Burgmann Anglican School students recently completed a series of Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journeys along the NSW South Coast between Tathra and Eden, undertaking challenging and rewarding experiences as part of their Silver and Gold Awards. These expeditions were shared Students from Radford College also participated in the journeys.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an internationally recognised program that encourages young people to develop independence, resilience, leadership and service through a combination of physical recreation, skill development, volunteering and Adventurous Journeys.
Across three concurrent journeys, students navigated bushwalking trails, paddled waterways, completed navigation and campcraft activities, and worked collaboratively to manage the demands of expedition life. Carrying all camping equipment in backpacks, students planned, purchased and prepared their own meals while adapting to changing conditions and supporting one another throughout the four-day experience.
One group constructed rafts using timber beams, ropes and plastic drums to transport themselves and their equipment across Bithry Inlet, while other groups completed sections of the Light-to-Light walk and paddled along the Towamba River.
Alongside the physical and logistical challenges, the journeys provided valuable opportunities for students to strengthen friendships, develop teamwork and build confidence in unfamiliar environments. Shared campsites, meal preparation and evenings around the campfire all formed part of the experience.
Students approached each challenge with enthusiasm, resilience and positivity, demonstrating strong collaboration and a willingness to step beyond their comfort zones.
A special highlight for the Year 12 Gold group was being accompanied throughout the four-day journey by Helen White, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Australia, including during the Light-to-Light walk and paddle along the Towamba River. Her visit provided an opportunity to experience first-hand the strength of Burgmann’s Duke of Edinburgh program and the opportunities it provides students through experiences like these.
Thank you to Mr Broadbent and Mr Langer from Burgmann Anglican School, Rev Kath Rainger and Mrs Sue Hassall from Radford College, and Coastlife Outdoor Education for supporting students throughout the journeys.