Blue Mountain College - Activities & Subjects
The Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award
Overview at Blue Mountain College
This is a voluntary, non competitive programme of leisure
activities for those aged 14 - 25, designed to offer a
personal and individual challenge.
It introduces our young people to exciting, positive,
challenging and enjoyable things to do in their free time.
It encourages friendships amongst those taking part, and
across the generations with adults who give up time to share
skills and help organise the programme.
How does it work?
Through a four section programme with three levels
The levels are:
- Bronze - open to all aged 14 and
over and lasting at least 6 months
- Silver - open to all aged 15 and
over and lasting at least 12 months
- Gold - open to all aged 16 and over
and lasting at least 18 months
The sections are:
-
Service - giving unpaid help in the local community
-
Skills - covering almost any non physical hobby,
skill or interest
-
Adventurous Journey - training for, practising,
planning and completing a journey on foot, horseback or
by boat or cycle
-
Physical Recreation - sport, dance and fitness
-
Residential Project - for the Gold level only -
spending 5 or more days on a purposeful project with new
companions
Who can do this Programme?
Anyone between the ages of 14 and 24 can take up the
programme, regardless of gender, background or ability. All
Awards must be completed by the participant's 25th Birthday.
You must fill out a registration form and receive a record
book before you can count any activities towards The Award,
contact Mrs Vicki Crawford or Mrs Sara McTavish.
Who else can be involved?
The programme is dependent on a huge number of volunteers
who are willing to share their skills, experience and
organising abilities to help others gain Awards. They may
not get a badge or certificate, but they certainly share the
challenge and rewards of being involved.
What are the benefits?
- Friendship
- Enjoyment
- New skills
- Improved abilities
- Excitement
- Wider horizons
- Achievement
- Confidence
- Teamwork
- Decision making
- Time management
- Local, national and even international connections
Who organises the Programme?
At Blue Mountain College Mrs Vicki Crawford is the
co-ordinator of the programme.
Assisted by Mrs Sara McTavish.
Currently there are two Bronze tramps planned for early
March each year. Any Year 11 students can go on these tramps
to complete this level. We need parent help for these
tramps, and transportation and gear lists are available from
Mrs Crawford. The Bronze practice tramp is carried out at
Borland Year 10 camp in December each year.
Year 9’s signing up for the award can start working through
each section, getting it signed off as they complete each
one. They should check out the website for ideas.
www.challengenz.org.nz
Silver level students can also be getting their sections
signed off and making plans in groups of four or more for
their two night tramps. They should take advantage of the
holidays and Easter each year to complete the first one and
maybe looking towards November, after exams to complete
number two. When they turn 16 years old they can apply
for and work on their Gold medals, as long as they have
their corresponding silver sections signed off.
As students move up through the levels they are meant to be
driving the completion of their sections themselves and
planning their own tramps etc but we would ask parents to
check their books regularly and to give them a gentle
reminder if they have forgotten. This kind of help is
invaluable to our coordinators as we have a large number of
students working within the award system.
Gold students should be mindful of getting their books up to
date and in planning their final tramp. Books need to be to
Mrs Crawford by end of May at the latest, if you wish to
receive your award in the year you achieve it. It is
still okay to complete it by December before you leave
school and receive the award in the following year.
Mrs Vicki Crawford and Mrs Sara McTavish can be contacted at
the school if you would like any further information.
e-Mail:
vcrawford@bluemountain.school.nz
Visit the website:
www.challengenz.org.nz
Latest newsletter from Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award
Contact :
National Office
The Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award
Phone 04 568 4091or 0800 69 29 27
Fax 04 568 4092
e-Mail
info@dofehillary.org.nz
