Some achievements aren’t measured in grades or milestones but in steps taken and challenges overcome.
For Grade 11 student Deanna H., that achievement came through hiking more than 35 kilometres as part of the Adventure Discipleship Program (ADP), an experience that tested her strength, built her confidence, and deepened her love for the outdoors.
- Trial by Trail
In December 2024, she began training to prepare for the physical and mental demands of long-distance hiking. Just a few months later, in May 2025, she took on her first hike.
That first step led to something even bigger. By September, Deanna completed a five-day hiking trip through HCOS’ Adventure Discipleship Program, pushing herself further than she had before and discovering just how capable she truly was.
“I love hiking,” she shares. “Knowing you overcame something. That you were strong enough.”
There’s a quiet kind of confidence that comes from reaching the end of a long trail, one built step by step, moment by moment. Through every climb and every challenge, Deanna found not only strength but freedom.
“The outdoors and the freedom it brings,” she says, capturing what draws her back again and again.
- Step by Step
Along her journey, Deanna has already explored some incredible landscapes, including sections of the Sunshine Coast Trail and the Rockwall Trail.
Each trail brought new challenges, new views, and new opportunities to grow.
And along the way, she wasn’t alone.
“I will take away the amazing experience and the friendships I made along the way.”
It’s often the shared moments, the encouragement, the laughter, the perseverance together, that make the journey even more memorable. One of the key reasons Deanna was able to pursue this experience was the flexibility of home education, which allowed her to train, prepare, and fully immerse herself.
“It has made it much easier to find time to train for hiking and take weeks of school to prepare and be in the wild,” she explains.
That time allowed her to commit not just to the hikes themselves, but to the preparation that made them possible.
- Worth Every Step
For Deanna, this is just the beginning.
“I am beyond thankful to the ADP Program for giving me this opportunity,” she says. “I hope to go on many more hikes.”
With each trail, each step, and each new challenge, she continues to grow stronger, both on and off the path. Deanna’s story is a reminder that some of the most memorable achievements come from stepping outside, taking on a challenge, and trusting yourself to see it through. It’s about perseverance, courage, and discovering just how far you can go.
Deanna, we celebrate your strength, your determination, and the incredible paths you’ve already taken. We can’t wait to see where the trail leads you next!
Are you or a HCOS student you know interested in participating in ADP? HCOS’ Adventure Discipleship Program provides students with the opportunity to earn up to 12 credits toward completing their grad program. Students work toward credit for PE/Outdoor Education, Christian Studies and Leadership. Learn more here.
Share Your Story
Do you or your child have a story of success to share? We’d love to hear it! Whether you’re excelling in academics, sports, the arts, or something entirely unique, we want to celebrate your achievements.
Share your journey with us by filling out our quick form:
Let’s continue celebrating the incredible students of HCOS who are redefining what education can look like.
