SILVER QUALIFYING ADVENTUROUS JOURNEYS
NORTHERN BEACH SECONDARY COLLEGE STUDENTS ONLY
REGISTRATIONS FOR THIS PROGRAM CLOSE AT MIDNIGHT ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2022
PLEASE EMAIL [email protected] IF THIS PROGRAM IS SOLD OUT
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 also be paddling with 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)
- Double Kayak (shared with one other participant)
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD) (1 per participant)
- A paddle (1 per participant)
- Dry bag (1 per participant)
PROGRAM OVERVIEW – MARRAMARRA NATIONAL PARK, NSW
This Silver Pack and Paddle Adventurous Journey will run out of Marramarra National Park, just north of Berowra NSW. Marramarra covers rugged bushland, with dramatic sandstone cliffs and a variety of natural habitats. Marramarra is a fantastic hiking spot to get in touch with the elements and out in the Aussie bush navigating several ridgelines, creeks and other terrain features.
With the program starting at the entrance to Mooney Mooney, the first leg is on the water. Participants will make their way upstream around Milson Island and the Historic HMAS Parramatta that has come to rest on the northern shoreline of this part of the river. The towering Sydney sandstone cliffs above will provide a break from the breeze allowing participants to break while still rafting up. From there it’s down into Marramarra Creek, a gentle paddle which is rated as one of Sydney’s most scenic creek line paddles.
Day 2 will take the participants up onto the untracked ridgelines above Marramarra Creek. With some challenging navigation and sections that will require teamwork, participants will be rewarded with stunning views across the leg for Day 3. The route will then go through the “Jurassic Park” region, so-called due to the old-growth sub-tropic flora and then up and around several Indigenous sites.
Day 3 will see participants paddling downstream on the Marramarra Creek into the stunning sandstone cliff-lined valleys of Berowra Creek. A lunch stop on Bar Island will take participants back in time to the first fleet years, while they explore the old sites the island hides. From there its back on the water, cutting behind Milson Island back to Mooney Mooney.
PROGRAM RUNDOWN
All participants must be dropped off to NBSC Freshwater Campus, 153 Harbord Rd, Curl Curl NSW
DROP OFF: 7.30 am, Day 1, at NBSC Freshwater Campus
PICK UP: 4.30 pm, Day 3, at NBSC Freshwater Campus
If you are going to be late, please call +612 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 |
| 7.30 am – Participants arrive at NBSC Freshwater Campus |
6.30 am – Participants prepare breakfast, break camp |
6.30 am – Participants prepare breakfast, break camp |
| 8.30 am – Bus departs for program location |
7.30 am – Participants morning brief (P) |
7.30 am – Participants morning brief (P) |
| 9.30 am – Bus arrives at program location |
8.30 am – Participants start Leg 2 hike route (P) |
8.00 am – Participants start Leg 3 paddle route (P) |
| 9.45 am – Participants morning brief and kayak pack out (P) |
1.00 pm – Lunch |
1.00 pm – Lunch |
| 11.30 am – Participants start Leg 1 kayak route (P) |
4.00 pm – Participants arrive at camp |
1.45 pm – Participants arrive at end and pack in kayaks (P) |
| 1.00 pm – Lunch |
4.30 pm – Group debrief session (P) |
3.00 pm – Group debrief session (P) |
| 4.30 pm – Participants arrive at camp |
5.00 pm – Participants setup camp, prepare dinner and night session on risk management |
3.15 pm – Bus departs program location |
| 4.30 pm – Group debrief session (P) |
8.00 pm – Participants in tents |
4.30 pm – Participants arrive at NBSC Freshwater Campus |
| 4.45 pm – Participants setup camp, prepare dinner and night session on risk management |
|
|
| 8.00 pm – Participants in tents |
|
|
| (P) – Purposeful Activity 7.0 Hrs |
(P) – Purposeful Activity 7.0 Hrs |
(P) – Purposeful Activity 7.0 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 – YouthAdvance Store.
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.
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.
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]
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 conditions 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.
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