Gold

Accessible to All

Youth Tramping  Accessible to All

“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

'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.

Te Whare Tapa Whā

Youth Award Grant  Te Whare Tapa Whā

Examining their Gold qualifying tramp through the lens of Te Whare Tapa Whā (the four dimensions of wellbeing), Alicia and Sophie reflect on the significant challenges they faced on the Rees-Dart Track and what strategies helped encourage them to continue.

A Multi-Sport Mashup

Youth Award Grant  A Multi-Sport Mashup

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.

Old Ghost Road

Youth Award Grant  Old Ghost Road

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 five-day mission and how motivation and goal setting plays a key role during her tramp.

Matemateonga Wahine

Youth Award Grant  Matemateonga Wahine

‘Five tough wahine’ from Northland come full circle. No longer 'wee little Bronzies,' they complete their Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award with a journey that incorporates the area they visited when they first began their DOE Adventurous Journey.

Wilderlife
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