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Our Journey, Our Adventure, Our Dream

January 18, 2024

On January 11, 2024, the 20 students who signed up for the Adventurous Journey (AJ) of Duke of Edinburg’s Bronze and Silver Awards launched the journey with a 4-hour bus ride. A challenging yet remarkable experience awaited them at the beautiful county of Tonglu, Hangzhou.

Upon their arrival to the site, the participants who were from different grades broke the ice through a series of entertaining games exercising their teamwork and communication skills. Later in the evening, lectures were held informing participants about the Edinburg AJ Program. The coaches went up and hosted lessons on useful first-aid and emergency-handling tips. The AJ supervisors also shared some interesting stories about their personal experiences which were very entertaining and caught everyone’s attention.

After assimilating all the necessary information, the groups spent a day to design the necessary routes and backup plans. Each team came up with a topic that could be researched and explored during the journey. The groups were also required to come up with a supply list and a shopping session allowed them to acquire resources needed for the journey.

From January 13 to 14, the bronze and silver group participants successfully completed their previously-planned practice AJ at Yaolin, Tonglu, lasting for 2 days and 1 night. The trial expedition provided valuable experience for teamwork and problem-solving skills.

The next day was a day of rest for the bronze and silver groups but also welcomed the arrival of the gold group participants. The groups reflected on their performances during the practice AJ while getting informed about the location of the qualifying AJ – the ancient path of Maling. Along with the beauty and harmony of nature which the teams were about to witness was also challenges for their physical strength, determination, and teamwork.

Finally, participants completed the journey without the use of modern technology. The isolation from modern electronics not only strengthened the connection with nature, but also promoted independence. Despite all the hardships that the participants encountered (such as lack of experience and navigation skills, injuries, sickness, etc.), the endeavoring efforts they put in and the assistance they gave to each other eventually supported them to overcome all challenges.

This adventure was an exercise as well as a challenge for a series of important qualities including mental and physical strength, teamwork, research, and planning. At the end of the journey, everyone obtained a deeper understanding of their topics and their adventure.

(Written by 9-2 Ethan Shi Pictures by AJ participants Reviewed by Qian Zuo)