This past weekend, our students took part in an exciting Campcraft Weekend as part of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DoE) programme, and what an unforgettable experience it was!
From the moment they arrived, there was a real buzz of excitement. Students were ready to challenge themselves, learn new skills, and most importantly, have fun outdoors together.
One of the first challenges was pitching their own tents. Working in small groups, students unpacked poles, figured out instructions, and collaborated to get their shelters standing strong. There was some creative problem-solving along the way with the gusts of wind, but that was all part of the learning. By the end of the session, every team had successfully built their tent, and the sense of accomplishment was clear on their faces.
A highlight of the day was cooking their own meals using Trangia camping stoves. For many students, this was their first time preparing food independently outdoors. They carefully set up their cooking stations, learned how to use the equipment safely, and worked together to prepare warm and satisfying meals. Various pasta and rice dishes were cooked and outside was filled with delicious smells and proud smiles. Students quickly realized that outdoor cooking requires patience, organization, and teamwork, but the results were worth it.
Navigation skills are also a key part of the DoE journey, and students took part in an engaging map reading workshop. They learned how to interpret map symbols, understand scale, and practice basic route planning. What could have been just a classroom-style session turned into an interactive and hands-on experience, with students eagerly testing their new skills in a short quiz followed by some route planning practice. Confidence grew as they began to understand how maps and the use of compasses can guide real adventures.
Beyond the practical skills, what truly stood out was the enthusiasm and positivity of the students. They embraced every challenge, supported one another, and showed resilience when things didn’t go perfectly the first time. Laughter echoed, friendships strengthened, and students left feeling proud of what they had achieved. The campcraft weekend was not only great preparation for future DoE expeditions, it was also a wonderful reminder that learning outside the classroom can be inspiring, empowering, and incredibly fun.
We are all very proud of their effort, energy, and adventurous spirit. We can’t wait to see them continue their DoE journey!
