Practice Camp for Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE)

Our adventurous DofE students undertook a practice camp during a weekend in mid May. It was a chance to participate in a fun-filled and challenging range of activities.
The weekend began with students assembling tents for a couple of hours before setting off for their first walk, a 4km hike partly along the River Wye during a sunny lunchtime.

Once back on campus, students underwent basic first aid training, learned about the Countryside Code and were taught how to use the Trangia stove. 




After a few hours break, everyone returned for an evening campfire which included toasting marshmallows and Halloumi, playing music and celebrating student Dylan's 18th Birthday.



After a night in their tents, students made their own breakfast of sausages, bacon and fried eggs on the stove. Then tents were put away before participating in one final activity - a longer 8km walk which took in both the River Wye and the River Lugg.

The camp aimed to encourage and help students build confidence, resilience and social skills, all while enjoying the outdoors.

The sun was shining and the weather stayed dry and warm for the entire weekend, although the temperature did drop for sleeping outdoors.

The camp really demonstrated the benefits of outdoor activities and thanks to our volunteers Kevin, Pippa and Steve who were a great to support to staff and students. 

For more photos of the activities, click here.