Making a group decision

As part of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, the Year 10 boys  planned and organised a three day trip to Binna Burra at the Gold Coast Hinterland. The boys brought all their own equipment, did some hiking and cooked their own food.

This year Mother Nature taught the boys that no matter how well you plan you must be able to adapt. With severe weather conditions we had no choice but to camp at MBBC on Friday night, however, the boys made the most of the situation and some mighty games of dodge ball followed.

With the weather warning lifted on Saturday and forecasting clear conditions, we packed up camp and set off for Binna Burra. We then proceeded to walk some of the Border track, the highest and flattest track in the area. The boys quickly set off and enjoyed the walk into New South Wales shouting across the valley predictions for this year’s State of Origin.

Unfortunately, we found out that weather man can sometimes get it wrong and were quickly engulfed by heavy clouds followed by rain. It was a good lesson about changing weather conditions.

The resilience shown by the boys was impressive and it was great the see the support for each other as conditions became challenging.  There were a few leeches for the boys to contend with.

After a soggy return to MBBC on Saturday night, the boys eagerly cooked their dinner, played some sport then settled in for the night. Sunday proved to be an ideal day for a hike but with conditions too wet on wilderness walking tracks the boys hiked from MBBC through Lota to the Manly foreshore before returning to clean up their areas.

The staff were very impressed with the boys, in particular their ability to remain patient and understanding as weather conditions forced the group to adjust plans. I look forward to tackling the challenges of Woodford including hiking Heartbreak Hill, the 24 hour solo, high ropes and downhill mountain bike ride.  Let’s hope the weather is a bit better.

Thank you to Rob Wilson who offered  his trailer for the weekend it was greatly appreciated by the boys and staff.

Dr Sawyer
Senior School Team Leader
Duke of Ed Camp Leader