It took all the courage and commitment she could muster, but climbing to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in July has rewarded year 11 The Armidale School boarder Isabelle Coddington with a life-changing adventure she will treasure for the rest of her life.
Isabelle was one of a group of 31 students from schools in 11 countries that are part of the Round Square organisation who climbed the mountain, Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 metres above sea level, and also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.
After two days of preparation and familiarisation, the eight-day trek involved the walkers ‘climbing high and sleeping low’ – making an ascent and returning to a base camp each evening, graduating as they acclimatised to the atmosphere.
Along the way they took in amazing views, stunning sunrises and sunsets, shining constellations and shooting stars, before the final 15-hour night haul which was done in silence to retain oxygen levels.
“Throughout the climb, we experienced both the physical and mental challenges, with one of the boys having to go down on the sixth day, just the day before reaching the summit. This rattled many of the other people as we all saw how quickly and awful altitude sickness can come,” Isabelle said.
“Although this was a setback, the rest of us got there after a difficult climb on the final night.
Isabelle Coddington (white jacket, second from left) at the peak of Mt Kilimanjaro with Indigo Pratt (Scotland), Kate Turcott (Canada), guide Tony Tony (Tanzania), Sophie Cranstone (New Zealand), Alaska Humphrey (New Zealand) and Megan Stewart (Scotland). Photos: supplied.
“Reaching the summit was an unforgettable moment, with plenty of emotion as it was such a huge achievement.”
These holidays, 14 students volunteered at St Christopher’s Home in Suva, Fiji, providing practical help to the home and its residents, many of whom are orphans.
“We spent time playing, talking and singing with our buddies. We also helped repair their trampoline, painted the ceiling of dorms, weeded the gardens and fixed a few bikes as well as lots of other smaller jobs,” said Evie Haselwood, a boarder from Glen Innes.
“It was so rewarding seeing how much even the smallest jobs meant, and I learned that even with so little you can be just as happy and that I should and we should all be more grateful for what we have and for the good people around us.”
TAS principal Ray Pearson said adventure and service are key component of the school’s character education curriculum.
“Now, more than ever, students need to be challenged to help them develop into kind, capable and confident young men and women,” he said.
“Whether it is through incredible opportunities overseas or as part of our own cadets, surf lifesaving, Rural Fire Service or local community service programs, TAS is committed to developing the whole person, in and out of the classroom.”
For information on scholarships and bursaries to TAS, visit as.edu.au
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