The day after their saner friends had left to swan off on their summer holidays, sixty-odd intrepid Bronze candidates returned to school to undertake their Bronze expedition. Fortune rewarded their dedication with two days of glorious weather showing off the scenery and wildlife of the Surrey Hills. All that was missing was a little Vaughan Williams burbling in the background for conditions to be a pastiche of an English Summer.

 

Inevitably some found the going tougher than others, either as a result of the physical demands placed on them while carrying a full pack, or else by the arcane skill of navigation. Feet softened by weeks of good weather and light shoes were also rather prone to blisters induced by the concrete-like ground. However, everyone eventually made it in and was duly passed by their assessor, once the tents were dried and put away, the trangias cleaned and a brief presentation made on the groups’ findings during the project phase of the expedition. 

 

Everyone involved is to be congratulated on their achievement and I am delighted that many of the pupils have said they will be back for more next year and have enrolled for their Silver Award.

 

Dr Simon Young

Head of Outdoor Education