Silver and Bronze expeditions
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has been running for many years here at St Augustine’s Priory, enabling students to achieve their Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. Here are the latest reports from the Silver and Bronze Award groups.
Silver Award, South Downs, Monday 3rd – Wednesday 5th July 2017
It was very hot and very sunny and the packs were very heavy. Ten students and two groups met their supervisor and assessor below Ditchling Beacon. First the kit was checked. Then the packs were weighed. I will not reveal who was thinking of carrying nearly 17kg before we emptied out the kitchen sink and microwave!
Next was the stiff climb up to the ridge and off west enjoying the lovely views, the orchids, the Iron Age forts and the chalk grassland. It was pretty tough. Navigation was hard in the heat and early starts a good idea. The girls’ attitude was wonderful and very relaxed. We were a little concerned when one group was late for a check-point; they had been having a group sleep in the sun! The campsites were atmospheric and the groups enjoyed some fine cooking on their Trangias.
The last day: the forecast was 27C and above, so the groups got up early and were off just after 7.00am. It was not easy, but the end was in sight. Ah, the delights of grassy shade at Storrington Leisure Centre. Both groups successfully completed their assessment. Well done!
Bronze Qualifying Expedition, Saturday 24th – Sunday 25th June
The sun was blistering when the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award cohort explored the lovely Chilterns, starting at the Bridgewater Monument from where you can see the skyscrapers of London. The campsite was lovely and we even had a fire in the warm evening air.
The girls demonstrated wonderful camp craft and teamwork skills and were very good on their timings. They showed great independence, maturity and resilience in overcoming some initial problems in navigation and compass work, which will set them up very well for their Silver Award next year. Well done! We also look forward to more girls qualifying for Bronze in September.
