We are really excited to have two Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award groups this year - one walking and one canoeing. During the Easter holiday, both groups went on their practice expeditions in the Peak District.
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Mrs Georgina Brocklehurst, our Duke of Edinburgh's Award co-ordinator reports:
Having an expedition at the beginning of Easter meant we had to prepare for all weathers. The Peak District can be challenging , so the girls knew they were going to have an adventure. During their training the walkers spent time in the Roaches and on Bamford Moor navigating off piste, working through emergency scenarios including losing a person and transporting a person too injured to walk. The girls extended their micro navigation skills too and became more proficient at relating map to land. Fortunately, being aware that the weather may be inclement, we stayed at a bunkhouse for the first two nights, the comfort of beds and showers and a pub meal were welcomed by all. The canoeing team had had to do a capsize drill on their first day - it was hilarious seeing their reactions as they came out of the water - reminded me of Tigger! Both groups were great fun to accompany.
By the Monday the comfort for the groups was over as they began their expeditions. All the way to Leicester for the canoeing team, and across to Llangsett Reservoir for their start. The weather was a tad chilly, and the threat of rain was in the air.
Mrs Jackson and David kept an eye on the progress of the canoeists from afar, and took some lovely photos, whilst Mrs Wilson and I could only check our walkers at camp. Their positive attitude and sense of adventure did not falter as they set up camp and wrapped up warm.
At Kinder Scout the walkers met with a head on wind, snow and hail....no, we are not preparing for a trip to the North Pole, just the Breacons! With tents looking as though a bag of polystyrene beds had burst over it, the girls were set for an early night. The canoeing team were now closer to Nottingham, their final destination.
The last day both teams made great progress - the current and weather were king to the canoeing team. We ended the day at a camping barn and with a meal in the local pub before finishing planning for the assessed expedition and the long journey home.
My fantastic team, Mrs Mary Wilson, Mrs Katja Jackson and Mr David Earles were a great support to both me and the girls. We all had a memorable time and look forward to the Assessed Expedition in July.