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DUKE OF EDINBURGH SILVER 2025– THE POWER OF PERSEVERANCE

by Izzie Morgan, Anahita Dhillon, Alex Clysdale, Grade 10 Students

Izzie:

There were so many great moments, little and big, that made the DOE Silver Trip the success that it was.

When we arrived we first took a walk to the cabin from the drop-off location. For me this walk was rather quiet. I chatted with my friend Alex and took in the sights. However, behind me, I recall hearing a few friends chant the Wizard of Oz song- you know the one, “We’re Off to see the Wizard! The wonderful Wizard of Oz…”- I don’t honestly know why, but for me, hearing everyone chatting and singing and just being so energetic assured me that this trip was going to be something good.

Our group faced a bit of difficulty on what was supposed to be a two-day hike. See, it turned out that (in true Canadian fashion) the weather had become too cold for us to stay the night in the tents and achieve what was originally planned. This was confirmed by our guides once we had completed the hike, toboggans in tow, to the campsite. Given this, it became necessary to perform the second half of the hike across the lake (meant to take place the following morning) immediately, preferably before dark. Now while this seemed daunting, and you could tell by the exhaustion on everyone's faces that we were not looking forward to it, everyone persevered without complaint. Even when the top layer of ice turned to slush that clung to our snowshoes, we continued to try to pull the sleds and toboggans across the lake until we had to admit that it wasn't feasible, at which point we left the gear on shore and just aimed to get back.

Some students, with the help of the genuinely incredible Voyageur Quest staff, were able to get back to the cabin early, and the wonderful Alexa and I were able to whip up some hot chocolate and marshmallows for the crew, which was certainly a welcome relief from the day's events. Though challenging, I think that the hike taught me the value of endurance and perseverance in the face of adversity.

My favourite memory from the trip would have to be the last night. After a day of retrieving gear along the shoreline and cross-country skiing, we were delighted with a pizza party dinner. We each customized our own on a slice of naan paired with a side of the greatest caesar salad I've ever made (and perhaps that has ever been made) and after clean up, we all went out and looked out at the stars.

I can’t quite do it justice by putting it into words- the sky was clearer than I've seen it in ages and there were just so many stars, all unique and vibrant, and as we all lay in the snow dunes on the lake one of our guides, Kiera, told us the story of the constellation Ursa Major, as told by the Anishinaabe peoples millennia ago. There’s something about hearing that story while staring up at its basis that just changes things.

Overall this trip taught me a hundred little things, and a couple of big ones. I learned more about what it means to be strong, to be tough, to be a good leader, to be a better friend. 

However, that wasn’t my central gain.

On our way back to the bus we had a one kilometer walk  where we were able to process and take in the sights one last time. Towards the end of this walk, close to the parking lot, there was a section where the trees cleared and we were met with the sight of a large, frozen pond against a backdrop of towering trees in the distance and I remember stopping, only for a moment, and staring, remembering how vast and complex a small world could be. I think for me this was the central gain of this trip. All the things around us feel like everything, all the time, and there is this inherent beauty and purpose in just stopping, either for an instant or a week, and taking the world in, letting yourself love the little things, whether that be naan pizza and hot chocolate or reading with those you love, remembering to let those moments count. 

I am so incredibly grateful for all the wonderful people I got to spend this trip with. Our guides, Achilles and Kiera, were incredible decision makers and caring leader, my peers, who were so consistently dedicated and impressive, always aiming to uplift each other through the good and the bad, and Mr. Robertson and Ms. Al, who not only gave four days of their lives to ensure this trip went well but were also engaged and caring throughout it. Whether through tired chats by the fireplace or “Good work!” on the trails, they constantly gave their all in making sure each student felt appreciated and safe.

Thank you to everyone who made DOE Silver such a smashing success!

Anahita:

The Silver Exhibition was an unforgettable experience that challenged us both physically and mentally while strengthening our sense of teamwork. From the start, everyone was eager to support one another, whether by carrying sleds and toboggans, taking a load off someone, or offering encouragement during difficult moments. When our original plan to sleep in a wall tent fell through, we adapted by completing two days’ worth of hiking in one, trekking across the slush-covered lake back to the cabin. The conditions were tough, but the shared effort made it all the more rewarding. Despite the cold, there was some undeniable camaraderie. We cooked, cleaned, and laughed together. We cozied up by the fire to play games, share stories, and reflect on our personal goals. For me, this meant working on my growth mindset, embracing challenges with an open mind, and building deeper connections with my peers. The breathtaking night sky, where I saw my first shooting star, was the perfect reminder of how special this experience was, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. 

Alex:

At first I was skeptical about going on this trip, as I am not a camper and a 4-day expedition in the cold did not seem fun. But wow, was I wrong.

Throughout this trip, we participated in many activities including pulling our sleds through the woods, snowshoeing, cooking, and cross-country skiing. We faced many challenges, like when our sleds got stuck in the slush as we were crossing the lake, forcing us to leave all our gear behind to make it to the cabin by nightfall.

I found the expedition physically and mentally demanding, but the experience was so beneficial and made the trip worthwhile. The amount of support and teamwork was incredible, especially after the hike across the lake where we all worked together in small groups to accomplish what was needed (e.g., gathering gear from the dock and bringing it up to the cabin). We helped motivate each other during challenging moments, like when pulling the sleds up the hills and on the lake. I knew that, if I was struggling or did not know what to do, there was always someone (students, guides, or teachers) who was happy to help. We also had the chance to bond with teammates. As a group we persevered, pushing ourselves and getting out of our comfort zones, accomplishing things we didn't know we capable of.

Even though challenging at first, disconnecting from technology and spending time in nature was a very refreshing and fun experience. We hiked through snowy forests, got to see beautiful views, and went stargazing, which was magical.

The Duke of Edinburgh Silver expedition was an amazing educational experience that I will never forget, where I learnt the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone.

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