A GROUP of local high school students were pushed to their limits recently when they took on Operation Flinders – an eight-day hiking camp in the northern Flinders Ranges – showing courage, integrity, and blood, sweat and tears.
Ten Waikerie High School (WHS) students braved the wilderness, hiking up to 18km a day and sleeping in hot and dusty conditions.
Team leader and WHS social worker Bec Barker said the team took on physical and mental challenges such as abseiling, team building, bush cooking, camping and navigation tasks.
“All 10 girls were pushed to their limits,” she said.
“The team spent eight days on Yankaninna station in the northern Flinders Ranges, and had no contact with the outside world, carried their own heavy backpacks and sleeping gear, and didn’t shower until they returned home.”
The students were led and supported by a team leader, assistant team leader, peer group mentor – all from the Operation Flinders Foundation – plus WHS teachers Ms Barker and Aaron Manning.
The team – dubbed “Tango Two” – was officially recognised and presented with certificates of achievement at a presentation held at the Waikerie council chambers last week, attended by team leaders, friends and family.
Ms Barker said at the certificate presentation that the students gained a sense of success and achievement on the trip.
“A big thank you to all the support we received from sponsors in the community and the Operation Flinders Foundation,” she said.
“We couldn’t do it without them. This year we had our trip postponed due to COVID-19, (but) we were still lucky enough to be able to go and followed a number of precautions that were put in place for COVID-19 safe practices.
“Well done, Tango Two. There’s many memories to be treasured and future mountains to be conquered.”