Behind the Blazers A4

During an overcast weekend in
March, 97 intrepid Year 10 students
carried out their Bronze practice
expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh
Award. Arriving at their base for the
weekend in a fine drizzle, Waddecar
Scout Camp looked positively
welcoming as the instructors from
the Sam Sykes company introduced
themselves to the groups. It was a
quick start as everyone was
immediately busy erecting tents and
sorting out their gear. Once this was
complete each group set off on an
exploratory walk around the
magnificent surroundings of the
Forest of Bowland.
interesting choices of hill snacks and
without a fast food outlet in sight
everyone soon began to appreciate the
benefits of cereal bars and snacks.
Back at camp everyone was busy
cooking a variety of noodle based
meals. There were some notable
culinary masterclasses from the likes
of Will Gerry and Georgia Williamson.
Seasoned pros such as James Watson
and Charlotte Mann quickly set the pace
with some interesting concoctions. The
evening was spent planning routes for the
assessed expedition that takes place in
September. All 97 students did really well
and coped with the challenges that they
faced individually and as a team.
Day two involved some more
navigation and map work and all of
the groups experienced carrying full
rucksacks with all the kit needed to
sustain themselves for a full
weekend. There were some
STRETFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL MAGAZINE 25