Urban Odyssey Combo April

PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS


BEFORE PROCEEDING, PLEASE ENSURE THE FOLLOWING:

  • You are currently enrolled in High School as a student
  • You are enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
  • You have completed your Bronze and Silver Adventurous Journey requirements
  • Your physical capability will allow you to complete a 6 day hiking expedition
  • You have demonstrated competence in hiking in bush and urban settings
  • You have your Award Leader's approval to undertake The Urban Odyssey as your Gold Adventurous Journey

 

EXPEDITION DETAILS


Dates & Locations

Start Day 1              Saturday 12th April 2025. 9am
Practice                Hornsby Park, 203 Peats Ferry Rd, Hornsby.

Finish Day 2         Sunday 13th April 2025. 3pm
Practice                Berowra Oval, Berowra Waters Rd, Berowra.

Please Note: The end of Day 2 indicates the end of the Practice Journey. Participants will return home for the night to recommence the next morning.

Start Day 3           Monday 14th April 2025. 8am
Qualifying             Cowan Station, Pacific Highway.

Finish Day 6         Thursday 17th April 2025. 2pm
Qualifying             Milsons Point Station, Corner of Alfred St South and Burton St.

Transport

Participants need to make their own transport arrangements to and from each start and finish location.

Both the Practice and Qualifying Journeys start and finish in close proximity to train stations; participants are welcome to arrive and depart by public transport with the permission of their parent/guardian.

Participants will be provided with an Opal Card for any public transport used while on their expedition.

Equipment

Our comprehensive list of recommended camping and clothing gear can be found here:


GEAR LIST

 

We provide:

  • Opal Card lanyard
  • Maps, compasses and route planning sheets
  • Trangia stoves, pots and fuel
  • Team mobile phone & iPad
  • Adventurous Journey Log Book
  • Toileting kit
  • Comprehensive First Aid Kit & Emergency Communication Devices

You provide:

  • Clothing and camping equipment*
  • Food for the duration of the journey
  • Any personal medication and toiletries
  • Transport to and from the start and finish locations

* Packs, tents, sleeping bags & mats are availble for hire in the Online Registration Form below.

Please Note: The Urban Challenge is not responsible for the loss or damage of any personal equipment.

 

Mobile Devices & Photos

We strongly suggest that Urban Odyssey participants use this opportunity as a chance to take a break from their phone. While we do allow devices to be brought on the expedition, we ask that participants please keep them tucked away, only to be used for urgent communication.

We also request that participants do not bring earbuds or speakers on the expedition. This journey is an opportunity for social connection and for participants to immerse themselves in an unfamiliar environment- we believe these devices hinder the access to these opportunites.

As part of the Urban Odyssey program, participants will take photos and have access to a shared album for downloading their captured memories. Participants are provided with a team iPad for taking photos and are welcome to bring a digital or disposable camera with them.

Photographs of the participants will be taken throughout the program and posted to the private online portal on our website for viewing by participants and parents/ guardians.

Selected photos may be used as marketing material on our website or social media pages. Please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you do not consent to photos of the participant being posted publicly on our website or social media pages.

Team Allocation

The Urban Odyssey expedition teams can range from 4-7 students. Participants are welcome to nominate ONE friend or fellow student to be put in the same team with them while filling out the Online Registration Form below.

We intentionally create teams to provide our participants the chance to connect with young people outside of their friend group and school environment. We recognise that part of the purpose of an Adventurous Journey is to foster "enhanced social connection" and so will purposely split up large groups of friends into different teams wherever possible.

 

Pre-Expedition Briefing Session

All registered participants are asked to join us for a Pre-Expedition Briefing Session in preparation of their Urban Odyssey Gold Adventurous Journey. Conducted over Zoom with our Duke of Ed Coordinator, this 1-hour session will cover a range of topics such as an overview of the journey, tips for gear and food, an introduction to job roles and Gold Adventurous Journey expectations.

Participants will also find out which team they have been allocated to and will be invited to introduce themselves and ask any questions they have regarding the upcoming expedition.

Registered participants will be sent an email with the date and time of their Pre-Expedition Briefing Session in the 3 weeks prior to their journey.

All participants will also be sent an email post-session with a recording of the Zoom, a copy of the slides, their team allocation details and helpful resources on packing and preparation.


Expedition Updates

Participants will recieve a confirmation email once registered containing all of the information provided in the Online Registration form.

In the weeks leading up to their expedition, participants will receive a series of emails including an invitation to the Pre-Expedition Briefing Session. These emails will include important information and should be read thoroughly to ensure the information is understood and any issues or changes have been addressed.

We recommend that you add This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to your email contacts to ensure these emails don’t end up in the Junk Folder. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you haven’t received any emails in the 2 weeks before your journey begins!

Parent/Guardian Online Interation

All parents/guardians will have the opportunity to watch the progress of their child/ ward's team by using our online portal. In the weeks leading up to the expedition, login details for our website will be sent out and parents will be able to read the teams daily blog, view photos and videos from each day and be a part of our parent challenges!

At the end of the journey, participants will be able to log in to the portal to download their blogs and photos from the journey, as well as continue accessing any expedition resources,such as maps and daily itineraries.


Journey Report & ORB Approval

The Duke of Edinburgh International Award requires participants to submit ORB Assessor Approval requests for both their Practice and Qualifying Journeys in order to complete the Gold Adventurous Journey.

When submitting a request for a Qualifying Journey, you will need to upload and attach your Journey Report file:

  • If you are unable to upload your Journey Report due to size limitations, you can email the file directly to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we can discuss the process from there.
  • If we receive an ORB Approval Request without your Journey Report attached (and we haven’t received your file yet via email), we will send you an email requesting you attach the file or email it directly.
  • Your Qualifying Journey ORB Approval Request will not be approved from our end until we have recieved your Journey Report.

The Urban Challenge currently do not require a Journey Report for your Practice Journey but please check with your Award Leader as they may have different requirements.

The Urban Challenge Assessor Details are as follows:

Assessor Name:  The Urban Challenge
Supervisor:  Duke of Ed Coordinator
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

SAFETY INFORMATION


Safety & Staffing

As a leading professional outdoor organisation, safety is paramount in every program offered by The Urban Challenge. For our Urban Odyssey Expedition, participants are accompanied by a qualified Guide and receive support from a Program Coordinator and a Logistics Team. All of our staff members are qualified professionals, trained in relevant First Aid and verified according to the requirements of the NSW Working with Children Check.

The Duke of Edinburgh International Award stipulates that Adventurous Journey teams must consist of a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum of 7. Each Urban Odyssey Guide is assigned two teams (with a combined total of up to 14 students) and will accompany both teams for the duration of the expedition.

Our participant to adult ratios for bushwalking have been developed in line with the NSW Adventure Activity Standards, as well as with our own internal risk management policies. We maintain current and comprehensive Risk Management and Emergency Response Plans.

Medical Assistance

Any initial First Aid will be provided by the attending Guide. Parent/guardians will be consulted/ advised as appropriate and required.

In the event of a student requiring further medical assistance, The Urban Challenge will access care through either the closest hospital to the location of the incident, a local private medical practice, a private hospital or ambulance if deemed necessary. However, as parts of the expedition are conducted in remote areas, there may be significant delays until additional medical assistance can be accessed.

Parents will be contacted as soon as possible in the event of a student requiring further medical assistance.

MEDICAL INFORMATION

IT IS A REQUIREMENT THAT A PARENT/ GUARDIAN READS THE FOLLOWING:


Personal & Medical Information

It is worth emphasising that an Adventurous Journey, by its very nature, has an element of risk. It is important that this risk is properly identified, assessed, and managed to reduce the likelihood of an incident or emergency occurring, and to mitigate the consequences if an incident or emergency does occur.

By entering current and accurate Personal and Medical Information, you are assisting us to reduce the likelihood of an incident or emergency occurring that impacts the participant/s.

Please Note: We may contact you to obtain additional details and/or to make arrangements for the expedition. While we endeavour to make The Urban Odyssey accessible to all participants, we may not be able to safely accommodate some conditions due to the physical and remote nature of the journey.

Participant Competency & Physical Capability

The Urban Odyssey expedition includes sections of strenuous hiking marked by uneven surfaces, steep terrain, and significant distances which all contribute to the expedition’s challenging nature. Participants must be able to demonstrate self-sufficiency by carrying all of their essential gear and managing their sustenance and hydration effectively.

Furthermore, specific parts of this journey are held in remote areas, emphasising the need for participant preparedness, competency and physical capability.

Prescription Medications

Please ensure prescription medications are brought in sufficient quantities with instructions and spares to cover the length of the program. In general, medications should not be suspended or paused during the expedition.

Please enter details of any prescription medications into the Online Registration Form below, including if the participant requires adult supervision while dispensing medication.

Non-prescription Medications

An Urban Odyssey Guide may administer non-prescription medications when deemed appropriate. The non-prescribed medications we typically administer are paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamine, bite and itch creams, antiseptic creams, betadine and electrolyte hydration sachets.

Please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you do not consent to these non-prescription medications being administered to the registered participant while on expedition.


Privacy Policy

In order to run a safe and efficient camp for your child/ward, The Urban Challenge requires the collection of certain information. As we want to ensure this information is handled correctly, we have developed a detailed Privacy Policy:

PRIVACY POLICY


Further Information

For further information and helpful resources, please use the website's menu above to navigate through our detailed website.

You can also contact us with any questions or enquiries by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Or follow our Facebook and Instagram page for regular updates on our programs!


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PARTICIPANT DETAILS


EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS (Parent OR Legal Guardian)

Primary Contact Details


Secondary Contact Details


MEDICAL INSURANCE


MEDICAL HISTORY

Asthma

read more


Allergies

 

Other Medical Conditions


Dietary Requirements

 

Swim Ability

 

Other Relevant Information


HIRE EQUIPMENT

We are happy to be able to provide a range of hiking equipment for hire, including packs, tents and sleeping gear. This equipment will be given to participants on the first day of their expedition and collected on the last day.

Please Note: If you are sharing your tent, the other person must also check the Tent Hire box in their Registration Form as the hire fee is per person, not per tent.

 

PURCHASE EQUIPMENT

School Programs: The following optional equipment is available for purchase. Any items purchased will be available for collection on the first day of your program (if not delivered to the school prior). Items are not able to be posted. 

Urban Odyssey: Items ordered will be available for collection on day one of your expedition. 


Rain JacketXTM PERFORMANCE STASH || RAIN JACKET

Unisex rain jacket with a high waterproof and breathability rating.
Has a Ripstop outer layer, fully sealed seams, roll away hood and back vents.

Payment Information

Amount
$
Payment Method
Eway

Asthma Management Plan

ASTHMA MANAGEMENT AT THE URBAN CHALLENGE

Our Team Guides and key program staff have current training in asthma first aid.

Our staff do not carry Asthma Relivers (Ventolin) in their first aid kits for our regular Urban Challenge Programs, only on our Urban Odyssey expeditions.

We recommend you send along 2 relievers (as well as their preventative medication) for your child, one for them to carry at all times and another to give to their Team School Teacher to carry.

Response times for Medical Assistance may vary, espcecially when in the more remote locations during Urban Odyssey Programs.

Completing Medical Details

Please use the following information from Asthma Australia to assist when selecting the category/severity in the medical information in regards to your child’s asthma:

  • Infrequent Intermittent - short, isolated episodes, usually in response to a respiratory infection or environmental allergen.
  • Frequent Intermittent - episodes happen every 6-8 weeks or less, with minimal symptoms in between.
  • Persistent - more frequent symtoms and attacks. Please provide detail as to mild, moderate or severe.

Please note down signs, frequency and severity, triggers, medications plan and daily management details, etc. You may also like to email your child's management plan info@theurbanchallenge.com.au. Please also note anything different (to the below Asthma First Aid) your child may need in they have an asthma attack.

Asthma First Aid

The Urban Challenge will follow the below Asthma First Aid in the event of an attack.

Asthma First Aid

 

Please visit www.asthmaaustralia.org.au for more information and to assist in completing the medical details.

Asthma Management Plan

ASTHMA MANAGEMENT AT THE URBAN CHALLENGE

Our Team Guides and key program staff have current training in asthma first aid.

Our staff do not carry Asthma Relivers (Ventolin) in their first aid kits for our regular Urban Challenge Programs, only on our Urban Odyssey expeditions.

We recommend you send along 2 relievers (as well as their preventative medication) for your child, one for them to carry at all times and another to give to their Team School Teacher to carry.

Response times for Medical Assistance may vary, espcecially when in the more remote locations during Urban Odyssey Programs.

Completing Medical Details

Please use the following information from Asthma Australia to assist when selecting the category/severity in the medical information in regards to your child’s asthma:

  • Infrequent Intermittent - short, isolated episodes, usually in response to a respiratory infection or environmental allergen.
  • Frequent Intermittent - episodes happen every 6-8 weeks or less, with minimal symptoms in between.
  • Persistent - more frequent symtoms and attacks. Please provide detail as to mild, moderate or severe.

Please note down signs, frequency and severity, triggers, medications plan and daily management details, etc. You may also like to email your child's management plan info@theurbanchallenge.com.au. Please also note anything different (to the below Asthma First Aid) your child may need in they have an asthma attack.

Asthma First Aid

The Urban Challenge will follow the below Asthma First Aid in the event of an attack.

Asthma First Aid

 

Please visit www.asthmaaustralia.org.au for more information and to assist in completing the medical details.

Allergy Management

ALLERGY AND ANAPHYLAXIS MANAGEMENT
Introduction

All our Guides and key programme staff have current training in anaphylaxis first aid, including the use of an epipen.

Our Guides on The Urban Odyssey are trained in routine and extended management of allergies, as part of their First Aid qualification.

If an EpiPen is required for the management of your child/ wards allergy, they must bring at least one (1) EpiPen with them on an Urban Challenge OR at least two (2) EpiPens if they are participating in an Urban Odyssey due to the remote nature of the expidition.

The programme environment and activities may exacerbate allergies; please consider your child / ward’s allergy in context with the general programme information and the programmed activities.

You may also like to consult with your Doctor / Specialist about your child's / ward's time on the programme.

Completing Medical Details

Please use the following information to assist when selecting the severity in the medical information in regards to your child / ward’s allergy:

  • Mild - a reaction that is present at the site of contact only - rash, itchiness, redness, etc 
  • Moderate - a reaction with symptoms away from the contact site - rash, itchiness, swelling, general body illness, etc
  • Anaphylactic - breathing problems, swelling of tongue/throat, etc, emergency. Requires adrenaline.

Please note down signs, frequency and severity, triggers, medications plan and daily management details, etc.

You may also like to email your child's / ward's management plan to info@theurbanchallenge.com.au 

Please note if you do not wish antihistamines to be administered to your child / ward. Please also note if you child / ward will be bringing their own antihistamines, or other medications.

Please also note anything different (to the below Anaphylaxis First Aid) your child / ward may need in they have an anaphylactic reaction.

Anaphylaxis First Aid

The Urban Challenge will follow the below Anaphylaxis First Aid in the event of a reaction. 

Leaders may also administer antihistamines and / or ventolin where deemed appropriate to alleviate mild to moderate allergic reactions. Leaders may also administer antihistamines and / or ventolin as part of anaphylaxis first aid. 

Anaphylaxis Plan

Please visit www.allergy.org.au for further information which may assist you.

Allergy Management

ALLERGY AND ANAPHYLAXIS MANAGEMENT
Introduction

All our Guides and key programme staff have current training in anaphylaxis first aid, including the use of an epipen.

Our Guides on The Urban Odyssey are trained in routine and extended management of allergies, as part of their First Aid qualification.

If an EpiPen is required for the management of your child/ wards allergy, they must bring at least one (1) EpiPen with them on an Urban Challenge OR at least two (2) EpiPens if they are participating in an Urban Odyssey due to the remote nature of the expidition.

The programme environment and activities may exacerbate allergies; please consider your child / ward’s allergy in context with the general programme information and the programmed activities.

You may also like to consult with your Doctor / Specialist about your child's / ward's time on the programme.

Completing Medical Details

Please use the following information to assist when selecting the severity in the medical information in regards to your child / ward’s allergy:

  • Mild - a reaction that is present at the site of contact only - rash, itchiness, redness, etc 
  • Moderate - a reaction with symptoms away from the contact site - rash, itchiness, swelling, general body illness, etc
  • Anaphylactic - breathing problems, swelling of tongue/throat, etc, emergency. Requires adrenaline.

Please note down signs, frequency and severity, triggers, medications plan and daily management details, etc.

You may also like to email your child's / ward's management plan to info@theurbanchallenge.com.au 

Please note if you do not wish antihistamines to be administered to your child / ward. Please also note if you child / ward will be bringing their own antihistamines, or other medications.

Please also note anything different (to the below Anaphylaxis First Aid) your child / ward may need in they have an anaphylactic reaction.

Anaphylaxis First Aid

The Urban Challenge will follow the below Anaphylaxis First Aid in the event of a reaction. 

Leaders may also administer antihistamines and / or ventolin where deemed appropriate to alleviate mild to moderate allergic reactions. Leaders may also administer antihistamines and / or ventolin as part of anaphylaxis first aid. 

Anaphylaxis Plan

Please visit www.allergy.org.au for further information which may assist you.

TUC 'Other' Medical Information

'OTHER' CONDITIONS AT THE URBAN CHALLENGE

We endeavour to make arrangements so that your child can participate as much as possible on The Urban Challenge.

Our guides and key program staff have current training in first aid and other appropriate training for the Urban Odyssey.

The program at times can be physically demanding and may exacerbate conditions, injuries, etc. Please consider your childs condition/injury/etc in context with the general program information and the programmed activities.

You may also like to consult with your doctor / specialist about your child's time on the program.

 

Completing Medical Details

 

Please provide details on:

  • prescription medications being taken (other than those listed above for asthma or allergies)
  • non-prescription medications that will be brought to camp (ibruprofen, antihistamines, etc)
  • conditions such as  - diabetes, epilepsy, heart/blood disorders, diseases, syndromes, behavioural issues, anxiety issues, bedwetting, sleepwalking, etc 
  • existing or recent injuries
  • recent surgeries

Please provide detail about your child's condition/injury/etc in respect to:

  • symptoms
  • treatment
  • medications
  • possible restrictions on certain activities

An Urban Challenge staff member may contact you for further information.

You may like to Contact Us for more details on your school's program and or activities.

TUC 'Other' Medical Information

'OTHER' CONDITIONS AT THE URBAN CHALLENGE

We endeavour to make arrangements so that your child can participate as much as possible on The Urban Challenge.

Our guides and key program staff have current training in first aid and other appropriate training for the Urban Odyssey.

The program at times can be physically demanding and may exacerbate conditions, injuries, etc. Please consider your childs condition/injury/etc in context with the general program information and the programmed activities.

You may also like to consult with your doctor / specialist about your child's time on the program.

 

Completing Medical Details

 

Please provide details on:

  • prescription medications being taken (other than those listed above for asthma or allergies)
  • non-prescription medications that will be brought to camp (ibruprofen, antihistamines, etc)
  • conditions such as  - diabetes, epilepsy, heart/blood disorders, diseases, syndromes, behavioural issues, anxiety issues, bedwetting, sleepwalking, etc 
  • existing or recent injuries
  • recent surgeries

Please provide detail about your child's condition/injury/etc in respect to:

  • symptoms
  • treatment
  • medications
  • possible restrictions on certain activities

An Urban Challenge staff member may contact you for further information.

You may like to Contact Us for more details on your school's program and or activities.

TUC Dietary Information

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS AT THE URBAN CHALLENGE

Participants stay in youth hostels and other group accommodation places throughout the Sydney region where breakfasts are provided and typically consists of cereal and toast (soy milk will be available). If a gluten free breakfast is required, please provide a suitable substitute which does not contain whole nuts or nut products.

On most occastions, lunches and dinners are the responsibility of the students as a team with guidelines from Urban Challenge staff. These meals involve the team liaising with the student assigned the role of Caterer who will then purchase the food from a supermarket or shop. If your child requires specific dietary needs please encourage them to speak to the team Caterer, Team Leader and the teacher on their team, as well as the Urban Challenge guide to assist in making appropriate choices.

Students are likely to enjoy a meal challenge in Sydney’s Chinatown – if your child is unable to participate in an Asian meal, again, please encourage them to speak to the team’s Caterer and Urban Challenge Guide so an alternative can be organised.

Morning and afternoon teas are provided for the students and these would usually consist of fruit along with a combination of muesli bars, biscuits, potato chips. Gluten free alternatives will be provided for those students who have noted gluten free on their medical forms. These products will not contain whole nut products, however may have the warning "may contain traces of", if this is not suitable, please send along enough alternative snacks for the duration of the program.

If your child is a diabetic, someone from our office will contact you to discuss this prior to the start of the program.

If your child has an anaphylactic allergy please provide one epipen and refer to the information above regarding allergies and anaphylaxis. Someone from our office will also contact you prior to the start of the program.

If you have any queries about the dietary needs of your child whilst on The Urban Challenge please don’t hesitate to call us on 9483 9333.

 

TUC Dietary Information

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS AT THE URBAN CHALLENGE

Participants stay in youth hostels and other group accommodation places throughout the Sydney region where breakfasts are provided and typically consists of cereal and toast (soy milk will be available). If a gluten free breakfast is required, please provide a suitable substitute which does not contain whole nuts or nut products.

On most occastions, lunches and dinners are the responsibility of the students as a team with guidelines from Urban Challenge staff. These meals involve the team liaising with the student assigned the role of Caterer who will then purchase the food from a supermarket or shop. If your child requires specific dietary needs please encourage them to speak to the team Caterer, Team Leader and the teacher on their team, as well as the Urban Challenge guide to assist in making appropriate choices.

Students are likely to enjoy a meal challenge in Sydney’s Chinatown – if your child is unable to participate in an Asian meal, again, please encourage them to speak to the team’s Caterer and Urban Challenge Guide so an alternative can be organised.

Morning and afternoon teas are provided for the students and these would usually consist of fruit along with a combination of muesli bars, biscuits, potato chips. Gluten free alternatives will be provided for those students who have noted gluten free on their medical forms. These products will not contain whole nut products, however may have the warning "may contain traces of", if this is not suitable, please send along enough alternative snacks for the duration of the program.

If your child is a diabetic, someone from our office will contact you to discuss this prior to the start of the program.

If your child has an anaphylactic allergy please provide one epipen and refer to the information above regarding allergies and anaphylaxis. Someone from our office will also contact you prior to the start of the program.

If you have any queries about the dietary needs of your child whilst on The Urban Challenge please don’t hesitate to call us on 9483 9333.