Earlier this month, two of our Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s groups set off to complete their expeditions. Mr Taylor, our DofE manager, tells us how our young people overcame their personal challenges and successfully completed their tasks..
Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze and Silver Expeditions ~ Dunham Massey 15th May 2019
The plan was simple. We intended to run two independent expeditions at the same time. We would be sharing common activities and a common base with different types of accommodation. This would enable the sharing of staff competencies between the groups and also support a wider range of individuals’ needs.
The students consisted of a main school Bronze group on expedition for 2 days and a Silver Learning Centre group on expedition for 3 days (having completed their practice at the Calvert Outdoor Pursuits Centre earlier in the year).
Activities were based around accessible country parks in Cheshire and accommodation was at the Dunham Park scout camp, where they had generously let us have the full run of the site, as well as letting us have use of the larger bunkhouse.
After a lot of packing up, both groups set off for the magnificent setting of Dunham Massey where the students followed their own trails within the grounds. Wandering herds of deer gave an almost safari like feel to the journey (some of which were so bold that students could almost be within touching distance)..
Returning to the campsite, the teams put up their tents..
Out came the camping stoves and food was prepared..
After tea a purpose built area was found that enabled a camp fire to be lit where marshmallows were toasted and the groups talked of their day..
The following day saw both groups setting off to Tatton Park to explore a similar grand situation. As the previous day, the weather was once more bright and sunny and the shade on routes was sought to make the going a bit easier. The open expanses and lakes of Tatton provided contrast to the closer feel of Dunham Massey..
As the Bronze group then headed back to New Bridge, the Silver group would return to camp for a second night, this time in the bunkhouse. The final day was spent at Bramhall Hall exploring the grounds and the amazing black and white mansion house, before returning back to the Learning Centre.
Well done to all our young people who completed this very special challenge. Also a massive thanks to all the staff who made this most challenging of our expeditions such a success.
Gavin Taylor
DofE Manager
Well done everyone on your fantastic expeditions! Once again, we’re very grateful to our wonderful staff for supporting and encouraging our young people – these expeditions wouldn’t be possible without them.
You can view even more pictures of the expeditions in our Facebook album here and you can find out more about the DofE Award Scheme at New Bridge here and read about all our previous expeditions.
