NASSAU, BAHAMAS — With two school years disrupted and bored of learning remotely, Prishae Smith joined the Governor General’s Youth Award (GGYA) to get out of the house and reconnect with friends at CC Sweeting Senior High School.
What the rising 11th grader didn’t sign up for were the falls, tears and headaches associated with a 15-mile hike and overnight camping trip.
“Honestly, I thought it was going to be a simple hike, a simple walk around Nassau, but it wasn’t that at all,” the 15-year-old recalled.
“This was the second most difficult thing I’ve ever done, but I really wanted that Bronze award. I wanted to feel accomplished. I didn’t want to be a quitter. I wanted to make myself proud and I did. As much as I hate to say it, I want the Silver and the Gold. I want my Certificate of Achievement to say I finished GGYA. I’m not going to quit.”
On Saturday, August 21, 11 participants in CC Sweeting’s 13-strong unit hit the road, backpacking from Epic Battery on Fire Trail to Gladstone Road then into Adelaide and back over the course of two days. They camped out on private property near the beach. They were accompanied by their unit leader Edwin Johnson, school teacher Lezelye Sands, GGYA National Director Jacquetta Lightbourne-Maycock and three other adults.
The hiking experience wasn’t the same for everyone.
Sixteen-year-old Tonique Simmons has been a cadet with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers since seventh grade. She went on similar hikes twice before.
“The backpack made it feel longer, but the adventurous journey was fun and tiring at the same time,” she said.
For Simmons, one of the trip’s highlights was crossing a creek in Adelaide, which leads into Coral Harbour. Typically, the water is about knee-high and not overly challenging. On this trek, strong currents and chest-high waters meant the girls got fully drenched.
“Going through the water was the best part for me. My muscles were tight and for me the cold water helped with the pain.”
Along the journey participants took note of coastal ecosystems, mangroves and different bird species.
On Saturday, August 28, the girls gathered at their school to dissect the trip over pizza and sodas.
The weekend assessment revealed areas where the unit excelled — decision-making, problem-solving and teamwork — and those in need of improvement, such as food rationing, packing and hiking endurance.
The trip was a success story that almost didn’t happen. It’s been more than five years since the school was last on track to earn awards from GGYA. This latest achievement wouldn’t have been possible without until leader Johnson, Sands and volunteer Chuck Smith, a hospitality teacher at the school.
