NSW OPEN Gold Prac/Qual December 16-21

If registrations for this program have closed, or the program has sold out, please email [email protected] to be placed on the waitlist.
This GOLD PRAC or QUAL ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY is for all OPEN participants 
THIS IS A HIKE ONLY PROGRAM IN KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK 

DATES & TIMES:

Start: 7.30am on Monday, December 16 2024                    

Finish: 2:3opm on Saturday, December 21 2024

PICK UP & DROP OFF:

  • The program location for the practical journey will be Kosciuszko National Park.
  • Drop-off and pick-up location for all students will be YouthAdvance Head Office  – Unit 31, 42-46 Wattle Street, Brookvale, Sydney. 
  • Please park in either Wattle Street or Mitchell street, walk through either roller door entrance and make your way up the stairs to the top level and locate our warehouse.
  • Ensure you monitor traffic conditions and that arrangements are made for a prompt drop off and pick up of participants.
  • If you are going to be late, please call 0457 199 777, and leave a message.

HEAD HERE TO NAVIGATE TO YOUTHADVANCE HEAD OFFICE

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • TRANSPORT to and from Program Location
  • All camping and National Park/State Forest fees;
  • Instruction and supervision from our experienced and qualified outdoor educators;
  • Group communication devices i.e. InReach, radios and satellite phones;
  • Group remote area first aid kit;
  • Preliminary training (online);
  • On trip pre and post briefing;
  • Access to Zoom Question & Answer sessions with our guiding team before your AJ;
  • Participant map, map case and compass (1 per participant).

ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY DETAILS: Gold Prac or Qual: 4 days / 3 nights

Gold Duke of Ed program will teach an advanced level knowledge of camp craft, navigation and bush safety. A intermediate level of risk assessment and management will also be applied here. The goal by the end of the practice is they should be comfortable independently leading a small group with minimal supervision and qualifying students should show this level of confidence and be prepared to navigate their own route through the bush.

Venturing off the Snowy Mountains Highway, between Tumut and Cooma, to discover this remote but rewarding corner of Kosciuszko National Park and discover Kosciuszko’s wild northeast corner. Lace up your hiking boots then set off amongst the treeless plains, snow grass valleys and mountain woodland, many of the slopes surrounding the high plains are covered in bright wildflowers in spring. Explore the limestone gorges, caves, waterfalls and the various huts that highlight this area’s rich colonial heritage.

Trekking through the Jagungal Wilderness Area of the Snowy Mountains, staying at various historical and beautiful huts, students will experience Australia’s High Country at its finest. Commencing at Round Mountain Hut, students will navigate as a team to summit Mount Jagungal for sunrise or sunset and make new friends and memories along the way.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR ADVENTUROUS JOURNEYS

MEALS:

Participants will need to bring ALL meals and snacks for the duration of the four day, three night AJ as well as the travel days. More information is available under the resources section of your YA Portal account which you can access when logged into our website.

Day 1  |  Lunch (or money for lunch as we will stop on the road) and Dinner
Day 2  |  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3  |  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4  |  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5  |  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6  |  Breakfast and lunch (or money for lunch as we will stop on road)

  • In addition to the above, participants should also bring their own snacks and an emergency meal (eg. a freeze dried/dehydrated meal).
  • Please be aware that ALL YouthAdvance AJs are NUT FREE

CLICK HERE FOR MEAL PREPARATION IDEAS AND PLANNING

EQUIPMENT:

Using appropriate gear is instrumental in ensuring that you have an enjoyable and comfortable experience – we cannot stress this enough. A link to the equipment list will be emailed to you ahead of the journey, but you can also find it here.

In addition to the detailed list, key mandatory items participants need to bring, include:

  • Backpack
  • Tent
  • Sleeping Bag (suitable to the weather conditions eg. in winter you must have a minimum COMFORT rating of -5 degrees,  and in the shoulder and summer the COMFORT rating must be 0 degrees)
  • Sleeping Mat
  • Shoes/Hiking Boots (ensure these have been worn in)
  • Stove & Gas Bottle (or fuel)
  • Pots & Pans
  • Mess Kit – Cutlery, Plate/Bowl & Mug
  • 3 x 1L Water Bottles (must carry a minimum of 3L in 2 separate containers)
  • Clothing, Shoes & Personal items (More details on our FULL Equipment List)
  • Rain Jacket & Rain Pants (Waterproof, seam-sealed Gortex)
  • Pen/Pencil & Notebook

YouthAdvance provides an option for participants for hire a backpack, tent or stove (with gas bottle, pots & pans). Should you wish you hire equipment, please login to the YA Portal on our website to hire or email [email protected] with your request. Please note that this MUST be done a minimum of five days prior to the AJ departure date. All hire equipment will be available for collection upon arrival at the program venue.

Please note that the above list of equipment is mandatory. As such, should a participant attend program without the required equipment that is in good condition and suitable for use, for safety reasons that participant will be sent home and will forfeit their fee. It is imperative that appropriate and safe equipment is brought to camp.

GO HERE FOR EQUIPMENT PACKING INFORMATION & GUIDELINES

PRELIMINARY TRAINING & USEFUL INFORMATION:
  • If this is your PRACTICE program, registered participants will be required to complete the Online Preliminary Training work.
  • To access and complete your Online Preliminary Training (OLP) you need to log into your YA Portal account on our website and head to the courses section of your account.
    • You will be sent additional details in the emails leading up to camp.

     

  • Create an Account: https://www.youthadvance.com.au/create-an-account/
    Award Centre: Adventurous Journeys
    Secret Code: YAdukeofedAJ

HEAD TO YOUTHADVANCE PRELIMINARY TRAINING COURSES

ONLINE RECORD BOOK APPROVAL:

You will need to get Award Leader approval in the Online Record Book prior to attending the journey. You can set it up with the following details:

Practice or Qualifying  Journey Date: 16-21 April 2024
Location: Kosciuszko National Park

SUPERVISOR/ASSESSOR: YouthAdvance Guide. PHONE: +61 2 9170 4655. EMAIL: [email protected]

POST JOURNEY:

Practice Section: Log in to your Online Record Book (ORB) and under Practice Journey add any relevant documents and observations from the journey (if you are unsure what to submit, speak with your Award Leader at school). Once complete, hit the “Send Report” button and YouthAdvance will provide assessor feedback. You will then need to get to final approval from your Award Leader.

Qualifying Section: Log in to your ORB and under Qualifying Journey, upload your Report to the FILES section, include any observations from the journey and hit the “Send Report” button and YouthAdvance will provide assessor feedback. 

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

  • The expedition WILL NOT be postponed because of forecast “unsettled” weather. However, in the event of unseasonably bad weather, or if a severe weather warning is issued in the program venue, the expedition may be postponed to ensure the safety of our participants. You will be notified of this via email.
  • Please be aware that the program rundown may alter slightly, particularly drop off and pickup times, and these will be confirmed prior to each program via email.
  • The minimum number of participants for this program is 14. We will advise you if there are concerns about the program being postponed.
  • Please note that if you withdraw from this trip within 2 weeks of the journey, all fees paid will be forfeited as our expenses are all prepaid.
  • Please note that terms and conditions apply to this booking page. By processing this registration you acknowledge that you accept the Terms & Conditions.
CONTACT US:

 

NBSC Gold Snowy Mountains Program June 3-8

If registrations for this program have closed, or the program has sold out, please email [email protected] to be placed on the waitlist.
This GOLD ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY is for Northern Beaches Secondary Students ONLY 
NOTE: THIS IS A HIKE ONLY PROGRAM IN KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK AND ALLOWS FOR TRAVEL. NOTE THAT THIS PROGRAM VENUE MAY HAVE TO BE ALTERED IN THE EVENT OF EARLY SEASONAL SNOWFALL FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR PARTICIPANTS.

DATES & TIMES:

Start: 7.00am on Monday, June 3 2024                    

Finish: 2:3opm on Saturday, June 8 2024

PICK UP & DROP OFF:

  • The program location for the practical journey will be Kosciuszko National Park.
  • Drop-off and pick-up location for all students will be NBSC Freshwater Campus at 153 Harbord Rd, Curl Curl, NSW.
  • Ensure you monitor traffic conditions and that arrangements are made for a prompt drop off and pick up of participants.
  • If you are going to be late, please call 0457 199 777, and leave a message.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • TRANSPORT to and from Program Location
  • All camping and National Park/State Forest fees;
  • Instruction and supervision from our experienced and qualified outdoor educators;
  • Group communication devices i.e. InReach, radios and satellite phones;
  • Group remote area first aid kit;
  • Preliminary training (online);
  • On trip pre and post briefing;
  • Access to Zoom Question & Answer sessions with our guiding team before your AJ;
  • Participant map, map case and compass (1 per participant);
  • Final night camp out in a caravan park (with hot showers!) and dinner provided.

ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY DETAILS: Gold Prac and Qual: 6 days / 5 nights

Gold Duke of Ed program will teach an advanced level knowledge of camp craft, navigation and bush safety. A intermediate level of risk assessment and management will also be applied here. The goal by the end of the practice is they should be comfortable independently leading a small group with minimal supervision and qualifying students should show this level of confidence and be prepared to navigate their own route through the bush.

Venturing off the Snowy Mountains Highway, between Tumut and Cooma, to discover this remote but rewarding corner of Kosciuszko National Park and discover Kosciuszko’s wild northeast corner. Lace up your hiking boots then set off amongst the treeless plains, snow grass valleys and mountain woodland, many of the slopes surrounding the high plains are covered in bright wildflowers in spring. Explore the limestone gorges, caves, waterfalls and the various huts that highlight this area’s rich colonial heritage.

While the plan may alter slightly, a rough itinerary is as follows:
After spending the night at Cooinbil Hut Campground, we set off east around the mountain to the ruins of Harris hut, heading to Harris Waterhole continuing to Nichols Gorge Walk, exploring caves along the way. Following Blue Waterholes Trail to camp at Pockets Hut for the night. Day 2, we head off-track up to the Gurranglorambla Range, taking in the views of the day 3 hike and surrounding mountain ranges. Coming down to Sally Tree Creek, skirting around the sensitive marshland to Old Currango Campground. Day 3 takes us east as we tackle a 330m elevation and scrub to the top on White Hill to enjoy lunch and take in the views. Making our way down the hill to the southwest to Port Phillip Gap, passing Ghostgully campground following an old horse trail to camp at Millers Hut for the evening. Day 4 we exit Millers Hut via Port Phillip Trail and Mosquito Creek Trail. Stopping off at Hainsworth Hut for a quick morning tea break. Continuing on, we cross McPhersons Creek and conquer Skaines Mountain. Enjoy a well earned lunch before the home stretch down to Cooinbil Hut.

 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR ADVENTUROUS JOURNEYS

MEALS:

Participants will need to bring ALL meals and snacks for the duration of the AJ as well as the travel days. More information is available under the resources section of your YA Portal account which you can access when logged into our website.

Day 1  |  Lunch (or money for lunch as we will stop on the road) and Dinner
Day 2  |  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3  |  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4  |  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5  | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6  |  Breakfast and lunch (or money for lunch as we will stop on road)

  • In addition to the above, participants should also bring their own snacks and an emergency meal (eg. a freeze dried/dehydrated meal).
  • Please be aware that ALL YouthAdvance AJs are NUT FREE

CLICK HERE FOR MEAL PREPARATION IDEAS AND PLANNING

EQUIPMENT:

Using appropriate gear is instrumental in ensuring that you have an enjoyable and comfortable experience – we cannot stress this enough. A link to the equipment list will be emailed to you ahead of the journey, but you can also find it here.

In addition to the detailed list, key mandatory items participants need to bring, include:

  • Backpack
  • Tent
  • Sleeping Bag (suitable to the weather conditions eg. in winter you must have a minimum COMFORT rating of -5 degrees,  and in the shoulder and summer the COMFORT rating must be 0 degrees)
  • Sleeping Mat
  • Shoes/Hiking Boots (ensure these have been worn in)
  • Stove & Gas Bottle (or fuel)
  • Pots & Pans
  • Mess Kit – Cutlery, Plate/Bowl & Mug
  • 3 x 1L Water Bottles (must carry a minimum of 3L in 2 separate containers)
  • Clothing, Shoes & Personal items (More details on our FULL Equipment List)
  • Rain Jacket & Rain Pants (Waterproof, seam-sealed Gortex)
  • Pen/Pencil & Notebook

YouthAdvance provides an option for participants for hire a backpack, tent or stove (with gas bottle, pots & pans). Should you wish you hire equipment, please login to the YA Portal on our website to hire or email [email protected] with your request. Please note that this MUST be done a minimum of five days prior to the AJ departure date. All hire equipment will be available for collection upon arrival at the program venue.

Please note that the above list of equipment is mandatory. As such, should a participant attend program without the required equipment that is in good condition and suitable for use, for safety reasons that participant will be sent home and will forfeit their fee. It is imperative that appropriate and safe equipment is brought to camp.

GO HERE FOR EQUIPMENT PACKING INFORMATION & GUIDELINES

PRELIMINARY TRAINING & USEFUL INFORMATION:
  • We would like all participants to complete the preliminary training as this is a required component of your Duke of Ed journey.
  • To access and complete your Online Preliminary Training (OLP) you need to log into your YA Portal account on our website and head to the courses section of your account.
  • Please complete the GOLD level training. You will NOT need to print anything.
  • If you are having any issues with the online training, please email [email protected]

HEAD TO YOUTHADVANCE PRELIMINARY TRAINING COURSES

ONLINE RECORD BOOK APPROVAL:

You will need to get Award Leader approval in the Online Record Book prior to attending the journey. You can set it up with the following details:

Qualifying  Journey Date: 4-7 June 2024
Location: Kosciuszko National Park

SUPERVISOR/ASSESSOR: YouthAdvance Guide. PHONE: +61 2 9170 4655. EMAIL: [email protected]

POST JOURNEY:

Practice Section: Log in to your Online Record Book (ORB) and under Practice Journey add any relevant documents and observations from the journey (if you are unsure what to submit, speak with your Award Leader at school). Once complete, hit the “Send Report” button and YouthAdvance will provide assessor feedback. You will then need to get to final approval from your Award Leader.

Qualifying Section: Log in to your ORB and under Qualifying Journey, upload your Report to the FILES section, include any observations from the journey and hit the “Send Report” button and YouthAdvance will provide assessor feedback. 

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

  • The expedition WILL NOT be postponed because of forecast “unsettled” weather. However, in the event of unseasonably bad weather, or if a severe weather warning is issued in the program venue, the expedition may be postponed to ensure the safety of our participants. You will be notified of this via email.
  • Please be aware that the program rundown may alter slightly, particularly drop off and pickup times, and these will be confirmed prior to each program via email.
  • The minimum number of participants for this program is 14. We will advise you if there are concerns about the program being postponed.
  • Please note that if you withdraw from this trip within 2 weeks of the journey, all fees paid will be forfeited as our expenses are all prepaid.
  • Please note that terms and conditions apply to this booking page. By processing this registration you acknowledge that you accept the Terms & Conditions.
CONTACT US:

 

NSW OPEN Silver Prac/Qual October 8-10

If registrations for this program have closed, or the program has sold out, please email [email protected] to be placed on the waitlist.
This SILVER PRAC or QUAL ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY is for all OPEN participants 
NOTE: THIS IS A HIKE ONLY PROGRAM IN YENGO NATIONAL PARK. 
DATES & TIMES:

Start : 7.00am on Tuesday, October 8 2024                       Finish : 4.30pm on Thursday, October 10 2024

PICK UP & DROP OFF:
  • Participants will need to make their way to the YouthAdvance Head Office in Brookvale, Sydney.
  • Drop-off and pick-up location for all students will be Unit 31, 42-46 Wattle Street, Brookvale. 
  • Please park in either Wattle Street or Mitchell street, walk through either roller door entrance and make your way up the stairs to the top level and locate our warehouse.
  • Ensure you monitor traffic conditions and that arrangements are made for a prompt drop off and pick up of participants.
  • If you are going to be late, please call 0457 199 777, and leave a message.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
  • TRANSPORT from the YouthAdvance Head Office in Brookvale, to and from the program location;
  • All camping and National Park/State Forest fees;
  • Instruction and supervision from our experienced and qualified outdoor educators;
  • Group communication devices i.e. InReach, radios and satellite phones;
  • Group remote area first aid kit;
  • Preliminary training (online or face-to-face);
  • On trip pre and post briefing;
  • Access to Zoom Question & Answer sessions with our guiding team before your AJ;
  • Participant map, map case and compass (1 per participant)

ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY DETAILS: Silver Prac or Qual: 3 days / 2 nights

Silver Duke of Ed program will teach an intermediate level knowledge of camp craft, navigation and bush safety. A basic level of risk assessment and management will also be applied here. The goal by the end of the practice is they should be comfortable independently leading a small group with minimal supervision and qualifying students should show this level of confidence and be prepared to navigate their own route through the bush. The YouthAdvance Silver AJ takes participants into Yengo National Park, north of Sydney NSW. Based out of a central campground, students will have a range of route and rogaine paths to explore. There is lots of challenging terrain all amongst beautiful Aussie bushland that will yield stunning views of the surrounding area. 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR ADVENTUROUS JOURNEYS

MEALS:

Participants will need to bring ALL meals and snacks for the duration of the three day, two night AJ. More information is available under the resources section of your YA Portal account which you can access when logged into our website.

Day 1  |  Lunch and Dinner
Day 2  |  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3  |  Breakfast and Lunch

 

 

  • In addition to the above, participants should also bring their own snacks and an emergency meal (eg. a freeze dried/dehydrated meal).
  • Please be aware that ALL YouthAdvance AJs are NUT FREE

CLICK HERE FOR MEAL PREPARATION IDEAS AND PLANNING

EQUIPMENT:

Using appropriate gear is instrumental in ensuring that you have an enjoyable and comfortable experience – we cannot stress this enough. A link to the equipment list will be emailed to you ahead of the journey, but you can also find it here.

In addition to the detailed list, key mandatory items participants need to bring, include:

  • Backpack
  • Tent
  • Sleeping Bag (suitable to the weather conditions eg. in winter you must have a minimum COMFORT rating of -5 degrees,  and in the shoulder and summer the COMFORT rating must be 0 degrees)
  • Sleeping Mat
  • Shoes/Hiking Boots (ensure these have been worn in)
  • Stove & Gas Bottle (or fuel)
  • Pots & Pans
  • Mess Kit – Cutlery, Plate/Bowl & Mug
  • 3 x 1L Water Bottles (must carry a minimum of 3L in 2 separate containers)
  • Clothing, Shoes & Personal items (More details on our FULL Equipment List)
  • Rain Jacket & Rain Pants (Waterproof, seam-sealed Gortex)
  • Pen/Pencil & Notebook

YouthAdvance provides an option for participants for hire a backpack, tent or stove (with gas bottle, pots & pans). Should you wish you hire equipment, please login to the YA Portal on our website to hire or email [email protected] with your request. Please note that this MUST be done a minimum of five days prior to the AJ departure date. All hire equipment will be available for collection upon arrival at the program venue.

Please note that the above list of equipment is mandatory. As such, should a participant attend program without the required equipment that is in good condition and suitable for use, for safety reasons that participant will be sent home and will forfeit their fee. It is imperative that appropriate and safe equipment is brought to camp.

GO HERE FOR EQUIPMENT PACKING INFORMATION & GUIDELINES

PRELIMINARY TRAINING & USEFUL INFORMATION:
  • We would like all participants to complete the preliminary training as this is a required component of your Duke of Ed journey.
  • To access and complete your Online Preliminary Training (OLP) you need to log into your YA Portal account on our website and head to the courses section of your account.
  • If you are having any issues with the online training, please email [email protected]

HEAD TO YOUTHADVANCE PRELIMINARY TRAINING COURSES

ONLINE RECORD BOOK APPROVAL:

YouthAdvance has (or will in the lead up to the journey) set up your Adventurous Journey in the Online Record Book. You will not be required to do anything before the journey.  Please ensure that your supervisor and assessor information is as follows:

SUPERVISOR/ASSESSOR: YouthAdvance Guide. PHONE: +61 2 9170 4655. EMAIL: [email protected]

POST JOURNEY:

Practice Section: Log in to your Online Record Book (ORB) and under Practice Journey add any relevant documents and observations from the journey (if you are unsure what to submit, speak with your Award Leader at school). Once complete, hit the “Send Report” button and YouthAdvance will provide assessor feedback. You will then need to get to final approval from your Award Leader.

Qualifying Section: Log in to your ORB and under Qualifying Journey, upload your Report to the FILES section, include any observations from the journey and hit the “Send Report” button and YouthAdvance will provide assessor feedback. 

TERMS & CONDITIONS:
  • The expedition WILL NOT be postponed because of forecast “unsettled” weather. However, in the event of unseasonably bad weather, or if a severe weather warning is issued in the program venue, the expedition may be postponed to ensure the safety of our participants. You will be notified of this via email.
  • Please be aware that the program rundown may alter slightly, particularly drop off and pickup times, and these will be confirmed prior to each program via email.
  • Please note that if you book on an OPEN program with YouthAdvance, instead of your school specific AJ, you will incur a fee of $75.
  • The minimum number of participants for this program is 14. We will advise you if there are concerns about the program being postponed.
  • Please note that if you withdraw from this trip within 2 weeks of the journey, all fees paid will be forfeited as our expenses are all prepaid.
  • Please note that terms and conditions apply to this booking page. By processing this registration you acknowledge that you accept the Terms & Conditions.
CONTACT US:

NSW Open Gold PRAC or QUAL April 17-20

This GOLD PRAC or QUAL ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY is for all OPEN participants 
NOTE: THIS IS A HIKE ONLY PROGRAM IN TURON NATIONAL PARK. 
 

DATES & TIMES:

Start : 7.00am on Monday, April 17, 2023                       Finish : 4.30pm on Thursday, April 20, 2023

 

PICK UP & DROP OFF:

  • Participants will need to make their way to the YouthAdvance Head Office in Brookvale, Sydney.
  • Drop-off and pick-up location for all students will be Unit 31, 42-46 Wattle Street, Brookvale. 
  • Please park in either Wattle Street or Mitchell street, walk through either roller door entrance and make your way up the stairs to the top level and locate our warehouse.
  • Ensure you monitor traffic conditions and that arrangements are made for a prompt drop off and pick up of participants.
  • If you are going to be late, please call 02 9170 4655 and press #2, and leave a message.
 

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Transport from the YouthAdvance Head Office in Brookvale, to and from the program location;
  • All camping and National Park/State Forest fees;
  • Instruction and supervision from our experienced and qualified outdoor educators;
  • Group communication devices i.e. InReach, radios and satellite phones;
  • Group remote area first aid kit;
  • Preliminary training (online or face-to-face);
  • On trip pre and post briefing;
  • Access to Zoom Question & Answer sessions with our guiding team before your AJ;
  • Participant map, map case and compass (1 per participant)

 

ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY DETAILS: Gold (HIKE ONLY): 4 days / 3 nights

The Gold Duke of Edinburgh journey teaches an advanced level knowledge of camp craft, navigation and bush safety. The goal by the end is that the practice students should feel comfortable and demonstrate these skills independently of supervising leaders by the end of the journey. The YouthAdvance Gold AJ takes participants into Turon National Park, just west of Lithgow NSW. Navigating challenging ridge lines, walking along gorgeous river beds and trekking on and off the bush path.  There is lots of challenging terrain all amongst beautiful Aussie bushland that will yield stunning views of the surrounding area. The group will hike, rogaine style, on, and off track through the area, with overnight bush camps. With some challenging navigation and sections that will require teamwork.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR ADVENTUROUS JOURNEYS

 

MEALS: Participants will need to bring ALL meals and snacks for the duration of the four day, three night AJ.

Day 1  |  Lunch and Dinner
Day 2  | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3  | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4  | Breakfast and Lunch

  • In addition to the above, participants should also bring their own snacks and an emergency meal (eg. a freeze dried/dehydrated meal).
  • Please be aware that ALL YouthAdvance AJs are NUT FREE

CLICK HERE FOR MEAL PREPARATION IDEAS AND PLANNING

 

EQUIPMENT: Using appropriate gear is instrumental in ensuring that you have an enjoyable and comfortable experience – we cannot stress this enough. A link to the equipment list will be emailed to you ahead of the journey, but you can also find it here. Participants need to bring:

  • Backpack
  • Tent
  • Sleeping Bag (suitable to the weather conditions eg. in winter you must have a minimum COMFORT rating of -5 degrees,  and in the shoulder and summer the COMFORT rating must be 0 degrees)
  • Sleeping Mat
  • Shoes/Hiking Boots (ensure these have been worn in)
  • Stove & Gas Bottle (or fuel)
  • Pots & Pans
  • Mess Kit – Cutlery, Plate/Bowl & Mug
  • 3 x 1L Water Bottles (must carry a minimum of 3L)
  • Clothing, Shoes & Personal items (More details on our FULL Equipment List)
  • Rain Jacket & Rain Pants (Waterproof, seam-sealed Gortex)
  • Pen/Pencil & Notebook

YouthAdvance provides an option for participants for hire a backpack, tent or stove (with gas bottle, pots & pans). Should you wish you hire equipment, please email [email protected] with your request. Please note that this MUST be done a minimum of five days prior to the AJ departure date. All hire equipment will be available for collection upon arrival at the program venue.

Please note that the above list of equipment is mandatory. As such, should a participant attend program without the required equipment that is in good condition and suitable for use, for safety reasons that participant will be sent home and will forfeit their fee. It is imperative that appropriate and safe equipment is brought to camp.

GO HERE FOR EQUIPMENT PACKING INFORMATION & GUIDELINES

 

PRELIMINARY TRAINING & USEFUL INFORMATION:

HEAD TO YOUTHADVANCE PRELIMINARY TRAINING RESOURCES

 

AWARD LEADER APPROVAL:

Pre-Program: In order to partake in this Adventurous Journey, you are required to seek approval from your Award Leader on the Online Record Book BEFORE you get on the bus. This is a requirement of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and YouthAdvance will be strongly enforcing this moving into 2023. Please use the following details as your supervisor for your practise and assessor for your qualifier:

SUPERVISOR/ASSESSOR: YouthAdvance Guide. PHONE: +61 2 9170 4655. EMAIL: [email protected]

Post-Program: Assessor ReportLog in to your Online Record Book (ORB) and under Practice Journey add any relevant documents and observations from the journey (if you are unsure what to submit, speak with your Award Leader at school). Once complete, hit the Send Report button and YouthAdvance will provide assessor feedback. You will then need to get to final approval from your Award Leader.

 

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

  • The expedition WILL NOT be postponed because of forecast “unsettled” weather. However, in the event of unseasonably bad weather, or if a severe weather warning is issued in the program venue, the expedition may be postponed to ensure the safety of our participants. You will be notified of this via email.
  • Please be aware that the program rundown may alter slightly, particularly drop off and pickup times, and these will be confirmed prior to each program via email.
  • The minimum number of participants for this program is 14. We will advise you if there are concerns about the program being postponed.
  • Please note that terms and conditions apply to this booking page. By processing this registration you acknowledge that you accept the Terms & Conditions.

 

CONTACT US:

OPEN NSW Gold Prac or Qual Hike Jan 18-21

OPEN NSW GOLD JOURNEY

IF THIS BOOKING PAGE IS SOLD OUT, PLEASE EMAIL [email protected]

REGISTRATIONS FOR THIS PROGRAM CLOSE AT MIDNIGHT ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2022

YOUTHADVANCE ADVENTUROUS JOURNEYS

YouthAdvance prides itself on developing challenging and rewarding adventurous journeys (AJs) for all participants. Our qualified and highly experienced program co-ordinator and guides will work with you through the required preparation and training prior to your first AJ, and beyond. They will teach you skills including navigation and camp craft on your practice expedition, and finally assess your skills on your qualifying expedition.

Our staff do not lead from the front, they mentor and instruct from the back of the group to ensure that you and your group have the opportunity to work as a team and make sound judgements based on your training and our staff’s leadership. You’ll be required to take responsibility and make decisions for yourself while under supervision from experienced and qualified outdoor professionals.

PROGRAM AIM AND CHALLENGE

YouthAdvance creates physically and mentally challenging expeditions for our participants. Each day, participants will hike the trails carrying their pack and all their own equipment. Participants are encouraged to start training and develop their fitness in preparation for these physical requirements, including weekly walks carrying their pack and wearing their hiking boots/shoes.

All of our programs satisfy the time requirements of the AJ stipulated in The Award Handbook by the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. In addition, we strive to make our AJs lots of fun as well as imparting knowledge about the Australian bush to help our participants make lasting memories, new friends and new experiences.

SAFETY AND RISK

YouthAdvance’s partner company Remote Safety Solutions is a leading remote area risk and emergency management specialist. Safety is paramount for all of our AJs.

Emergency communication and first aid equipment along with satellite tracking will be carried by each YouthAdvance staff member while on the program.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

  • Transport to and from the venue;
  • All camping and National Park/State Forest fees;
  • Instruction and supervision from our experienced and qualified outdoor educators;
  • Group communication devices i.e. InReach, radios and satellite phones;
  • Group remote area first aid kit;
  • Preliminary training (online or face-to-face);
  • On trip pre and post briefing;
  • Participant map, map case and compass (1 per participant)

PROGRAM OVERVIEW – Turon National Park, NSW

This Gold Adventurous Journey will run out of Turon National Park, just west of Lithgow NSW. Turon is a fantastic hiking spot to get in touch with the elements and out in the Aussie bush. There are difficult ridgelines to navigate, steeps and other challenging terrain all amongst beautiful bushland that will yield stunning views of the surrounding area. Using the Turon extension as well, we have allowed this hike to cross over with our Silver hike, while still meeting the 4 day hike requirements.

Students will be divided into small groups (between 5 and 7) working as a team to successfully navigate the surrounding, often challenging, terrain. Using a number of ridge lines, creeks and other terrain features, our participants will navigate themselves across a challenging but rewarding route over the four days. To successfully complete the planned route, each participant will need to demonstrate determination, decision making, team work and a range of other skills to select and execute intelligent route planning through untracked natural terrain.

PROGRAM RUNDOWN

All participants must be dropped off to YouthAdvance HQ: Unit 31 42-46 Wattle Street, Brookvale NSW.

DROP OFF: 7.00 am, Day 1, at YouthAdvance HQ.

PICK UP: 5:00 pm, Day 4, at YouthAdvance HQ.

If you are going to be late, please call 02 9170 4655 and press #2, and leave a message, so we don’t depart without you. Please ensure you monitor traffic conditions and that arrangements are made for a prompt drop off and pick up of participants.

NOTE: The expedition WILL NOT be postponed because of forecast “unsettled” weather. However, in the event of unseasonably bad weather, or if a severe weather warning is issued in the program venue, the expedition may be postponed to ensure the safety of our participants. You will be notified of this via email.

Please be aware that the program rundown may alter slightly, particularly drop off and pickup times, and these will be confirmed prior to each program via email.

DAY 1 Day 2  Day 3 Day 4
7.00 am – Participants arrive at YA HQ 6.30 am – Participants prepare breakfast, break camp 6.30 am – Participants prepare breakfast, break camp 6.30 am – Participants prepare breakfast, break camp
7.30 am – Bus departs for program location 7.30 am – Participants morning brief (P) 7.30 am – Participants morning brief (P) 7.30 am – Participants morning brief (P)
11.00 am – Bus arrives at program location 8.30 am – Participants start Leg 2 hike route (P) 8.30 am – Participants start Leg 3 hike route (P) 8.30 am – Participants start Leg 4 hike route (P)
11.15 am – Participants morning brief 1.00 pm – Lunch 1.00 pm – Lunch 12.30 pm – Lunch and group debrief session (P)
11.30 am – Participants start Leg 1 hike route (P) 4.00 pm – Participants arrive at camp 4.00 pm – Participants arrive at camp 1.30 pm – Bus departs program location
1.00 pm – Lunch 5.30 pm – Group debrief session (P) 5.30 pm – Group debrief session (P) 5.00 pm – Participants arrive at YA HQ
4.30 pm – Participants arrive at camp 6.00 pm – Participants setup camp, prepare dinner and night session on risk management 6.00 pm – Participants setup camp, prepare dinner and night session on risk management
5.30 pm – Group debrief session (P) 8.00 pm – Participants in tents 8.00 pm – Participants in tents
6.00 pm – Participants setup camp, prepare dinner and night session on risk management
8.00 pm – Participants in tents
(P) – Purposeful Activity 8.0 Hrs (P) – Purposeful Activity 8.0 Hrs (P) – Purposeful Activity 8.0 Hrs (P) – Purposeful Activity 8.0 Hrs

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

Using appropriate gear is instrumental in ensuring that you have an enjoyable and comfortable experience – we cannot stress this enough! If you are unsure whether your equipment is suitable, please contact us for clarification at [email protected]

The full list of gear required can be found here – Equipment List

Please note the following items are mandatory and will be checked by guides on the morning of departure:

  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag (suitable to the season of the year):
    • Winter – minus 5
    • Shoulder Season & Summer – zero rating;
  • Sleeping mat;
  • Sleeved shirt (for walking and paddling in) – no singlet tops
  • Waterproof Rain Jacket (preferable Gortex – no ponchos or wind breakers);
  • Spare set of clothes (stored in waterproof bag – thermal top and bottom);
  • First aid and blister kit;
  • 3L of water (3 x 1L water bottles);
  • Water purification tablets;
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Water Shoes

For additional equipment, please refer to the following page on equipment for AJs (Equipment Resources). If you are hiring equipment, your order MUST be completed 5 days in advance of your programs.

MEALS AND WATER

Each participant will be responsible for planning, supplying and preparing their own meals for the duration of the hike. At least one day’s emergency rations should be carried by participants.

Information, including sample menus and meal planning, is available here: Meal Planning Resources. Pre-packaged meals are also available for purchase here: Meal Purchases.

NOTE: Pots and stoves are available for hire –please email [email protected]

All participants must start with at least three full 1Litre water bottles. In dry weather periods, water can be difficult to source during the day so this is a minimum amount. Please be aware that YouthAdvance will make water available for participants to refill water bottles during the evening. You are required to bring water purification tablets for this program.


PRELIMINARY TRAINING – PRACTICE STUDENTS ONLY

As this is a NSW Open program, registered participants who are completing their PRACTICE AJ, will be required to complete the Online Preliminary Training work. To access and complete your Online Preliminary Training (OLP) you need to use this link –youthadvance.com.au/courses/master-gold-qualifying-journey/

The OLP is free and must be completed prior to your AJ, if not completed you will not be permitted to board the bus for this journey. This training program is a generic training system that will cover off the following competencies in the online preliminary training session.

  • Understanding of the AJ planned to be undertaken;
  • First aid and emergency procedures (relevant to the type of environment for the Journey);
  • Safety and safe practice;
  • Route planning and navigation (use of maps, compass/navigation aids or street/urban directories);
  • Camp craft/accommodation and hygiene;
  • Teamwork, problem-solving and leadership training;
  • Meal planning, preparation of food and cooking (options will be provided in the even of a total fire ban where cooking is not possible);
  • Environmental awareness and care;
  • Necessary equipment and how to use it;
  • Technical skills in the mode of travel (i.e. knot tying, tent repairs etc);
  • Observation and recording skills.

During your first morning on program, you will have further time to familiarise yourself with the maps and location of your AJ.


AWARD LEADER APPROVAL: PRE-PROGRAM

In order to partake in this Adventurous Journey, you are required to seek approval from your Award Leader on the Online Record Book BEFORE you get on the bus. This is a requirement of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and YouthAdvance will be strongly enforcing this moving into 2021.

Please use the following details as your supervisor for your practise and assessor for your qualifier:

Supervisor/Assessor: YouthAdvance Guide

Phone: 02 8957 5428

Email: [email protected]

AWARD LEADER APPROVAL: POST-PROGRAM

Supervisor and assessor sign-off will be completed in the ORB following your hike.

Once you have completed your qualifying journey award leader sign-off will occur when your AJ report has been submitted and uploaded into the documents section of the ORB. Templates are available on our website under the “Resources” section of your school or Open Award page.


REGISTER FOR AJ NOW – Please select the “Register” button at the top of this webpage and follow the prompts.

Please note that the minimum number of participants for this program is 10. We will advise you if there are concerns about the program being postponed. 

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please note that terms and onions apply to this booking page. By processing this registration you acknowledge that you accept the Terms & Conditions.
BEFORE BOOKING, PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE YOUTHADVANCE AUSTRALIA CANCELLATION POLICY, AS PER THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS ABOVE.

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions, please contact our team at [email protected]