The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award expeditions took place in the Carleton Rode / Bunwell area over the weekend of 5/6 July, with overnight camping at the Baptist Chapel in Carleton Rode

Having arrived at the Baptist church, each team had a 'kit-check' and route overview, before starting their expedition. The 4 teams, comprising of 27 students in total, set off on a warm sunny Saturday morning to follow their previously planned routes. They navigated their way along minor roads, footpaths and bridleways, with a couple of teams needing to find alternative routes where overgrowth and/or main-made barriers blocked their path at certain points. 

After completing at least 6 hours of walking and activity, the teams arrived at their overnight camp location. On arrival, they set up 'camp' working in their teams to pitch their tents and cook their evening meal outside.

Having finished their evening meal and done their washing up and tidying away, the evening was theirs to relax. Some students played a game of cricket, using an improvised cricket bat, whilst others just chatted and enjoyed spending time with friends on a beautifully warm evening, ending with a glorious sunset.

With weather reports suggesting that significant rain was moving in, the supervisors suggested that an early start in the morning would b.e a good idea. The teams were up before 6:00 am ready to cook their breakfast and pack all of their kit away, ready to leave by 8:00 am.

Fortunately the anticipated downpour and thunderstorms never arrived, with just one sharp shower, lasting probably no more than 15 minutes and some light rain. By the time the teams reached their final destination on Sunday afternoon, it was sunny once again.

Following a de-brief and chat with the assessors, the students were all told they had passed the expedition, with some excellent navigational skills, camp-craft and teamwork being shown. Students also took away with them some valuable life-skills and some points for things that they could do differently another time.

Following an anonymous poll, 18 of the 27 students said they would be interested in doing their Silver Award in the new academic year. They just need to complete the other sections of their Bronze Award - skills, volunteering and physical - before they can take on the next level.

Huge congratulations to all the students involved. They did themselves and the Academy proud!