Students’ life-changing trek
• A group of Scottsdale High School Students tackled the Overland Track, finishing the trek last week. Photo supplied.
By Daisy Baker
November 18, 2020
A group of eight Scottsdale High School students completed their six-day long Overland Track Expedition last week, during which they covered 65km.
The school’s participants in the Duke of Edinburgh award had the opportunity to apply for a position on the Overland Track Expedition at the end of 2019.
The selected four year 10 and four year nine students were accompanied by two teachers and two guides.
Each student was required to carry their own pack, which included tents, cooking equipment, clothes, food, sleeping bag and mat, weighing approximately 22 kilos.
The longest day saw the group walk 17 kilometres from Lake Windemere to Pelion.
SHS assistant principal Jodie Clifford was one of the teachers who accompanied students on the trek.
She said the first three and a half days presented challenging weather conditions, with rain, wind and snow.
“We were fortunate that the final three days were beautiful sunshine, where we were able to take off the wet weather gear, sit by the waterfalls and enjoy time together,” she said.
“The students, their parents and staff were all extremely proud of what they had achieved.
“There were some challenging moments, fatigue, sore bodies, coldness which challenged the students, however they showed guts and determination to support and encourage each other.
“Some of the most memorable moments came at the end of each day, when students would cook their evening meal together and then hang out at the helicopter pads, playing cards, chatting and reflecting on the day and all they had achieved.”
Ms Clifford said it was a life-changing experience for the students involved.
“They now know that there isn’t anything that they can’t achieve in life,” she said.
“We spoke about and hope they realise that they can overcome any challenge thrown at them and do so with courage and compassion.”
Students began training in December last year in preparation for the walk which was initially scheduled for March.
The expedition was postponed due to COVID but they were pleased to be able to do it this month.
Ms Clifford said the second round of training was much harder, given that it wasn’t a certainty until four weeks before the trip if it would actually go ahead.
She said students did plenty of bushwalking with their families in the lead up, as well as a weekly hike as part of the Duke of Edinburgh class at school.
Ms Clifford said the school was fortunate to have won the one-off trip from the Flight Centre Foundation as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
“We would like to thank Duke of Ed Tasmania, the Flight Centre Foundation and On Track Expeditions for such an amazing experience.”