Charlotte
Award Level:
Bronze
Favourite memory of the Award:
My favourite memory of my Award was trying everything I had never done before, which was honestly everything I did. From camping with friends overnight and hiking through the bush with a pack almost my size, to taking bearings and using a compass, I learnt many new skills and ways to appreciate my life. For example, I will never ever complain about how heavy my school bag is after lugging around a pack that was just over 1/4 of my weight. I appreciated the time I had to have fun with my friends as we were on our journey. It helped to connect me closer with my friends, and I will never forget the long chats we had during our hours and hours of walking.
Age:
15
Biggest challenge from doing the Award:
The biggest challenge I faced while completing my Award was learning to have the right mindset. Going into the Award, I was nervous that I wouldn't have the time to log enough hours into my record book, or maybe that I wouldn't survive the night in a tent during the middle of winter. But honestly, with the right mindset, none of that was a worry. Staying motivated was hard, especially when my legs were too short to reach where I needed to step or when a rooster started constantly crowing from 5 in the morning. But being alongside my friends and having something that motivated me helped me get through my adventure journey. It pushed me mentally to a state I never thought I would reach, and I am happy that I experienced my journey.
Country:
Australia
Have you continued any of your Award activities? If so, what:
I had wanted to start doing some sort of soccer coaching for a while, and Duke of Ed finally got me to do it. I had an amazing time volunteering as a soccer coach, regardless of the crazy under-7 boys' team I was assigned to. I am definitely looking forward to coaching again next season, as it really benefits me and my community.
Tell us the story behind your photo:
Sometimes before you go the right way you have to go every other way first, this photo shows that you cannot go forwards without going backwards. My team and I were travelling, or as we liked to call it; bush-bashing, through some thick and spikey bush. Occasionally, we would come across large rock surfaces, where we would stop and regather everybody. Instead of a gathering point, every once in a while we would use these rocks to stand on and look at our paths from a different perspective. From time to time, it is good to take another look at the environment around you from a different angle... preferably an angle where twigs aren't sticking into your face. Not only did this give us a better idea of which were the less aggressive paths to take, but it also let us stop, breathe and take in our beautiful surroundings. My team and I appreciated these beautiful moments in our journey.
Award Role:
Participant