Youth

All Weather Tramp on the Heaphy

Youth Award Grant All Weather Tramp on the Heaphy

By Guest Author|2024-04-14T18:11:47+12:00April 14th, 2024

Thunder and lightning, sunshine, rain and even hail accompanies Bella and Egor's Duke of Edinburgh Gold Qualifier, pushing Egor to persevere through his fear of thunderstorms and even declare: "I have loved my Adventurous Journey, as it has opened up many wonderful New Zealand backcountry places that we have explored." As recipients of the FMC Youth Award Grant, Bella Allen and Egor Shefer reflect on their trip of a lifetime along the Heaphy Track.

Four Years to Gold

Youth Award Grant Four Years to Gold

By Guest Author|2024-03-26T12:40:09+13:00February 20th, 2024

From a weka invasion to endless blisters, Phoebe Squire and four classmates earn their DOE Gold on the Queen Charlotte Track in the spectacular Marlborough Sounds.

Exploring Diverse Vegetation and Landscapes

Youth Award Grant Exploring Diverse Vegetation and Landscapes

By Guest Author|2024-02-12T10:25:05+13:00February 12th, 2024

Time for Gold! Zander Groenewald from Otamatea High School in Northland completes his Duke of Edinburgh Gold expedition around Taranaki Maunga.

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.

Starting From Scratch

Youth Award Grant Starting From Scratch

By Guest Author|2023-11-07T14:34:12+13:00November 7th, 2023

No ride, no problem. FMC Youth Award Grant recipient, Tara Isaacs, organises her own DOE Gold Qualifier from the ground up. Starting without a team, a shadower or a ride, she compiles a crew and all the components necessary to cross off one of her 'bucket list tramps' – the Abel Tasman Coastal Walk.

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.

Winter Wonderland on the Ruahines

Youth Award Grant Winter Wonderland on the Ruahines

By Guest Author|2024-01-08T12:28:23+13:00March 4th, 2023

Freezing temperatures bring unexpected challenges to a group of Duke of Edinburgh Silver qualifiers on the Ruahines. But through it all, they embrace the magic of a winter wonderland tramp surrounded by snow and icicles and demonstrate what is to be a good hut steward.

Stewart Island

Youth Award Grant Stewart Island

By Guest Author|2024-01-08T12:20:53+13:00August 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|2024-01-08T12:55:40+13:00July 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|2024-01-08T12:22:13+13:00May 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.

Old Ghost Road

Youth Award Grant Old Ghost Road

By Guest Author|2023-12-11T16:45:24+13:00May 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 five-day mission and how motivation and goal setting plays a key role during her tramp.

Ascending Towards the Clouds

Youth Award Grant Ascending Towards the Clouds

By Guest Author|2024-01-21T18:26:54+13:00January 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.

Clubs Thriving or Just Surviving? Clubs of the Future

By Guest Author|2024-01-29T12:08:10+13:00November 16th, 2020

What are the role of clubs and how can they stay relevant for future generations? Kathy Ombler, journalist and FMC member, delves into the many creative ways clubs are practicing diversity, advocacy, and technology.

Attempting the Tongariro Northern Circuit

Youth Award Grant Attempting the Tongariro Northern Circuit

By Guest Author|2024-01-21T18:45:00+13:00August 19th, 2020

Four friends set out on their Silver qualifying journey only to be tested by weather, thereby demonstrating their maturity in choosing safety over the finish line.

Making Memories on the Humpridge Track

Youth Award Grant Making Memories on the Humpridge Track

By Guest Author|2024-01-11T12:12:31+13:00August 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.

Part I: A Long Run on our Long Pathway

Te Araroa Part I: A Long Run on our Long Pathway

By Guest Author|2024-01-29T12:00:43+13:00June 12th, 2020

As a recipient of the FMC Youth Expedition Scholarship, Mary Williams departs on a solo mission to complete the South Island section of the Te Araroa Trail.

Jolly Times at Jollie Brook

Youth Award Grant Jolly Times at Jollie Brook

By Guest Author|2024-01-21T19:06:27+13:00January 14th, 2020

Despite a wet forecast, Henrietta Haskell and six other candidates of the Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award strive for Silver on the next level of their Adventurous Journey.

Matemateonga Wahine

Youth Award Grant Matemateonga Wahine

By Guest Author|2024-01-21T20:13:49+13:00October 31st, 2019

‘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.

From Northland to Southland

Youth Award Grant From Northland to Southland

By Guest Author|2024-01-21T19:48:34+13:00May 30th, 2019

With the help of a FMC grant, a crew of high school students from Northland head south to complete their Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award Gold Adventurous Journey.