Year 10 Alpine Hike – Buller-Howitt Alpine Area / Howqua River National Park
The Year 10 Hike is the final compulsory school camp program for students at St Leonards. It is a culmination of the compulsory core Outdoor Education Program at the College. Students undertake a six day bushwalk in the Alpine National Park, around the Howqua Valley area. They are totally self-sufficient, carrying all they need in their own backpacks. They hike approximately 10 – 15km per day through beautiful and remote mountain wilderness that can only be reached on foot. The students hike in groups of 12, and are guided by 2 staff (one whom is a professional Outdoor Education Leader) who journey with the group for the entire program. There are many challenges that the group must face together, and many rewards that can be enjoyed too. The aim is for students to come away with a stronger sense of self-belief, an affinity and respect for nature, and have created lifelong memories and connections with their peers.
Day 1 of this program is a packing day at school. Students will meet their Outdoor Leaders who will be with them for the week, who will take them through the packing list, how to pack their packs, and distribute group gear such as tents, stoves etc. Food will also be checked thoroughly. The group will also spend some time getting to know each other and their staff. Attendance at the packing day is compulsory.
2024 Dates
Packing day: Saturday 9th November, 10am – 3:00pm
Depart: Sunday 10th November, 7.30am
Return: Friday 15th November, 4pm.
Documents and further information:
Year 10 Hike Clothing and Equipment List
yfood for expeditions powerpoint
RENTAL GEAR
If you need to hire a sleeping bag, sleeping matt, hike boots and / or snake gaitors, please go to Vast outdoors or visit Camp list.
For any queries regarding the hike, please contact Mr Ben Woolhouse benjamin.woolhouse@stleonards.vic.edu.au
Phone – 9909 9487
To get an idea of what students wear and carry, where and how they camp, the terrain, landscape and beautiful scenery, check out these videos from previous programs:
You might also like to watch this movie put together by student Conor Elder, whilst on the his year 10 hike in 2018.