Antipodeans Abroad offers schools the opportunity, through their Expedition Program, for teams of 15 – 18 year old students to embark on a journey to a developing country. These Antipodean journeys combine adventure, community service and leadership training and aim to broaden the horizons of young people. Antipodeans venture to many countries - Peru, Nepal, Borneo, Tanzania, India, Cambodia, Laos, Uganda, Kenya and Vietnam

Somerset welcomed 12 teams of students from 7 different schools, including Monte St Angelo, Roseville, Shore and as far afield as Chevalier College in Bowral, to a weekend training course to prepare them for their trips.

This weekend was a chance for the students and teachers to meet the leaders who will be taking them overseas and to partake in a number of sessions on topics such as itinerary, teamwork and group roles and “what-to-do-if “scenarios.

Team Briefing at Base

The teams then spent the night at individual campsites discussing campcraft practices and clothing and equipment specifics, preparing and cooking their own meals, chatting by the campfire and spending invaluable time interacting as a group.

The teams then set off on a day expedition to accustom them with bushwalking and navigation and the art of gear organising, packing and carrying.

Somerset is proud of our association with Antipodeans Abroad since its inception in 1997, and has been hosting their NSW training programs since this time.

The continuing friendship between Antipodeans and Somerset was again highlighted this year with another of our Senior Group Leaders, Clare, signing up to lead a team from St Catherine's to Borneo in December.

To all the students we met this weekend – may the road rise to meet you – have a fun and safe trip.

For more information please visit:

www.antipodeans.com.au

Antipodeans Team Photo in Machu Picchu, Peru