By BRIDGET COOK
A GROUP of Casey students recently ticked off a major milestone of a 12-month project when they completed the Kokoda Track.
Seven Cranbourne Secondary College students and one Fountain Gate Secondary College student prepared for six months before they set off to Papua New Guinea to complete the trek on 20 September to 1 October.
Cranbourne Secondary College teacher Stephen Lynch, who accompanied the students, said it wasn’t just about completing the track but also a number of other aspects.
“The program is a 12-month commitment,” he said.
“The first 20 weeks consisted of training and team building activities that developed physical fitness and prepared participants for the challenge of a lifetime by walking the Kokoda Track.
“This life-changing experience is followed by a further six months of community service activities, where participants regularly volunteer their time to local not-for-profit organisations and events such as Landcare projects, Surfing with the Disabled and working with the homeless and elderly.
“These projects give young people an understanding of the broader community and an enhanced appreciation of their own circumstances.” Mr Lynch said, adding that the fundamental philosophy of the program is the Spirit of Kokoda – mateship, endurance, courage and sacrifice.
“It aims to teach young people that their achievements in life are directly related to the effort they contribute, whether that be at school, work, professionally or in personal relationships,” he said.
“It also aims to teach young people that the consequences of choices they make will have a profound effect on their happiness, future, lifestyle and what they achieve.”
