Our Duke of Edinburgh was a challenging yet fun experience, which we can all safely say we won’t be forgetting any time soon. The expedition helped bring out many aspects of ourselves, like determination, resilience and teamwork. Before we set out each day our instructors would remind us of dangers in order to keep us all safe, for example, busy roads, sheep and hypothermia. Luckily none of us were going to be suffering from hypothermia due to the sun deciding to make an appearance and we didn’t happen to come across any sheep: cows, but not sheep. Our water was an essential for us, I think we refilled our bottles about 3/4 times each day, so be sure to bring your bottles. The instructors did have water to refill our bottles so don’t overpack water bottles, just enough to keep you going for about 1-2 hours. Food was also very important, and definitely kept us going on the first day, when we got hopelessly lost. Again, don’t overpack, because you will have to carry it with you.
Unlike the practice we didn’t have to put up our tents in the pouring rain and thunder, but we were putting it up in the dark due to being late back to camp (after walking in circles for about 3 or 4 hours). It was considerably easier without the rain and helped put them up quickly and effectively.
For us, it was incredibly important to keep trying to look on the positive side (although it wasn’t always easy) and helping each other as it helped us continue through Clumber Park, and the many similar paths of Sherwood Forest.
Overall, it was and enjoyable experience (but maybe ask the year 9s in a week’s time when our feet have recovered) and will give us many memories to look back on.
Libby-Mae 9APO
