DofE Adventure Journey

From March 14-15, twelve students from Grade 8 at Kangqiao Campus and Grade 10 at Sanlin Campus embarked on their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) AJ expedition—a journey of courage, resilience, and self-discovery. Under the guidance of three mentors, they took on a two-day, one-night challenge where teamwork was not just an option but a necessity.

[Setting Out]Stepping Into Our Roles, Stepping Into Teamwork

“Steep slope ahead, watch out for traffic!”

“Navigator, report direction! Observer, record plant characteristics!”

These weren’t scenes from a movie but real moments of teamwork deep in the forests of Moganshan.

Each team member took on a role—leader, navigator, safety officer, quartermaster—each cog in the machine essential to keep the expedition running. “During training, we all wanted the ‘coolest’ jobs. But out here, we realized that ‘suitability’ matters more than ‘desire,’” reflected one student. Some who excelled at map reading but feared heights stepped aside for others to lead the way, while those with physical endurance but poor direction took up the heaviest loads. It wasn’t just a division of tasks—it was a lesson in knowing oneself and trusting others.

[ The Journey ] Poetry in Every Step, Rain as Our Companion

The challenge intensified with an unexpected downpour, turning the steep trails into glistening, slippery paths. Backpacks grew heavier under the weight of tents and cooking gear, yet the students pressed on, undeterred.

With Curiosity as Our Compass, We Chart the Unknown

But they were not just hikers; they were explorers with a purpose. One group ventured into Moganshan’s historic villas, documenting the unique architectural styles with cameras and keen eyes. Another team trekked through the bamboo forests, identifying various plant species along the way. Though the rain soaked their gear, the light of curiosity never dimmed in their eyes.

Finding Warmth in the Rain, Facing Challenges Together

“Hold my hand!”

“Take my waterproof jacket!”

In moments of difficulty, a helping hand was always there. During breaks, snacks were passed around, shared without hesitation. When the quartermaster, already carrying heavy loads, took extra time to help a teammate pack their gear, or when a self-proclaimed “cooking novice” was guided step-by-step to light the stove, the journey became more than just a physical challenge—it became a classroom for the heart.

[ A Night Under the Stars ] Fireside Reflections and Quiet Growth

As night fell over the campsite, the real adventure was just beginning. Tent-pitching became second nature, and in the midst of the rain, a warm meal felt like home. But the most memorable moment came during the evening reflection session, as students expressed gratitude for their teammates:

“Thank you for staying at the back to make sure no one was left behind.”

“I really appreciated the rice ball you shared with me—it kept me going.”

“You were an amazing navigator today, always leading us in the right direction.”

There was no need for formalities—just genuine appreciation and thoughtful reflections. As one mentor put it: “A great team isn’t one that never makes mistakes, but one that grows wiser with every challenge.”

[ The Final Chapter ] Medals Shine Brightest in the Mud

Over two days, through 15 kilometers of rugged terrain, every student completed the challenge. As the return bus hummed along the road, some students dozed off by the window, their hands roughened with blisters, their pants streaked with mud—their most hard-earned medals yet.

The official Duke of Edinburgh’s Award medal may not yet be pinned to their shirts, but the lessons they have embedded in their hearts will stay with them forever:

“True leadership is about helping everyone shine.”
“Endurance isn’t just gritting your teeth—it’s lifting each other up.”
“The answers to life’s challenges aren’t just in books, but in the roads we walk, the storms we face, and the moments we share.”

The mist over Moganshan will clear, but the courage, wisdom, and friendships forged in this journey will bloom for years to come.

Postscript: Interviews with the Team Leaders

1.What were the biggest challenges during the AJ expedition?

Tiffany ZHANG：“We have seven members in our team,Therron,Elizabeth,Daisy,Lingling,Chloe,Kingsley and me. The first day was tough—the rain made the trails dangerously slippery, and the steep slopes became even harder to navigate. But in the end, we all made it safely to our campsite. Another challenge was navigation. With so many unmarked paths in the mountains, we got lost multiple times. There were moments of frustration and disagreements, but we recognized them and worked together to stay positive.”

Mario XUE: “We have five members in our team,Angel,Bob,Cythina,Shirley and me. Rationing food was another challenge. Since I didn’t pack a lot, I had to be really careful about my portions. And like Tiffany mentioned, we sometimes struggled with directions, but we found a way—by asking local villagers for guidance.”

2.What did you learn from this official DofE AJ experience?

Tiffany Zhang: “So much! First, practical survival skills—how to use a compass and map, how to set up a tent, and how to cook outdoors. But beyond that, I learned a lot about teamwork and leadership. As a team leader, I had to stay aware of everyone’s condition and make decisions that benefited the whole group. I also realized that good communication, thoughtful decision-making, and genuine encouragement are key to building a strong team. This experience has definitely prepared me to take on bigger challenges in the future.”

Mario Xue: “I gained valuable hiking skills—like estimating distances on a map and properly using a compass. It was a great reminder that learning isn’t just about theory, but about applying knowledge in real situations.”

3.What did you learn from this official DofE AJ experience?

Tiffany Zhang: “The DofE AJ experience was like a mirror, showing us a side of each other that we don’t usually see in school. In our structured academic environment, we follow a set routine. But out in the wild, facing unknown challenges, everyone showed a different kind of energy and strength.”

“For example, Elizabeth carried two heavy pots for our group even though she knew she wasn’t the strongest physically—but she never complained. Therron, who’s usually the class clown, stepped up when it mattered most, leading us in the right direction and making sure we always had clean water. Seeing these sides of my teammates was truly inspiring.”