What happens when students carry everything they need on their backs and hike 47 kilometres through the Gold Coast hinterland together?
As part of our three-year Challenge Program, our Year 9 students spent three days hiking the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk from Binna Burra to Springbrook. Carrying their own gear, food and supplies, students were responsible for cooking, preparing camp, caring for themselves and learning how to navigate and respect the natural environment around them.
This adventure stretched our students in every way. They faced changing conditions, tired bodies and tough moments where they had to decide whether to listen to doubt or keep taking the next step.
What stood out most was not only individual perseverance, but the way students supported one another along the journey. The cohort learned that resilience is not only about personal strength, but also about working together to move forward.
"Most of the students shared that they had thoughts of, ‘I cannot do this.’ And yet, they did it. We had to keep moving forwards. There was no tapping out. And they chose to band together in encouragement, with students even offering to carry things for those who were struggling so we could all successfully make it together." - Mrs Lindbeck
That became one of the defining lessons of the experience. Students discovered they were capable of more than they believed, especially when they were surrounded by people who encouraged them to keep moving forward.
“It was hard. I cried for probably more than 15 kilometres on the second day. I cried but I kept going. Then Mr Unser took my backpack to help me. He put my pack on his back, and his pack on front and he carried it for six kilometres to our camp. I learned that even though it’s hard, you can do it. And if you have friends along the way, they can help you." - Chloe
“It was really fun and I think it challenged us really well. We worked as a group and we got to know each other a lot more. And yeah, it was hard, but we pushed through and it was so much fun at the end." - Vivienne
“Our class is really close. We’re just so supportive of each other and the teachers were pretty fun to talk to, too. Being in a small cohort means that you’re going to be really close and probably friends with most of the people in the school." - Parker
These are the kinds of experiences that shape young people deeply. Beyond hiking skills and outdoor education, students were growing in responsibility, perseverance, care for others and an appreciation for the beauty and challenge of nature.
"We feel privileged to help guide our students through these experiences safely while providing a space where they have to keep moving forward. The class is stronger than ever before and all of us teachers were blessed to be part of this journey." - Mrs Lindbeck
Now that they have made it to the other side, our Year 9s have some very practical advice for the students who will take on the Challenge hike next year.
"I would tell next year’s Year 9s that you should definitely do it because it pushes you to be a better person. It pushes you to do things that you don’t want to do sometimes. And that’s definitely something you need to learn in life." - Vivienne
"My advice for the hike is to pack more food than you think you’re going to eat. And just try it! It’s really fun." - Parker
Our Challenge Program helps students grow through meaningful challenge. By stepping beyond comfort and persevering through difficulty, students discover their ability to resilience, capability and character that will serve them well throughout life.