On the morning of Saturday 6 May a group of 55 Year nine students descended on sleepy South Warwickshire to undertake their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Bronze practice expedition. After two in-school training days and a training walk in the countryside around Warwick, it was time for the teams to put their training into practice and undertake a two-day, self-guided expedition with a night of camping.
Things got off to a soggy start on Saturday morning, with heavy rain falling for most of the day, but spirits were high and the young people were smiling and keen to get underway, despite the wetness of the day. All of the groups had a really good first day with only a few minor navigational errors and everyone made it into camp by 6pm (which is a Bronze practice expedition record). The rain was still falling but did ease a little as the groups put up their tents then cooked their own dinners. Finally, by about 7.30pm the rain had stopped, allowing for some relaxation and even a bit of football amongst the participants.
The weather on Sunday morning could not have been more different as it dawned bright and sunny. After a slightly damp night the young people were cheered by the sunshine and they set off on their second day of walking in (mostly) good spirits. The temperature continued to climb all day and by early afternoon the sun was beating down, although this didn’t stop the ground being boggy underfoot after a day of heavy rain, so there were some muddy boots and legs by the end of the day. All of the groups made good time around their routes and were finished by 3pm ready to go home for a well-earned rest.
The staff from Venture Outdoor (our activity provider) were full of praise for the Bronze participants, commenting on their cheerful natures, positive attitudes, good manners and resilience. Both myself (Mrs Francis) and Miss Seymour thoroughly enjoyed taking this group out on their practice expedition and felt that they showcased their skills and enthusiasm brilliantly. We look forward to taking them out on their assessed expedition in July.
