Upcoming Expeditions

Urban Odyssey Combo: Sunday 7th - Friday 12th July 2024

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 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        Sunday 7th July 2024.
Practice                Hornsby Park, 203 Peats Ferry Rd, Hornsby.

Finish Day 2      Monday 8th July 2024.
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        Tuesday 9th July 2024.
Qualifying             Cowan Station, Pacific Highway.

Finish Day 6      Friday 12th July 2024.
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 Logbook
  • 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 starting and finishing locations

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

**Dehydrated dinner meals are available for purchase 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.

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 dukes@theurbanchallenge.com.au 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 1 friend or fellow student to be put in the same team with them while filling out the Online Registration Form below.

While we strive to meet these requests, we recognise that part of the purpose of an Adventurous Journey is to foster "enhanced social connection with new and interesting people." This means we will intentionally create teams to provide our participants the chance to connect with young people outside of their friend group.

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 dukes@theurbanchallenge.com.au 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 dukes@theurbanchallenge.com.au 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 to 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:  dukes@theurbanchallenge.com.au

 

SAFETY INFORMATION


Safety And 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 THROUGH 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 dukes@theurbanchallenge.com.au 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 dukes@theurbanchallenge.com.au

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


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Allergies
An Urban Challenge Consent will be emailed to you along with a summary of the above details entered. Please print and sign this consent on and hand into the Programme Coordinator at the start of the Family Challenge.
Please check the below details in regards to photographs and our Terms and Conditions

Individual

PARTICIPANT DETAILS

   

EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS (Parent OR Legal Guardian)

Primary Contact Details

Secondary Contact Details

MEDICAL INSURANCE


MEDICAL HISTORY

Asthma
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Asthma Management Plan

ASTHMA MANAGEMENT AT THE URBAN CHALLENGE
Introduction

Our Team Guides and key programme 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/ward, 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 / ward’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 / ward's management plan info@theurbanchallenge.com.au. Please also note anything different (to the below Asthma First Aid) your child / ward 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.

Allergies

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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.


Other Medical Conditions
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TUC 'Other' Medical Information

'OTHER' CONDITIONS AT THE URBAN CHALLENGE
Introduction

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

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

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

You may also like to consult with your doctor / specialist about your child / ward's time on the programme.
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
  • etc

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

  • symptoms
  • treatment
  • medications
  • possible restrictions on certain activities
  • arrangements we may be able to make for your child / ward to participate as fully as possible on the programme
  • etc

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

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


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

The following equipment is available for purchase and will be available for collection on the first day of your program.

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.



FREEZE DRIED MEALS

We stock Back Country Freeze Dried Meals- a lightweight and easy option for a dinner meal. Simply add hot water, wait 10 minutes and dinner is ready!

You will be able to collect your meals and select your flavours at the start of the expedition. Please hover over the heading below to read more about the different flavours and dietary ingredients.

Please Note: These meals are suitable for dinner only and cannot be eaten for lunch.

PARENT OR GUARDIAN CONSENT

It is a requirement that a parent/ guardian of the participants reads through and consents to the following conditions.

By ticking the consent box below:

I consent to my child/ward participating in activities arranged by The Urban Challenge as part of The Urban Odyssey Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award Adventurous Journey.

I acknowledge that these activities are of an adventurous nature and am aware that these activities will be physically demanding, held in remote locations and represent a departure from my child/ ward’s normal routines.

I am aware that these activities involve an altered or increased risk of illness, injury or death arising from an accident or event occurring during an activity or within the expedition environment.

I acknowledge that while The Urban Challenge and it's staff undertake due care to minimise exposure to known risks, not all hazards and dangers associated with these activities can be foreseen and/or may be beyond the control of The Urban Challenge and it's staff.

I understand that the activities arranged by The Urban Challenge require the participant to carry out instructions and co-operate with staff members. I warrant that my child/ward has an ordinary ability to comprehend instructions given in English.

I agree that if my child/ward suffers an injury or illness, The Urban Challenge can, at my cost, arrange medical treatment and emergency evacuation services as deemed appropriate for my child/ward’s safety and well-being.

I agree to read the equipment list with my child/ward and ensure they attend with all of the required items.

I understand that photographs will be taken of my child/ward and shared to The Urban Challenge online portal. I agree to contact The Urban Challenge if I do not consent to these photographs being used on social media or in marketing material.

I declare that I have read and understood the information underneath the 'Safety Information' and 'Medical Information' headings on this page.

I understand that it is a condition upon registration that I provide accurate and complete information about my child/ward while filling out the Online Registration Form.


Billing

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