Kirby teaches orienteering, camping, team building, leadership, teamwork, and assists with fundraising.
What do you value about The Award?
The leadership skills it gives young adults; the fact that it makes them take responsibility for their choices and actions at a young age.
How long have you been a Coordinator?
Three years!
How have you been running The Award?
In classroom setting (works with 14 – 15 year olds), class time for one hour/half per week; I also see Participants during lunch and recess and touch base with them often. In the classroom I teach Orienteering skills, camping skills, bonding, team building, how to be a leader, how to be a team player, and fundraising to assist them with completing the sections of their Awards. All Award activities are undertaken out of class.
Experience with the Adventurous Journey?
A 15km hike from Buley Rockhole to Walker Creek. It's amazing how kids can be so different in class and when you get to the camp you can see them growing and taking the skills you taught in class. When put in the environment they are forced to learn.
Thoughts on aspects of the Award?
Volunteering is really great, helps Participants gain employability skills to get a job at a young age. In some cases Participants have been offered employment from the organization they underwent the Volunteering component with. It teaches them to follow instructions from an external person in the community, and teaches them about time management.
As people we need to work together in the world, The Award teaches young people how to engage and connect with all varieties of people.
Thanks to Kirby Schell for her time and her contribution to the Award! If you'd like to be a Coordinator, please
contact Ally Pettifor on 08 8947 3521 or via email at ally.pettifor@dukeofed.com.au.