Silver Duke of Edinburgh Expedition – Clun 21-23 May 2022

On Saturday at 06:45, sixteen students and four staff gathered at school to head off on their Practice Expedition for the Silver DofE Award.

Based on the Shropshire/Welsh border, the group arrived at their base at Chapel Lawn where they set out on their planned routes carrying all of their equipment. After routes in excess of 20km the students returned to camp, pitched their tents and began to cook their evening meal on Trangias. Exhausted from the day’s travels, the students were in bed before 10pm.

As the sun rose on Sunday morning the students made breakfast and broke camp. With smiles on their faces they headed off on another challenging route around the Welsh boarders including Offa’s Dyke. With the experience from the previous day, the students were soon finding their way and navigation was greatly improved.

The final day saw the students head off on their own without staff to test themselves on another 20km route towards Purslow. After the usual early morning hiccup, the teams began to make good time and arrived safe and well at their destination.

I am really proud of their efforts in such challenging conditions, not only with their navigational skills but also their teamwork and helping each other out, keeping spirits high. Many thanks to the staff (Miss Browne, Miss Kelly & Mr Flood) that without whom the camp could not have taken place.

Mr Saunderson
DofE Silver Co-ordinator