They say fortune favours the brave, and that was how it turned out for the forty Year 10 students who ventured down to the New Forest to complete their practice expedition for their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. The weather and scenery were almost unrelentingly glorious, as was the mood in the camp, despite the effect of the heat during the walks, one of which was twenty Km with a full backpack on, and that is without getting lost! If the first campsite was a little on the noisy side, being adjacent to a busy road, the second site on the edge of Ashurst, and a stone’s throw from Lyndhurst, was beautiful, quiet and spacious. Indeed, after supper, some of the students exploited the freedom and explored the area – everybody had a wonderful time, possibly with the exception of Zara F. and Zara C. who both managed to fall into a bog, resulting in them looking reminiscent of participants of a well-known, and often rain drenched festival. The instructors were extremely complimentary of the pupils in general and made a point of telling me how impressed they had been with some of the navigating by Sam, Oliver, Max and Freddie, among others. Daniel entertained the troops with his brand of rapping, as did the frisbee, American football, Mr. Chuter, Mr. Martin and much else – it was a magical three days away from the hustle and bustle that I hope will be fondly remembered for years to come.
There was also success on the water where the nine canoeists travelled up to Runways End Outdoor Centre for three days of endurance work and laughter. Mr Shetzer, who gave up his weekend, informs me that they were all model students who enjoyed a thoroughly good time together.
Both groups can now look forward to their final expedition in July when hopefully they will all pass, learn, build friendships and create even more happy and occasionally character building memories!
A Leadbetter, Societies Coordinator, Head of Lyons