AROUND THE GROUNDS
24-hour hikers step up to the challenge
Great Scot | Issue 173 | 2025
For 120 determined hikers, the Scotch College 24-Hour Hike through Bunyip State Park was more than just a test of endurance, it was a matter of perseverance, teamwork, and service.
Service activities come in all shapes and sizes at Scotch, and, since its inception in 1965, the charity event has been a cornerstone of the school calendar. Setting out on Thursday 6 March and concluding at 4.30 pm the following day, Scotch boys collectively covered an unbelievable 7,884.9 kilometres. They hiked to their limits while raising funds for International Needs Australia( INA), a charity who support marginalised women and children across Eastern Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific to break the cycle of poverty.
For those unaware, the 24-Hour Hike is exactly as it sounds. A limited group of boys from Years 9-12 walk in groups of 2-4 around tracks( loops) in an unfamiliar bush setting for 24 hours. The loops start and finish at Basecamp and vary in length from 4-35 km. Each time the boys return to Basecamp they have the opportunity to eat, rest and form new groups.
House Coordinator, Keith Oatley, said“ It is completely up to them if, and when, they go out again, but most boys are keen to walk as far as possible and will walk throughout the night.”
The single catch is that no loop may be walked twice by the same boy. After all, what’ s a challenge without a little unpredictability?
Supporting the hikers were 22 boys who played crucial roles manning Outcamps, first aid, cooking stations, and administration tasks.
“ A crew of boys run Basecamp, ensuring we have accurate records of where all hikers are, and know when and where to go looking if we suspect a problem, and that food and first aid are always available. There were also two Outcamps manned by boys for all 24-hours, offering company to hikers who passed”, said Keith.
A comprehensive team of staff were also in attendance to the support the boys, with some opting to hike a few loops themselves.
“ These boys have a certain self-awareness, a sense of discipline in their words and personal values, upbringing, or faith, and they carried themselves with that character, even when climbing ridiculously steep hills!” said Ruben.
“
It gave me a chance to see a different side of my students, outside of the classroom. They showed leadership, resilience, and kindness than can often go unnoticed in daily school life.
”
Spending time in nature has been shown to foster essential life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence— abilities that may not always be evident in traditional academic settings. Immersed in nature and free from screens and schedules, our boys have the opportunity to engage more authentically with their surroundings.
Although the average distance hiked was a remarkable 65.7km, congratulations go out to Matthew( Year 12), Tom( Year 12), and Thomas( Year 12) who all accomplished more than 100km, and Luke( Year 11) who covered a staggering 109.6km and was awarded the Scotch College Council Prize for greatest distance overall.
A notable mention also goes to Matthew( Year 9) who received the Roger Slade Award for the greatest distance covered by a Year 9 student, an impressive 81.3 km.
While the hike itself lasts only a day, the event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for various charitable causes over the last few years alone. This year’ s effort raised an incredible $ 83,410 which was donated to INA on 19 May 2025.
Senior School Teacher, Dr Ruben Setiawan, was just one of those fantastic staff volunteers. His second year in attendance, he was struck by how respectfully the boys presented themselves during the hikes.
23