A huge group of sixty Bronze Award candidates managed to complete their practice expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award over the weekend of April 26-27th. Given the numbers involved we split the group into two parties aiming for different campsites. The weather held off and provided ideal walking conditions, sunny, but not too hot. Nature was clearly on our side for once, as the woodlands through which we were walking were resplendent in blankets of anemones and bluebells. 

 

Initially many of the groups found things rather hard going and a degree of “geographical embarrassment” ensued. However, soon most groups got the idea of actually looking at the map and relating it to the ground over which they were walking. For many this concept seemed to be novel, but its value began to be appreciated after a few detours carrying heavy rucksacks!

 

A hot meal and a rest soon put the spring back into everyone’s step and by bed time spirits were revived. This led to a degree of confusion about the exact meaning of “Shut up, turn your torches off and go to sleep”, but translation into Anglo-Saxon by the staff seemed to clear things up eventually. 

 

Sunday saw slightly less predictable weather and the odd heavy shower. The chaps were given greater autonomy, which they put to good use by getting lost with less help from the staff. However, everyone eventually made it back to Cranleigh, the tents hung up to dry and the Trangias cleaned, before dispersal to much-needed baths and showers. 

 

Many lessons were learned and I look forward to seeing if they have been remembered when we go out for our assessed expedition at the end of term. Fingers crossed.

 

SAHY

Head of Outdoor Education