Gold practice exemption: To achieve a pass in Gold AJ it is not a matter of being able to walk the distances with a backpack. We are looking for:
Advanced levels of leadership, team interaction, individual preparation, trekking skills and a high level of problem solving. Reaching these high skills is difficult over three or four days of hiking.
The Bronze treks are where the teens learn self-organization and initial learning of team interaction. By Silver, the teens do reach a higher level and dig deep to get a glimpse of their full potential. On Gold over seven days, the teens naturally learn high levels of skills because there is plenty of time and it makes the trek a fun leisurely adventure of team bonding. for all.
For those who wish to accept the exemption for Gold practice, then they must undertake a very intensive AJ with other teens who at the same level. If you wish to only trek four days for your Gold Qualifying, then each day will require the group to hike 20km or more, each night there will be workbooks and reflections from the day, night walks and other activities to extend the group to try to reach for the gold skills of leadership, team interaction and responsibility. So even though the hiking maybe over a shorter period of time, it does require two high-level experienced and skilled guide supervisors and therefore the costing for this trek will be similar to a Gold being held over a leisurely seven days.
Should the intensive exception trek be your choice, then please click on the link for dates and booking.
terms & conditions
Simply Trekking endorses and includes in all guide training child safety policies as set out in https://dukeofed.com.au/about-the-award/the-award/safeguarding/
and https://www.ccyp.wa.gov.au/our-work/child-safe-organisations-wa/
4 day Gold Qualifyiig trek Cape to Cape
The 135km Cape to Cape Track follows the coast from Cape Naturaliste along the beautiful Indian Ocean to Cape Leeuwin. It passes through a few small settlements, gently winds up and down small hills, and has many sections walking on beaches. The coastline features rocky headlands, cliff sections, karri forest and empty white sand beaches. We walk north to south – having the sun behind us so we can see the coastline clearly.
Meeting Date, place & time:
Day prior to the departure date at 5.00pm Gracetown Caravan Park
Finish place & Cape Leeuwin 2-3pm
Day one: Gracetown to Prevelly 20km
Day two: Prevelly to Conto 19km
Day three: Conto to Hamelin 21km
Day four: Hamelin to Cape Leeuwin 25km
Supplied by Simply Trekking:
- Backpack – 65L Osprey ultralight adjustable backpack
- Backpack waterproof liner
- Tent 2 man share
- Trek pole
- Gaiters supplied in spring, autumn and summer
- 3 days of guided hiking
- Caravan park camping fees
CHECKLIST FOR TREK EQUIPMENT & CLOTHES
To be supplied by participant:
- 4 medium waterproof zip lock plastic bags to separate clothes, toiletries, food in pack
- 1 large waterproof zip lock plastic bag – for your sleeping bag and mat
- Sleeping bag (must be rated at or below 0°). A liner will also add warmth.
- Sleeping mat (foam or inflatable)
- Cup, or mug, bowl and spoon pocketknife if needed
- Head torch
- 2 x 1 litre water bottles (plain, no straws )
- Personal rubbish bag (for food, wrappers)
- Personal first aid kit (with required medication, we recommend fixomul for blisters.
- Personal toiletries, toothbrush, lip balm, deodorant, moisturiser (buy travel size)
- Stove, gas, matches/lighter
- Water purification tablets (puritabs/ aquatabs, micropure)
- Pots lightweight – 900 or 550 ml
- Toiletries – toilet paper, insect repellent, sunscreen
Hydrolyte Electrolytes – one sachet/tablet per day is required (available from chemist).
Daytime/Walking Clothing
- Boots or sturdy shoes – worn in and comfortable (at least 2 weeks wear)
- Socks – pair for each day & to keep the insects off your feet at night
- Knickers/jocks – pair for each day
- Long trousers – loose and lightweight
- Long-sleeved top, cotton/synthetic, or collared shirt
- Lightweight jumper (winter and summer)
- Sun hat (not a baseball cap as it doesn’t protect your neck & ears)
- Lightweight rain jacket or plastic poncho (to use if it rains heavily)
Night change clothes
- Warm jacket, thermal or polar fleece (winter and summer)
- Long loose-fitting pants for camp and sleeping
- Long sleeved loose top or t-shirt
- Beanie, head sox or scarf, gloves if you feel the cold
- Camp shoes e.g. lightweight sandals/crocs/thongs
Backpack with trek gear, food & water is to weigh only 20% of the participant’s body weight (please ensure that you weigh yourself then put the full backpack on and weigh again. Calculate the difference between and if it is higher than 20% your body weight, then it is essential that items are removed until you reach only 20%)
To reach 20%, ultralight trek gear (eg sleeping bag, mattress) is available for hire
Teen Hike Preparation & Guidelines
This trek belongs to the participants: The guides are there to facilitate and ensure that everyone is safe. We encourage decision making by the teen group, we create opportunities for the teens to develop new skills, get physically active and experience adventure.
Hiking procedure: Each day we walk three to four hours at a leisurely pace with a stop every hour to snack, have fun and explore. At least one day will be a challenge requiring 5 hours. We keep our participating group small so that our two guides can provide support and encouragement to each individual participant as our aim is for each to enjoy the experience as well as achieve their goals.
Hiking training: Hiking requires a reasonable level of fitness. We suggest that you use an app on your phone and ensure that you can walk on a cycle way or other smooth surface at least 5km per hour. We recommend training once a week prior to the trek by walking for approximately two hours. Both the Bibbulmun and the Cape to Cape Track are undulating and have an uneven surface plus you will be carrying a backpack that weighs 20% of your body weight. If you are able to walk at 5km per hour on a flat or smooth surface, then you should be able to hike with confidence, keep up with the group and complete the kms per day required within the 3-5 hours required.
Keeping in contact: Each family or a nominated group coordinator will receive a text each afternoon/night confirming that the group has “arrived at the campsite and all is good”. We recommend that the teen participants keep their phones on flight mode whilst away and not be in contact with the outside world. Teens staying offline enables greater teen group interaction and cohesion.
