Gold

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.

Trip Reports

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.

Trip Reports

Youth Award Grant Te Whare Tapa Whā

By Guest Author|2023-05-03T14:54:51+12:00May 3rd, 2023

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.

Trip Reports

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.

Trip Reports

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.

Trip Reports

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.

Trip Reports

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.

Trip Reports

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.

Trip Reports

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.

Trip Reports

Youth Award Grant Highlights from Lake Waikaremoana

By Guest Author|2021-08-10T16:38:52+12:00February 28th, 2020

Five students from St. Matthew's College and recipients of the FMC Youth Award Grant: Duke of Edinborough’s Hillary Award Gold share highlights from tramping the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk -- a 46 kilometre track in Te Urewera, the homeland of the Tūhoe people.

Trip Reports

Youth Award Grant Tramping the St James Walkway, Lewis Pass

By Guest Author|2021-08-10T16:40:51+12:00February 16th, 2020

Liam Hewson embarks on a tramp three years in the making -- his final tramp for the Duke of Edinborough's Hillary Award Gold along the St. James Walkway, Lewis Pass.

Trip Reports

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.

Trip Reports

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.