Celebrating 30 Years of Trek
A tradition of adventure, growth, and resilience
For 30 years, Trek has been a cornerstone of the Korowa experience, fostering resilience, leadership, and self-discovery. This iconic four-week wilderness adventure pushes our students to their limits and creates lifelong memories. This year, we celebrate three decades of this transformative journey.
The Journeyof Trek
The Trek program began 30 years ago as a visionary initiative to provide students with a transformative outdoor experience. Since its inception, it has evolved, adapting to new educational insights and environmental challenges while maintaining its core mission of fostering resilience and self-discovery.
Over the past 30 years, there has been an abundance of memorable moments from the first Trek in 1994, with poignant stories of personal triumph and team solidarity that have become part of Korowa’s rich history.
The primary objective of the Trek program is to challenge students physically, emotionally and intellectually promoting personal growth. By navigating the wilderness, students learn self-sufficiency, leadership and teamwork. The program’s impact is profound, often cited by alumni as a pivotal experience that shaped their character and outlook on life.
What isTrek?
The Trek experience encompasses a diverse range of activities including hiking, cycling, and rafting, each designed to challenge students and foster growth. Historically, students travelled from the Victorian Alps and finished at Ninety Mile Beach. However, over the years, this route has sometimes changed due to inclement weather.
Learn about Year Nine at Korowa"Trek was a test of strength, it required physical endurance, mental resilience, and emotional intelligence. Reflecting on these experiences, I am reminded of my capabilities and the growth that comes from stepping out of my comfort zone." - Hannah Maitland (Class of 2025)
Iconic Traditions of Trek
- Bucket lunch
- Braids
- Crocs
- Solo
- Trek Journal
- Group Bracelets
- Community Days
A quirky and much-loved tradition, the bucket lunch consists of wraps filled with leftovers and bits of everything. Despite the seemingly random ingredients, these wraps always taste surprisingly great, offering a delightful and nourishing break during the day’s activities.
Hair braiding has become a cherished ritual during Trek. It’s a fun and bonding activity that helps students manage their hair in the wilderness. The braids often become a symbol of the camaraderie and shared experiences of the journey.
Versatile and indispensable, Crocs have earned their place as the go-to camp shoes. Ideal for river crossings and providing comfort around the campsite, they are a practical and memorable part of the Trek gear.
A profound aspect of Trek is the Solo experience, where students embark on a two-night journey. During Solo, students venture off on their own, exploring the wilderness and spending reflective time alone. This challenging yet transformative experience encourages introspection, resilience and a deeper connection with nature. Students keep a Solo diary during this time, documenting their thoughts, reflections and personal growth, providing a meaningful keepsake of their journey.
Throughout Trek, students maintain a Trek Journal, recording their daily thoughts and experiences. Sometimes, they need to bulk fill entries if they haven’t had time to write for a few days, capturing the highs, lows and insights gained along the way.
Friendship bracelets are a cherished tradition where students add beads as they achieve key Trek milestones. These bracelets symbolise their journey together and the achievements they’ve accomplished as a team.
More than just a day of rest, Community Days are an integral part of Trek where students engage in bush showers, clean equipment, and participate in group activities like a ‘fashion show’. These days foster teamwork, camaraderie and a sense of community spirit, reinforcing the bonds formed during the adventure.
TrekMemories
Kate (Class of 1996)
The solo, overcoming the feelings of ‘I can’t do this’ by going on and doing it and the friendships forged.
Billie (Class of 2025)
Our dawn breakfast paddle at 4am!
Gabby (Class of 2001)
Trek was one of the most formative experiences for me. It instilled a sense of teamwork and confidence that I have carried through my whole life, as well as a love for the Victorian bush and respect for Country.
Freya (Class of 2008)
Trek felt like an amazing achievement and there have been many times since that I have drawn on the strength, resilience and sense of adventure that trek fostered. It also sparked a lifelong love for the outdoors and nature.