The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at SCEGGS

“…a teaspoonful of resilience, a hot cupful of vitality…”

Half way through the year already – yes, for many of our candidates the first expedition of the year is done and dusted – amazingly, we have already led around 150 SCEGGS students on practice hikes in bushland around Sydney and the Blue Mountains – we hope it was a great experience for all, and that they are inspired and eager to embark on the Qualifying hike between now and year’s end. A reminder for any candidate that did not complete an intended hike that it’s not too late, there are still opportunities to do your two expeditions between now and the end of the year – just email or have a chat with Ms Bower.

We are jumping straight into the second round of expeditions this weekend, so we encourage our candidates to be organised, prepared, enthusiastic and motivated. As the year goes on and people can become tired, it’s tempting to delay a hike until “next time” – but as some of the senior students can attest, the further one gets through the year, the more the deadlines, dramas, surprises and setbacks can tie you up in knots – so take your opportunities to hike sooner rather than later, if possible.

For the same reason, candidates are best off keeping well ahead of schedule on their other Award Components – Volunteering, Skill, Recreation and, for the Golds, Residential. We encourage everyone to calculate an expected completion date based on the hours you have remaining and make that an aspirational deadline to work toward – put it in your diary, plan yourself a small reward for that week, tell friends and family that that’s your goal.

On more down-to-earth matters, we’ll remind you that camping over the next few months entails embracing all that a Sydney winter can offer – sparkling clear days with crystal sun-rays and the sharp nips of a frosty morning on the fingertips, but also long cold nights, and the potential of skin-anesthetising wind or rain. Plan carefully for the expected conditions, attend and engage with the group meetings, and listen to any advice from your Award Leaders with great regard – we’ve been doing this long enough to know all the mistakes and pitfalls that can occur, and have the best intentions to minimise your discomfort or disappointment.

So, all that said, let the adventures begin! Let’s make every trip a thoroughly memorable and exciting one with mindful planning, a teaspoonful of resilience, a hot cupful of vitality, and a backpack topped up with enthusiasm! Good luck to all, we can’t wait to share the grand outdoors with you on your next endeavour.

Joanne Bower and Doric Swain
Duke of Edinburgh Award Co-ordinators