A Four Winds Foundation & The Crows Nest Bar grant helped Orewa College purchase tramping equipment used during a 55km Duke of Edinburgh Silver expedition.

New gear helps remove barriers to student participation in outdoor expeditions

A grant from the Four Winds Foundation & The Crows Nest Bar has helped the Orewa College Duke of Edinburgh programme purchase new tramping equipment to support student participation in outdoor expeditions.

The gear was first used during a Silver Qualifying tramp to Lake Waikaremoana in December, where 25 students completed a 55 kilometre journey through the national park.

Students carried the new packs for the full distance, which were designed to comfortably support heavier loads across multi day tramps. The newly purchased tents were also tested during the expedition and proved reliable in challenging weather conditions.

Good quality outdoor equipment can be expensive and may prevent some students from taking part in expeditions. Having a stock of equipment available for loan helps ensure that more students can participate regardless of personal resources.

Currently more than 150 Orewa College students are involved in the Duke of Edinburgh programme. Seven tramping expeditions are planned this year, including a Bronze Practice tramp at Tāwharanui involving around 55 students.

Later this year, a group of 27 Silver and Gold participants will travel to Nepal to complete a service project at a Himalayan Trust school before trekking in the Mount Everest region.

Support from the Four Winds Foundation & The Crows Nest Bar continues to help expand access to outdoor experiences for Orewa College students.

Content Credit: Bruce Hawke