“Adventure is a human need. We recognise it as the daring thing which makes us bigger than our usual selves. Adventure is the curiosity of man to see the other side of the mountain, the impulse in him that makes him break his bonds with lesser things and frees him for greater possibility.”
Walt Burnett, The Spirit of Adventure
A brief introduction to the President’s Award:
The President’s Award is an exciting personal challenge to young people between the ages of 14 and 25. It is a balanced, non-competitive programme of voluntary, leisure time activities which encourage:
• Personal discovery and growth
• Self- reliance
• Perseverence
• Responsibility
• Service to the community
Structure and Programme:
Each level is completely separate from the others. Young people can choose to join the programme at the level which best suits them, with each successive level demanding increased commitment and determination.
There are three attainment levels:
Bronze – for those over 14
Silver – for those over 15
Gold – for those over 16
There are four sections to the programme. To gain an award all four sections must be completed in the specified minimum period of time.
Section 1 – Service:
Aim: To encourage a sense of responsibility to the community. The emphasis of this
section is on the regular giving of service to others.
Section 2 – Adventurous Journey:
Aim: To encourage a spirit of adventure and discovery whilst undertaking a journey in a group. The adventurous journey might be by foot, bicycle, boat or horseback. Travel by personal effort, without motorized assistance should be involved. Proper training and preparation, self sufficiency, self reliance and the exploration of new surroundings are the key elements.
Section 3 – Skills:
Aim: To encourage the development of personal interests, creativity or practical skills. Sustained effort and general improvement over a period of time is required rather than the attainment of a specific standard.
Section 4 - Physical recreation:
Aim: To encourage improved performance and physical fitness. Participants are required to take part in some form of organized physical recreation and show individual progress.
This serves only as a brief introductory overview of the programme. For more detailed information on enrolment please contact Patricia Wade on (011) 445 1205 or email patriciaw@barloworld.com.
Why is Firecloud Adventures promoting the President’s Award?
“Many a business is started with high ideals of helping people, for Firecloud Adventures this comes in the form of seeing people grow and expand their horizons. Due to our specialization in adventure travel we do indeed get to participate in many of these growth experiences with our clients, but never quite as pronounced as in working with the President’s Award expeditions. We have seen seemingly weak participants persevere through freezing cold nights, traverse endless miles of rugged terrain, navigate trecherous mountain passes and do so not only highly successfully but also in good spirits. Almost across the board the expeditions awakened in individuals a passion for exploration and adventure. Seeing young people expand their horizons is one of the most encouraging rewards that one can ask for. To be involved in it as a business, well now that’s a real bonus! The President’s Award embodies so many of our values that it’s only natural for us to promote the programme.” Cherelle Gordon – Managing Director, Firecloud Adventures.
Firecloud Adventures supports the principles of the The Presidents Award / International Award for Youth and offers the following value added services to The Presidents Award / International Award for Youth clients:
GOLD AWARD ADVENTURE JOURNEYS
CEDARBERG ADVANCED WILDERNESS TREK
Western Cape – South Africa
A beautiful wilderness area located just three hours from Cape Town. This five day trek covers 60-80km’s and takes you over challenging terrain in the remote wilderness of the Cedarberg mountains. Dotted with numerous sites of rock art and unique fauna and flora the Cedarberg provides a rewarding hike experience.
CENTRAL DRAKENSBERG TRAVERSE
Kwazulu Natal, South Africa
This six day hike takes you up into the high Berg from Cathedral Peak. You’ll hike between 60 and 70 kilometres, and gain more than 2500m in altitude as you head south towards Monk’s Cowl. Cross over some of the most pristine high alpine terrain in the country. You may even be lucky enough to encounter Berg adders, vultures and even dwarf moles.
NORTHERN DRAKENSBERG TRAVERSE
Kwazulu Natal, South Africa
Covering over 60km, this hike takes six days to complete and includes an altitude change of over 3000m. Trek across the Amphitheatre past the impressive Tugela Falls. The route then winds through valleys and over ridges above the escarpment travelling southwards. You descend from the escarpment at Mlambonja pass down to the Cathedral Peak Campsite. Your memories of incredible sunrises will more than compensate for aching legs.
VALLEY LOW, MOUNTAIN HIGH
Drakensberg, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa
This wilderness hike entails an exploration of the lower Berg in the Monks Cowl and Cathedral Peak areas. It includes route mapping exercises for KZN wildlife, and the discovery of Rock Art, magical streams and pools, as well as the abundant flora and fauna species of the Little Berg.
FISH RIVER CANYON TRAIL
Ais Ais, Namibia
The Fish River Canyon is known as the second biggest canyon in the world. In the southern deserts of Namibia, a trek of 90-odd kilometres takes you down the canyon and exposes you to harsh environmental conditions and starkly beautiful wilderness terrain.
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