Duke of Edinburgh Camp
On the 9th and 15th of October, the students in the Duke of Edinburgh Co-curricular group embarked on their adventurous journeys on both the school oval and in the Grampians National Park, completing their Practice and Qualifying Camps for the Duke of Edinburgh Award program.
Practice Camp: 9th - 11th of October
During our two days on the school oval, we took part in a range of activities and excursions around the Geelong region. These included a session at the Rock Adventure Centre, a walk along Torquay Surf Beach, and a visit to Werribee Gorge. Throughout these days, students also participated in camping activities, including cooking, setting up and maintaining tents, as well as various team-bonding exercises and nighttime games.
Day 1 highlights:
- Travelled to the Rock Adventure Centre (Geelong) for a two-hour indoor rock climbing session.
- Completed a return walk along Torquay Surf Beach to Jan Juc (roughly 6 km total).Set up tents and prepared dinner on the school oval.
Day 2 highlights:
- Arrived at the Werribee Gorge for the circuit walk (10kms across 4 hours).
- Pack up tents and were dismissed at 3:30 pm.
This experience prepared us for our Qualifying Camp and helped us familiarise ourselves with our peers. Furthermore, it taught us the value of collaboration and persistence while also developing our sense of independence.
Qualifying Camp: 15th - 18th of October
Held within the Grampians National Park in Victoria, the Qualifying Camp consisted of several walks and outdoor activities spanning three days. These included shelter walks, rock climbing, bushwalking, and visiting lookouts.
Day 1 highlights:
- Travelled 3 hours to Halls Gap.
- Completed the Gulgurn Manja Shelter Walk (roughly 3.2 km total), followed by exploration of the Hollow Mountain trails.
- Set up tents and prepared dinner at Smith's Mill Campground.
Day 2 highlights:
- Participated in rock climbing with HanginOut.
- Completed the Fish Falls Walk (roughly 4.6 km).
- End of day 2.
Day 3 highlights:
- Visited Reeds Lookout.
- Completed the majority of the Grand Canyon walk in Halls Gap
- Driven back to SCHS & dismissal.
Conclusions:
We gained valuable lessons and experiences from both camps, fostering our curiosity and connection to nature while also completing the requirements for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
On behalf of the students who attended both camps, I’d like to thank Mr Bourke, Ms Evans, and Mr Haslinger for organising, planning, and leading the Duke of Edinburgh co-curricular program at SCHS. I believe the camps were memorable and meaningful experiences that will resonate with us for many years to come.”
Eric Lyu, R4
