Year 10 Milestone: Power of Bouncing Back
The Year 10 Milestone programme challenged students to step outside their comfort zones, work together and discover that they are capable of more than they sometimes think.
Over four days at Tanakita, Situgunung, students experienced a range of outdoor challenges designed to build resilience, endurance, adaptability, teamwork and confidence. From jungle navigation and orienteering to tent building, fire making, high ropes and basic first aid, students were regularly placed in unfamiliar situations where they had to think, communicate and support one another.
One of the big challenges was the 12 km trek to the Lembah Purba Twin Waterfalls, also known as Jurassic Waterfall. The route took students across a wide range of suspension bridges, from big to small, from 100 m high to wobbly ones across a river. For some, the distance was demanding. For others, heights or balancing across the bridges pushed them outside their comfort zone. What stood out most was the way students supported each other. Those who were more confident encouraged those who were struggling, faster walkers waited for others, and groups worked together to make sure everyone completed the journey.
Students also had opportunities to apply the skills they had learned. During a navigation trek, students had to find their coloured ribbons, and the next day, in a ‘search & rescue’ mission, they had to find and safely transport their casualty to ‘base camp ’- these activities gave students the chance to move beyond simply learning a skill and instead use it under pressure as part of a team.
Of course, resilience was not only developed through the big activities. For many students, some of the most memorable challenges were much simpler: sleeping in tents, living with insects and spiders, coping with cold showers, being tired, and spending several days away from the comforts of home (& aircon). These moments became an important part of the experience.
By the final day, a common theme emerged during student reflections – several spoke about feeling closer to their friends, learning to rely on one another, and realising how much support existed within the group. That sense of community captured the central message of the Milestone programme: Power of Bouncing Back is not simply about enduring something difficult. It is about responding positively, adapting when things do not go to plan and supporting each other.
The trip gave students only a small glimpse of the challenges they will face in life, but hopefully it also gave them something equally important: the confidence to know that they can handle more than they think, and that growth often begins just beyond the edge of comfort.
Some feedback from students:
“The milestone was a great experience for everyone, allowing us to take a break from school and enjoy the beauty of nature. Trekking together with our friends was a great way to challenge ourselves, step out of our comfort zones, and support one another throughout the journey. It was an opportunity to bond with our friends while creating unforgettable memories. For sure, this was one of the most memorable milestones I have ever experienced.” – Clifton Mayer Gandha, Y10G
“The Y10 Milestone Programme was a captivating experience that taught me to adapt to my surroundings and bounce back from challenges. While I was initially skeptical about how I’d fare in the mountains, the lessons on key survival skills such as basic first aid helped quell my fears and enrich my knowledge. The trek to Jurassic Waterfall was particularly memorable, providing a chance to bond with friends while exploring the beautiful, scenic landscapes of West Java.” – William Darcy Ongkowidjaja, Y10G
Shared by
Mr Luke Peter Diaz
PIC of Y10 Milestone Programme
