Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award – Canoe Journey

Earlier this term, a dedicated group of Years 10 and 11 students undertook their combined Practice and Qualifying Journey as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award. The students travelled to Wisemans Ferry to begin a four-day, three-night canoeing expedition along the Hawkesbury River.

Throughout the journey, students paddled an impressive 43km, with their longest day covering a gruelling 22km stretch. Each night, they made camp at different locations, setting up tents, cooking basic meals, and adapting to the frosty winter conditions and foggy mornings. Despite the physical and mental challenges, the students remained committed, resilient, and supportive of one another.

Beyond the physical effort, the trip offered countless moments of personal growth, team building, and connection. One of the most memorable highlights occurred on the second night when the group gathered under the stars with headlamps for a heartfelt icebreaker session. These deep and meaningful conversations revealed the students’ values, empathy, and integrity—showcasing the powerful character development this program fosters.

It has been an honour to support and guide these students through both their Bronze and Silver Awards. They have consistently displayed leadership, perseverance, and maturity beyond their years. We are incredibly proud of their achievements so far and look forward to seeing them complete the remaining components of their Silver Award over the coming months.

The Duke of Edinburgh program continues to be a valuable opportunity for our students at Good Samaritan Catholic College, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones, develop lifelong skills, and build lasting friendships. We wish them all the best as they work towards completing their hours and look ahead to their next adventure.

Finally, a massive thank you to Mr Favotto for giving up his weekend to support the students through this component of their award. 

Report by Ms Lowndes

Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator