May 19, 2023

Duke of Edinburgh bronze qualifying expedition

Last week, 27 boys in Year 10 walked 31 km over two days and also camped overnight in Kielder Forest. For many this was the first time they had packed everything they needed to survive outdoors into a backpack which they then carried for two days.

Each of the five teams had to navigate their way around a myriad of forest tracks. The weather was on their side but the walkers had to cope with hot conditions on Saturday afternoon. When asked at the finish what kit they had not used, many mentioned spare clothes and food. One boy had enough spare food to feed his team for a week!

The Gordon Ramsay campsite cooker award went to a tent group in Team Charlie which laid on a three course dinner including chocolate pudding and then served up pancakes for breakfast. Many mentioned cooking and eating as the best moment of the expedition, some selected the evening fire circle gathering.

All 27 participants passed their bronze expedition section and now have to complete the other three sections – Volunteering, Physical and Skills – in order to qualify for the Bronze award.

Congratulations to them, and thanks to the Simonside Outdoor Adventure instructors, Martin Simpson and Allan Moore, and to the NSB member of staff, Mr Drax.