special experiences possible. Well done to all the students who stepped outside their comfort zone and embraced the challenge of the hike.
Mr Dave Catto
Duke of Edinburgh Leader