On Wednesday 7 March the Year 10 VET Sport and Recreation class did an 8km practice hike in the Dandenong Ranges National Park in preparation for their upcoming hike at Falls Creek on 3 May.
Here are some student reflections of the experience:
We set out on this adventure to obtain navigation skills and to apply the minimal impact principles when hiking through the bush. This practice hike gave us some insight to what our Falls Creek hike could be like. The teacher is the real highlight — Mr Beard is an outstanding teacher with tons of enthusiasm that makes the journey all worthwhile.
— Andre Parlas (Year 10 Blue)
We went on this hike to prepare and practice for our upcoming long distance hike in May, and we also improved our direction skills. It was a bit chilly in the morning but eventually the weather became perfect for the hike. The ground and trees were pretty damp from previous rainfall and we could hear lots of birds around us in the trees. We walked on a road as well as narrow, windy tracks, up a semi-steep hill and at one point we had to walk down a very steep hill — it was pretty tough not to tumble down.
— Domi Kaczmarek (Year 10 Silver)
The team arrived at the park and parked the bus and all got together in a group discussing maps, how to use a compass, staying safe and protecting the environment. It started off pretty easy and relaxed and then it got harder and harder. We went on several different paths and several different tracks and all worked as a class to follow the map. Every few kilometres the group all met together and stopped to listen to our five senses to see what we could see, hear, smell, taste and touch.
— April Stewart (Year 10 Gold)
The task gave us great skills for our upcoming hiking camp in May, including navigation, knowledge and some practical aspects to get us prepared. I enjoyed the experience. I felt I could enjoy the peace and quiet and really appreciate the nature of the area.
— Samara Brauman (Year 10 Gold)
