Last weekend our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Bronze group finally had the chance to do their assessed expedition. It should have taken place in September 2020, but was postponed due to the lockdowns and travel restrictions until now.
Fifty-five students, all loaded up with tents, stoves and kit in their massive rucksacks, set off to complete their 10k minimum distances in the Cotswolds countryside and the cool and cloudy weather conditions made for perfect walking weather.
The groups made good progress on their first morning, showing that even with a gap of eight months, they had mostly retained their navigation skills. Over the course of the day there were a few navigational ‘detours’ but all of the groups made it to the campsite eventually (some a little later than others!).
They got busy putting up their tents and cooking their evening meals. Mobile phones were not allowed on the expedition so the young people occupied themselves with playing games of football, catch and Frisbee, and there were several Uno tournaments. Later in the evening Mrs Francis and Mrs Roberts provided an open fire and marshmallows for toasting.
Day two dawned bright and sunny before turning overcast and slightly drizzly, good conditions for walking. The groups were up early and raring to go, with the first group leaving site just after 8am. The weather soon turned very hot and sunny, which did affect the speed and progress of some groups, but they soldiered on and all of the young people maintained a really positive attitude throughout the day.
Finally, groups started to appear at their final end points in Moreton-in-Marsh and Long Compton. They were tired, footsore and a bit sunburnt, but they all seems to enjoy their weekend and the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition.
Our expedition leader James Vann from Venture Outdoor was particularly impressed with the young people from Myton, complimenting them on their behaviour, manners and positive attitudes.
All in all, it was an excellent expedition and all who participated should be proud of themselves, they are now in the final stages of completing their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Many thanks to all the Myton staff who took part in the expedition including Miss Patel, Miss Cossey and Mrs Roberts.
– Mrs Francis, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Co-ordinator
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