Preparation key for successful Adventurous Journey

While many teenagers were spending their summer holidays relaxing or working, six Macarthur Scout Group teens were hiking the Overland Track in Tasmania.

Beginning at Cradle Mountain and ending at Australia’s deepest lake – Lake St Clair – the trek travels through the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

For Venturer Scout Laura Schmitt, 17, it was an opportunity to not only challenge herself with a unique hike for her King’s Scout Award Adventurous Journey, but a chance to have fun and make memories with her friends.

“It was a challenge to find a hike that I knew all of my Scouting friends would enjoy,” she said.

“I felt the pressure to choose a good spot because I knew this was going to be a big moment for them too. I had a couple of options in mind, but nothing in particular that stood out to me before my Leader recommended me to look at the Overland Track.

“That is when I fell in love with the idea of flying to do our hike in a state most of us haven’t been before. This was a challenge I was happy to accept.”

Planning an Adventurous Journey (which must be at least four days and three nights) is not an easy concept, let alone when travelling interstate. Laura began planning the hike nine to 12 months in advance, seeking recommendations from her Leaders.

Find out about the new Adventurous Journey badge

“Throughout the process, my Leaders provided invaluable support, offering guidance on what steps to take and helping me break the planning down into manageable goals,” she said.

“This approach ensured that I reached out to all the necessary contacts, including securing campsites before and after the hike. By giving myself ample time to plan, the process was relatively straightforward and stress-free. I booked campsites, flights, and the hike well in advance, mitigating any potential complications.

“The key to the smooth execution of the planning process was asking questions as soon as they arose, ensuring that each aspect was addressed early on. Ultimately, this careful and proactive approach made the entire experience manageable and enjoyable.”

The biggest hurdle for the Patrol to deal with was the cost of the trip. Luckily, Laura was successful in her application to the Dick and Pip Smith Leadership Through Adventure Fund, which was established to support young people in their development of leadership skills by engaging in responsible risk-taking adventures.

Find out more about the Leadership Through Adventure Fund

If not for the fund, Laura believes she would have needed to pick another location.

“I applied for the fund to make my Adventurous Journey an adventure my Scout Group will never forget,” she said.

“Since we come from a relatively low socioeconomic place in Campbelltown, a trip of this extent would have been immensely out of our price range. Along with LTAF, we did many other fundraisers to help us cover the costs. I tried to create a trip which all of us will remember for the rest of our lives.”

The six teenagers on the hike had been friends for many years, with most attending Scouts together. Laura said the members she chose – sister Jessica, as well as Bree, Tiffany and two Ethans! – she knew would be capable of hiking a trek that would be mentally and physically demanding. Most had spent two Dragon Skins together, so would be able to spend 10 days together “without driving each other too crazy”.

Being able to lead a multiday hike is an opportunity Laura knows many teenagers are not afforded.

“I feel extremely privileged and grateful to have had such an opportunity, especially knowing that not many people my age can say they hiked the Overland Track in Tasmania,” she said.

“I’m also mindful that in some countries, this kind of experience wouldn’t even be allowed, which only deepens my sense of appreciation. Reflecting on it all, I can’t help but feel so happy and thankful for the experience. It’s something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”

While the weather was favourable and did not cause many problems, no adventure is ever without its unexpected problems.

For Laura and her Patrol, it was a late-night visit from a feisty possum!

“A possum attacked our tent in the middle of the night on the fourth night,” she said.

“We had three small holes that we were able to patch up for the rest of the duration of the night, but it was a long night for us indeed as once we put a torch on it to scare it away, the light would attract a billion flies and mosquitoes, which was worse with a hole in our tent!”

Read about another possum ambush

Laura said she was expecting to have a fun and fulfilling experience on the hike, both emotionally and physically, but it far exceeded her expectations and taught her a lot.

“The first day of the hike was my favourite because we were so exposed to the environment as we were scrambling and climbing up the mountains,” she said.

“Even though this was the hardest part both physically and mentally, it was all worth it when we were at the top looking down at our accomplishment. We had to use a chain to climb up the mountain!

“I learnt that I had to think twice, even three times, about every decision to see if it was safe for me and my team to endure or undertake. I had to make on the spot decisions as the weather was so quick to change as I wanted everyone to be safe and happy.

“Seeing everyone happy when the ferry showed up at the end of the hike was really funny and sparked a moment as everyone realised the achievement they had just endured – we hiked for a total of about 80km!”

Remarkably, Scouts aged from 11 to 17 undertake their Adventurous Journeys without adults accompanying them. Through their time in the Scouting program, they develop the skills to safely and confidently lead their Patrol independently.

This does not mean they are completely alone though – all youth members have a support team of adults for their journeys.

“I had three Scout Leaders travel with us to Tasmania, providing vital support by helping with transportation and participating in the activities before and after the hike,” Laura said.

“Their unwavering support and commitment were integral to making this journey possible. Without their dedication, turning this dream into a reality would not have been feasible.”

Laura is now turning her attentions to completing all the requirements for her King’s Scout Award quickly, so as not to clash too much with her Year 12 studies. She is also planning her journey for her gold level Duke of Edinburgh award. She is grateful to all the opportunities Scouts has given her.

“I love that I can just come to Scouts and be myself with people around me who enjoy my company and I theirs,” she said.

“I love all the new people I meet and all the new things that I learn that can actually help me in the real world. Scouts builds my confidence which is another thing I love as it allows me to step out of my comfort zone more often, encouraging others to do the same with new experiences.

“Scouts is my home.”