The International Duke of Edinburgh Award participants have now completed their Bronze and Silver journeys.
 
On the 15th to the 16th of March our young trekkers went on a practice expedition to Caminha, a beautiful seaside area an hour north of Porto. From the start, they were challenged to navigate their way to the campsite using maps, compasses and route cards. At the campsite, they faced some insightful moments which would help them prepare for their future qualifying journey. Some examples include, having to consider alternative solutions for tents missing poles and questioning their own team-planned meals. Students woke up from their night under the stars to their next quest – the bus stop and end destination. Tired legs and weary eyes persevered on up and down hills. Silver teams had to reassess their routes and decide on the best solution. All teams were successful and too valuable lessons from this experience.
 
Gold members were an incredible asset for the practice journey. They remained positive throughout and were wonderful mentors to the other participants.
 
Two weeks later, the qualifying journeys began in the incredible landscapes of Miranda do Douro. Our participants had the opportunity to explore the areas of Picote, Uva and Algoso with views of the meandering Douro River. The bronze groups rested in dormitories and the silver teams slept in tents. Teams commented on how despite occasionally taking a wrong route, they were always able to use their orienteering and map skills to re-route to the correct destinations. Assessors were impressed by their progress since the practice expedition and how they worked together to find solutions. Meals were also more palatable, much to everyone´s relief.

Students were able to appreciate more about the culture and animals of the region. Activities included learning about the rescued donkeys at AEPGA, brushing them and clearing the fields for them. They also learnt about the importance of pigeons on the ecosystem and supporting them by painting the pigeon houses and working on the land. Visiting the Eco Museum gave further understanding of the history and culture of the area. In addition to the historical and cultural benefits of the expeditions, everyone built interpersonal skills and grew as individuals.
 
We are so proud of all the students. It has been wonderful to see them grow and develop. Overhearing conversations of enjoyment, recounting memories of resilience and seeing them bond over a meal, has been fantastic. This cannot go without giving a huge thank you to all the staff involved that made it possible and worked as a team to enable the students to have the best experience they could.