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Accessible to All

Youth Tramping  Accessible to All

“For a group of neuro-diverse students, the biggest challenge can be getting the opportunity to take part in outdoor adventures.” After five years in the making, nine neuro-diverse students from Wellington East Girls’ College head off for their biggest adventure yet – a six-day ski and snowshoeing trip to the Cardrona Valley. Unit Leader, Leonie King, shines light on the students’ barriers to entry and the preparation required to complete their Gold DOE's Hillary Award.

Te Whare Tapa Whā

Youth Award Grant  Te Whare Tapa Whā

Examining their Gold qualifying tramp through the lens of Te Whare Tapa Whā (the four dimensions of wellbeing), Alicia and Sophie reflect on the significant challenges they faced on the Rees-Dart Track and what strategies helped encourage them to continue.

Second Chance Success

Youth Award Grant  Second Chance Success

A second attempt and an alternative route pays off for these four Duke of Edinburgh qualifiers. After a flooded track and health problems forces the group to turn back on their first try, they persevere and successfully complete their next tramp with lots of fun and skill building along the way.

A Multi-Sport Mashup

Youth Award Grant  A Multi-Sport Mashup

Despite high river levels cancelling their canoeing trip, this adventurous group of DOE Gold qualifiers bring a whole new meaning to 'carpe diem.' With their extra time, they tackle whitewater rafting, rock climbing and canyoning, even climbing Mount Ruapehu with ice axes.

Turret Peak

Rolleston Range  Turret Peak

A fun, sociable weekend as Nina Dickerhof, Rob Munro, James Thornton, and Simon Bell visit the Rolleston Range at the head of Lake Coleridge and climb Turret Peak. This is Simon’s account of the trip, which was previously published in NZAC’s 'Vertigo.'

Stewart Island

Youth Award Grant  Stewart Island

Well known for being one of the muddiest tramps, Brianna Loan learns firsthand the frustration (and fun) of being stuck in the mud with mates. As a recipient of the FMC Youth Award Grant, she and her team share laughs, forge friendships, and together face a crucial safety decision when the weather turns.

The Gardens of Eden and Allah

Paradise Found  The Gardens of Eden and Allah

Nine days in the wilderness. Sylvie Admore, Helen Liley, Sam Richardson, Björn Striebing and Stephen Waite (Auckland University Tramping Club) meet Simon and invite him along on their trip to the Adams Wilderness Area not long after being introduced. Helen and Sylvie recall their memories of Simon on a trip that he described as 'spontaneous and excellent'.

Kaweka Forest Park

Youth Award Grant  Kaweka Forest Park

What do you do when a fellow tramper gets an injury? FMC Youth Award Grant recipient, Dylan Barker, heads into Kaweka Forest Park with mates and learns firsthand how to face backcountry challenges, as well as how a good crew can make for a great trip.

Wilderlife
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