To achieve their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, a group of fit and well-prepared OHS students set off on their Silver Qualifying Journey into the rugged Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park. Over three days, they were tested by steep terrain, heavy rain, and muddy tracks, which proved a true challenge of endurance, resilience, and teamwork.
The adventure started with the group leaving OHS AT 9am. They formulated their team goals: to independently plan and navigate their route, carry the correct gear, apply map and compass skills, and demonstrate leadership and decision-making throughout the journey. They arrived at the Kaimai-Mamaku forest Park and hiked to Dalys Clearing Junction and then continued along the Waitawheta Tramway Track to Waitawheta Hut. The track was wet and muddy after heavy rain, making progress slow but steady. Before reaching the hut, students practiced safe river-crossing techniques and key safety principles, then put them into action. After drying out, they enjoyed a nighttime walk to spot glowworms near the hut,
On the second day, poor weather and low visibility forced a route change. Instead of their planned course, the group decided on a shorter and safer track to Dalys Clearing Hut. Between bursts of rain, thunderstorms, and even hail, the students found time for some fun, building a dam in the river and were concerned but amused when Mrs. Crews accidentally fell into a hole, pinned down by her pack! She emerged unscathed! The afternoon was filled with team bonding through First Aid practice, cooking dinner, playing cards, completing a jigsaw puzzle, and rescuing a curious possum from the toilet shed.
The final day brought another test of judgment and teamwork. After a successful first river crossing using the mutual support method, the group assessed the next crossing as unsafe due to rising water levels and heavy rain. Demonstrating excellent decision-making, they chose to retreat and take a longer alternative route out. Despite fatigue, everyone showed resilience and determination, arriving back at OHS at 5:30 p.m., tired, muddy, but justifiably proud of their achievement and teamwork.
This Silver Qualifying Journey proves that the OHS team truly has what it takes to succeed: courage, skill, leadership, and great camaraderie. They will have wonderful memories of this trip for many years. Their teachers, Mrs. Kate Crews and Mr. Mark Loveridge, could not have been more delighted with the achievements of the group.
