This experience is one of the most memorable events I have ever engaged in, even though it didn’t start off as well as I expected with the bad weather conditions and the tiny tent. Kayaking and paintballing on the second day were amazing, as it helped me realize I could do anything I set my mind to and cooperate with others. The paintball activity helped me develop my teamwork skills. Hiking on the third day was very difficult because of how steep the mountain was but abseiling was both scary and exciting, and it’s definitely something I want to try over and over again. I was able to socialize and bond with people I had never noticed or spoken to at school. I feel I had the best teammates (Bravo THREE!!!) with very diverse people. We helped and supported each other through each challenge and activity. One thing I learnt was gratitude. During the camp there were a lot of things I realized I took for granted after living without some things for a few days (e.g. washrooms). Overall, I enjoyed myself and I would love to do it again. Seffirina Masoperh, G9.
The CAS & Dukies Camp at Trident Island was an unforgettable experience shared with colleagues, rangers and teachers. It was a great way to learn in an environment away from school, but it came with its own challenges. I was not familiar with a lot of people in my group so we had fun icebreaker sessions to get to know each other. The first hike was rather calm and easy. The second one, on the other hand, was challenging because the hill was steep, and I had just finished biking 10km and my knees were overworked. The scariest activity for me was abseiling from the Adomi Bridge as it felt so unreal. I was able to improve my teamwork and communication skills during this expedition and I realized the importance of chemistry between people. It was a crazy experience and I am looking forward to being on the next one. Kelvin Ahiakpor, G11.
This expedition camp was one like no other, It helped me connect with nature and appreciate it even more. The first day of the camp was very thought-provoking. We were immediately thrust into the wild to hike up a mountain. The hike was not an easy task at all. This was my first time hiking and it was definitely a fun experience, although tiring. When we reached the top of the mountain it started to rain, so we had to rush down quickly, and everything was wet and slippery. Nonetheless, with teamwork and perseverance, we made it to the bottom. At the bottom, we heard that the rain has messed up the Trident Island so we would have to camp in their building. This was sad news to hear but we still made the most of our situation. At the building I set up a tent for the first time in my life, and it is actually not as confusing as I thought. Throughout the following days, we went on another hike, kayaked, abseiled and biked. Apart from biking, all these activities were new to me. It was nice learning new activities and new skills. All in all, this camp was a real eye-opener, as it helped me to connect with nature, learn new skills and bond with my peers, teachers and rangers. Caleb Hammond, G11.
The camp was a fun, adventurous and fascinating experience. I got to socialize with people that I have never met in the school before and also got closer with people that I already knew. I also got to do activities that I have done before like hiking and kayaking, as well as activities that I have never done before like abseiling and paintballing. My favourite activity out of them all was kayaking, especially when we got to the capsizing drill, where we had to enter the river. Throughout the camp, I learnt to appreciate the things I have more and also been a better communicator and collaborator. The skills helped me during the hiking and kayaking activities. During our hike, there were times where I would have to inform those in the back about a slippery surface or any other places that can cause harm. I also had to collaborate with my peers to climb certain parts of the mountain. It was the same when we were coming down the mountain. Similarly, kayaking also involved communicating and collaborating with my partner in order to ensure we are moving to our designated place across the lake. I also learnt to be a better leader during the camp because I would have to help my peers who aren’t as physically prepared as me. I learnt to be patient with them. I also had to lead my partner during the kayaking activity and communicate which side we should be paddling on. During abseiling I volunteered to go first to show my peers it wasn’t as scary as it seems, that it would be fun and everything would be fine as long we followed the ranger’s instructions. I wish it lasted longer or I could have gone again. All these lessons and skills I gained helped me to become a better version of myself. I learnt to face challenges head-on and try out new activities when they come. The camp was a fun experience and if I get the chance, I would like to go again. Alvin Appiah, G11.
This camping trip has actually helped me a lot because I have been able to adjust to a new environment and do certain things that I never thought I will actually do. I have been able to use collaboration and communication skills because I had to talk to most of the people who were in my group since the only way we could all survive was by helping each other. The first day that we got there, honestly speaking, I was really wishing I hadn’t come because I had to sleep wet since it was raining and we had to set the tents in the rain. The second day actually made everything better because it didn’t rain and we were able to dry our things. We were also able to engage in the activities with the encouraging words from our award leaders and the motivation from each other. The most difficult activity that I had to do was capsizing; this is mainly because I can’t swim so I was afraid that I would drown, even though I had the life jacket on. With the help of my team members and my award leader, Mr Atseku, I was able to successfully capsize even though I cried a bit when I got into the lake. I am really grateful for the opportunity to go to this camp because I have been able to move out of my comfort zone to an unfamiliar zone which is literary preparing me for life’s adventures. Cynthia Abla Nutsuakor, G11.
This CAS & DofEIA Expedition camp helped me push myself in ways I never thought I could. I have never been a fan of physical activity, but since every day brought a new activity, I had to push through and complete them all.
Out of all the activities we did, my favourite was abseiling and kayaking. I was really surprised that I enjoyed them because those activities were directly related to two of my greatest fears; heights and water.
For a person who is quite addicted to her laptop, I didn’t find it that difficult to be away from it and I think it’s because of the many activities we had planned. Cooking without a kitchen was an experience. We had to improvise with what we were given. Overall, this expedition camp was better than I thought it would be, and it taught me that nothing is impossible and how to push myself past my limits. Araba Egyei-Mensah, G11.
The CAS & DofEIA Expedition Camp was certainly an experience to remember. From the long mountain hikes to boat riding, biking to the Adomi Bridge and back, and, of course, my favourite activity, abseiling off the bridge, I have definitely got a lot of stories to tell. Waking up at 4.00am to fetch water from the lake, cooking in the rain sleeping in tents with all sorts of interesting insects sharing the space with you. Taking part in
this expedition camp gave me an opportunity to move out of my comfort zone and try things I
probably would never have tried before. I was able to work with different people who I never saw myself talking with before and made new friendships and, one important thing I realized, was that I actually can go without technology for so long, which is a big deal for me. This camp taught me to be patient and considerate of other people and the activities, especially the hiking and canoeing, taught me that no matter how big you think you are, you actually are not that big and literally anything could take you out and that has humbled me. All in all, I am glad that I got to take part in this camp and I would encourage anyone thinking of taking part in the next ones to go for it. You never know what new thing you might discover about yourself. Marie- Marcella Nwokolo, G11.
As part of the CAS & Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Scheme, we are required to complete an expedition or adventurous journey. I along with other award participants from Tema International School embarked on a journey to Trident Island (not far from the Adome Bridge). The expedition lasted for 4 days and 3 nights. We were also organized into 6 groups, ranging from Alpha 1 to 3 and Bravo 1 to 3, in order to complete the activities. We were involved in so many activities; from hiking a 4km mountain to
abseiling the Adomi Bridge, kayaking around the island, paintballing and boat riding. It was challenging, especially the capsizing drill, when my partner and I tipped our kayak over. I saw nothing but darkness, which caused me to panic and drink the river water, but the other team rescued us in due time. It was also very exciting because everybody was collaborating and seemed involved. During those few days, I learnt the importance of perseverance, teamwork and leadership. I highly recommend everyone to participate in this award programme. -Seyram Essey, G11.
On Wednesday, 24 March 2021, we departed the Tema International School premises for the CAS & Duke of Edinburgh International Award Expedition camp at 8:45am. Every Dukie was excited to go on the trip. At 10:30am, we arrived at Klowem where we hiked for about 2km. On arrival, we dispersed into various groups and each group had a ranger and an Award Leader to guide them throughout the hike. When each member had successfully been assigned to a group, we commenced the hike. The hike was quite interesting because when our group members were exhausted or dehydrated, we had to wait for them to rehydrate and we also had conversations. In no time we all converged at the apex of the mountain with the help of some rangers and took a very beautiful picture together. Soon, it was time for us to descend. This was also done in groups as well. After, we set off to our campsite to set up. It was rainy and everyone had to ensure that tents were mounted for each person. Kayaking was one of my favourite activities because it involves two individuals and they must communicate very well to ensure that they approach their destination safely. At 2:00pm, we headed back to the campsite to have some snacks and rehydrate. Abseiling was also one of the most interesting activities I participated in. It was fun for me because I thought I was scared of heights but as I prepared to abseil from the Adomi Bridge I realized height is nothing scary after all. Above all, the expedition was a fun and enjoyable experience. In addition, I learnt that we must always persevere in whatever we do until our goal is achieved and we must also trust those who guide us and listen to instructions because they have been in the same situation before. Hence, they will not lead us astray. Samuel Agyenim-Boateng, G10.
The expedition camp, I must confess, was fruitful. It helped open my eyes to the real world. It helped me appreciate and be grateful for the things I used to take for granted. The camp has also helped changed my mindset that everything is possible if one is determined and hardworking. For instance, before the trip, I honestly planned on not partaking in two activities (because of fear) which were the capsizing drill in the middle of the river and the abseiling. However, two things changed my perspective. First, I adapted a winning mindset. Secondly, most of my friends partticipated in the activities I was afraid of, and that somehow motivated me to carry on with it once and for all. Madiba J H Gondoe, G11.
Participating in the CAS & Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Expedition camp, I did not know what to expect mainly because I had never been on an adventurous expedition/camp before. I was going into the camp open-minded and I was excited for the journey ahead. It was a 3-night, 4-day trip and we left on Wednesday, 23 March 2021. We arrived at Akuse where we started our adventurous journey. We hiked a mountain in our Alpha and Bravo
groups. I won’t lie, it was a bit tough for me because I have never hiked a mountain before and I kept on taking breaks to catch my breath. Sleeping in a tent for the first time was an experience. I really enjoyed kayaking and abseiling and it taught me the importance of trust and good communication skills. Though there were a lot of challenges, I believe they were part of the experience and it was worth it. Overall it was a great experience and I hope to take part in it again. -Apewe Japora Chigabatia (Grade 11)
This expedition camp was fun and educational. I got to try new things that I thought I would never do in my life. I abseiled, kayaked and hiked. It was a challenge and I overcame them. I learnt some things from the camp which will help me in every aspect of my life. I learnt to appreciate the little things and I also learnt that there is power in the mind so whatever you put your mind to do you can achieve it if you are brave, determined and you have a positive mindset. I also learnt to collaborate with others, because as a leader you must have certain traits in which collaboration is key. We were put into groups to work together, and we had a designated leader, peer leader, active followership and self-leadership.
At first, I feared the unknown, but I realized that if I try, I can make it. Throughout this expedition, I did not make fear get the best out of me. If you have the mindset of something bad is going to happen, you won’t progress in anything in life because you will not want to try. Throughout this expedition I prayed
before I did any activity, I can be brave and all, but it is the Almighty God who gave me the strength to do all that I did, and I am grateful to Him. -Maa Abena Afriyie-Owusu (Grade 9)
The expedition to Trident Island was definitely an experience that I don’t think I will ever forget it. I’ve attended expeditions before but never one where I had to sleep in tents and literally be one with nature. Each day presented a new challenge; on the first day, I had to battle steep mountains (which I couldn’t have completed without the help of
my team) and heavy rains. Cooking in the rain, setting up tents in the rain, treading muddy trails in the rain, looking for each other in the rain, unpacking in the rain, eating in the rain and sleeping in the rain were not easy tasks but at least now I’ve attained the skill.
The second day the sun was out and bright, I spent the day in the water kayaking and on land paintballing. Paintballing was painful but fun, and it taught me to always think long-term, be attentive, resourceful, precise, focused and patient. I have a fear of being in exposed bodies of water, lake, river, ocean, you name it. Despite being in a life jacket and a kayak, I kept thinking about the depth of the river and the organisms lurking in it. However, I successfully travelled across parts of the river using the kayak and capsized it. This task taught me to be calm and to listen because if I didn’t follow instructions things could have gone sideways.
The third day was scorching hot and my thirst seemed unquenchable. To top it off, we went hiking up a steep mountain, and once again I am grateful for my teammates. It was then time to face the open air with the abseiling activity. Once again, being calm and having a listening ear made this activity easier to complete. This expedition has taught me that I’m not chained to my fears, I’m simply holding their hand and all I have to do is let go. I also learnt to unplug more often, spending four days away from my laptop, the internet and other gadgets helped me connect, converse and spend time with people, especially those I usually wouldn’t have.
Teamwork is key. Every activity was done in groups, and frankly, I don’t think I would have been able to finish any activity without the help of my teammates, even those that weren’t always there. Lastly, I learnt to appreciate God’s splendour through his creation. During the day the view of the vast land was breathtaking and at night time the stars were ever so bright, the sky created a gradient that cast a glow on the mountains, islands and river. It was beautiful. I recommend that everyone try and complete any of the levels under the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award because it has really taught me to be World Ready, rain or shine, mountain or level ground, land, sky or sea; I can face it all. – Hedia Dickson, G11.
The Dukies camp and expedition have been a very eye-opening and equally overwhelming experience. I was extremely excited to go on this trip. I looked forward to it with eagerness and preparation, and it was far above anything I ever imagined. On the first day, we had to brace through nature’s forces, like rain, climb a mountain in a way that defied gravity, hike through rocky hills and crawl up rocks, like Spiderman. We learnt the importance of teamwork and not overexerting ourselves.
We braced through all this to the highest point in the mountain, where I stood on top, then mountain screaming, “I am the Queen of the World”. It was quite ironic at that moment. It began to rain, so we had to sleep in a wet environment and sleep in damp clothes, but that didn’t dampen the mood, because in the morning there was light.
In the light of the sun, we took part in many activities, including hiking once again, making interesting conversation with our Award Leaders and other grade mates. I also loved the boat ride, abseiling down the Adomi Bridge, kayaking, swimming in the river, singing sessions, bathing in the moonlight and our bonfire night. I cannot also forget the snakes, insects, cotton stainers and all forms of insects that graced our presence as well. All in all, this was a very unforgettable trip and I loved every moment of it. I look back wondering, really?? I did all that. I am proud of what I have achieved and I look forward to the next trip. Naa Ananga-la, G11
