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Accessible to All

Outdoor Community blog

Youth Tramping Accessible to All

By Guest Author|2023-11-27T10:35:38+13:00November 20th, 2023

“For a group of neuro-diverse students, the biggest challenge can be getting the opportunity to take part in outdoor adventures.” After five years in the making, nine neuro-diverse students from Wellington East Girls’ College head off for their biggest adventure yet – a six-day ski and snowshoeing trip to the Cardrona Valley. Unit Leader, Leonie King, shines light on the students’ barriers to entry and the preparation required to complete their Gold DOE's Hillary Award.

Stepping Into Discomfort

Youth Award Grant Stepping Into Discomfort

By Guest Author|2023-10-24T15:58:53+13:00October 24th, 2023

'No growth occurs when comfortable' becomes the guiding mantra for five Youth Award Grant recipients. Flexibility and persistence prove essential during their DOE Gold Qualifying Journey, as they respond to ill trampers and an emergency helicopter rescue along the Pinnacles.

Teamwork on the Tongariro Northern Circuit

Youth Award Grant Teamwork on the Tongariro Northern Circuit

By Guest Author|2023-06-01T10:07:49+12:00June 1st, 2023

"Journey – a long and often difficult process of personal change and development." For these four FMC Youth Award Grant recipients, they draw upon their strengths and honestly address their shortcomings to come together as a team to support one another, as well as look after fellow trampers on the Tongariro Crossing Northern Circuit.

Second Chance Success

Youth Award Grant Second Chance Success

By Guest Author|2023-02-07T10:49:19+13:00February 7th, 2023

A second attempt and an alternative route pays off for these four Duke of Edinburgh qualifiers. After a flooded track and health problems forces the group to turn back on their first try, they persevere and successfully complete their next tramp with lots of fun and skill building along the way.

Winter Tramping Along the Two Thumbs Range

Youth Award Grant Winter Tramping Along the Two Thumbs Range

By Guest Author|2022-09-07T07:08:56+12:00September 7th, 2022

Winter tramping and a roughly polled track presents these FMC Youth Award Grant recipients with new challenges, as they complete their Duke of Edinburgh Gold tramp along the Two Thumbs range from Mesopotamia to Tekapo in four days.

Party of Five on the Kepler Track

Youth Award Grant Party of Five on the Kepler Track

By Guest Author|2022-08-10T09:45:28+12:00August 10th, 2022

As a Youth Award Grant recipient, Harri Pickett embarks on a snowy Kepler Track and faces the tough decision to turn around when conditions become unsafe.

Crossing the Tararuas

Youth Award Grant Crossing the Tararuas

By Guest Author|2022-07-02T10:18:19+12:00May 30th, 2022

A crew of Silver Duke of Edinburgh qualifying students comes prepared with a contingency plan for every weather scenario, as they embark on the Tararuas and experience many of the elements that an alpine climate has to offer.

A Multi-Sport Mashup

Youth Award Grant A Multi-Sport Mashup

By Guest Author|2022-05-10T17:49:46+12:00May 10th, 2022

Despite high river levels cancelling their canoeing trip, this adventurous group of DOE Gold qualifiers bring a whole new meaning to 'carpe diem.' With their extra time, they tackle whitewater rafting, rock climbing and canyoning, even climbing Mount Ruapehu with ice axes.

Riding the Rapids

Youth Award Grant Riding the Rapids

By Guest Author|2022-02-07T21:48:42+13:00February 6th, 2022

From sunshine to high speed winds of over 100 km/h, a week-long rafting trip teaches Youth Award Grant recipient, Harry Brenton-Rule, to be prepared for every scenario in the backcountry.

An Un’Rees’onably ‘Dart’lightful Time

Youth Award Grant An Un’Rees’onably ‘Dart’lightful Time

By Guest Author|2022-02-04T16:13:54+13:00February 4th, 2022

What’s the hardest part of any tramp? A return to civilization. The Glen Eden Venturers tackle over 80km along the Rees Dart Track and while feeling reluctant to rejoin society, they become inspired to take their knowledge and train young scouts in backcountry skills.

Stewart Island

Youth Award Grant Stewart Island

By Guest Author|2021-08-20T14:34:24+12:00August 20th, 2021

Well known for being one of the muddiest tramps, Brianna Loan learns firsthand the frustration (and fun) of being stuck in the mud with mates. As a recipient of the FMC Youth Award Grant, she and her team share laughs, forge friendships, and together face a crucial safety decision when the weather turns.

Queen Charlotte Track

Youth Award Grant Queen Charlotte Track

By Guest Author|2021-08-10T16:39:23+12:00July 31st, 2021

For her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Expedition, student Veronica Amey and mates tramp, bike, and kayak the Queen Charlotte Track, where they discover the magic and beauty of exploring their own country.

Kaweka Forest Park

Youth Award Grant Kaweka Forest Park

By Guest Author|2021-08-10T16:40:41+12:00May 19th, 2021

What do you do when a fellow tramper gets an injury? FMC Youth Award Grant recipient, Dylan Barker, heads into Kaweka Forest Park with mates and learns firsthand how to face backcountry challenges, as well as how a good crew can make for a great trip.

Youth Award Grant Old Ghost Road

By Guest Author|2021-08-10T16:37:45+12:00May 6th, 2021

FMC Youth Award Grant recipient, Jessica Hydes, embarks on her Duke of Edinburgh Gold qualifying expedition joined by family and friends. She reflects on her 5-day mission and how motivation and goal setting plays a key role during her tramp.

Youth Award Grant Tarawera Falls

By Guest Author|2021-08-10T16:38:01+12:00February 10th, 2021

With the threat of being cancelled just hours before departure, the trip for these FMC Youth Award Grant recipients started out rocky. But after three days in the backcountry, they learned that "a trip is worth a little bit of chaos."

Mt Taranaki

Youth Award Grant Mt Taranaki

By Guest Author|2021-08-10T16:38:24+12:00January 26th, 2021

Students from Otamatea High School work towards their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award by ascending towards the clouds and climbing Mt Taranaki. Next up for these trampers is Gold level status.

Making Memories on the Humpridge Track

Youth Award Grant Making Memories on the Humpridge Track

By Guest Author|2021-08-10T16:35:51+12:00August 10th, 2020

As recipients of the FMC Youth Award Grant, eight students from St. Peters College brave the Humpridge Track in rain-soaked conditions and make lasting memories along the way.

Matemateonga wahine

Attitude is the key Matemateonga wahine

By Guest Author|2021-08-10T16:41:01+12:00October 31st, 2019

'Five tough wahine' from Northland come full circle; completing their Duke of Edinborough's Hillary Award with a journey that incorporates the area they visited when they first joined the Award programme.

From Northland to Southland

Youth Award Grant From Northland to Southland

By Guest Author|2021-08-10T16:41:10+12:00May 30th, 2019

A crew of high school students from the northern North Island head south to complete their Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award Gold Adventurous Journey with the help of a FMC grant.