Duke of Edinburgh Award

Bronze Award Expedition

By Sarah Brocklehurst

On the weekend of 4th-5th July half of the current year 11 participants completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh qualifier expedition. There were 6 groups ranging from 4-7 people per group and there was an equal mix of boys and girls.

They had an early start on Saturday walking from Ardingly reservoir to Blacklands farm activity centre. The teams finished in great times. Spirits were high, not just in my group but round the whole campsite -students and teachers.

After the groups had finished the walking for day 1 they pitched their tents and began to enjoy a range of sports activities well set up by the teachers on the trip. After the much enjoyed sports everyone sat down to cook their mouthwatering meals; four cheese ravioli with tomato sauce, sausages and even sweet and sour pork with rice. After the relaxing meals most people started to play sports again with others just sitting down and relaxing.

From my personal opinion I think the 1st day was so good because the weather was great but mainly because the teachers; Mr. Blair, Mr. Bailey, Mr. Keller, Mr. McLoughlin, Mr. Varley and finally the newly wedded Mrs. Hamilton had brought with them a wide range of sports equipment. Not only did they bring it, but they also joined in!

After what was for most a good night's sleep we awoke at 5:45am. The sun was shining and people were eager to get their breakfast and for the second day of walking. Yet again everyone's food was restaurant quality - well almost! Once fed, everyone started to dismantle their tents ready for the day's walk.

The first group to leave had the privilege of leaving at 7:10 am and the groups followed shortly after at 10 minute intervals. The route for day 2 was from Blacklands farm back to Ardingly reservoir, but this time it was a much more direct route so didn't take as long. The first group to finish got to the reservoir at an astonishing rate, achieving it in 2 hours and 8 minutes closely followed by group 2 at 2 hours 14 minutes. Even after walking for two days with two early starts on both days, spirits were still very high and the pleasure of finishing made it higher.

We were all really grateful to Mr. Keller for the massive effort he must have put into organising it all and ensuring it ran smoothly. All in all a great Bronze Expedition in my opinion!

By Henry Kraus, Year 11