We spoke to Camp Hero alumni Harrison, who recently completed his Duke of Edinburgh Award after 3.5 years of dedication, challenge and growth. As part of this achievement, he attended Camp Hero LEADERSHIP. He shared how Camp Hero shaped his confidence, leadership and purpose, and how those learnings continue to influence the way he shows up in his school, community and future pathway.
What first motivated you to apply for Camp Hero?
I wanted to push myself, meet new people and walk away with better confidence and a clearer idea of who I am. I definitely achieved that. Camp Hero showed me that meeting new people isn’t as scary as it seems and introduced me to some amazing young people who shared similar passions.
What was a defining moment during camp that shifted your perspective?
A key moment was during our group talks when everyone opened up about their struggles. Hearing others be honest made me realise that vulnerability can actually make you stronger. I’d never shared some of my own challenges before, but that environment made me confident enough to speak up.
How did Camp Hero challenge you and what did it teach you about yourself?
Camp pushed me outside my comfort zone. It made me try things I’d usually avoid and taught me that I can handle far more than I think, as long as I surround myself with the right people. I realised I can do anything I put my mind to.
What leadership lessons stayed with you after camp?
I learned that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice. It’s about listening properly, staying calm, letting others speak and being someone people can trust. If I can support others to become better leaders too, then we all win. There’s no point making just one person amazing when we can elevate many.
How did Camp Hero influence your Duke of Edinburgh journey?
Camp made me more confident to speak up and take charge in group settings. It also helped me trust my decisions, which made the Duke of Ed program feel less scary and more achievable. I found myself connecting deeply with people and having much more meaningful conversations.
What was involved in achieving your Duke of Edinburgh Award?
Across 3.5 years, I completed 200+ hours of community service, three adventurous journeys (Media Tour, Leeuwin and Canberra), learned three new skills (guitar, lighting desk and audio desk), completed 200+ hours of sport including State Tennis, and undertook a Gold Residential project, which was Camp Hero.
What was the hardest part of your Duke of Ed experience?
Definitely the Gold Residential project at Camp Hero. Five days away from home, early 4am wake ups, and learning firsthand how deeply youth suicide impacts our community was confronting, but it made me a better person.
How has Camp Hero shaped the way you support others now?
I check in on people more and try to be someone they can talk to. Camp made me want to be more helpful and present in my community. It even shifted my future career interests from commerce to psychology, because if I can help even one person, that matters to me.
Looking ahead, how do you see yourself using these skills to make a difference?
I want to step up in situations where I can help someone feel included or supported. Camp Hero and Duke of Ed taught me that nothing is too hard if you commit to it, and if I can use those skills to better my community and help people who need it, then that’s where I want to lead.
