The Duke of Edinburgh Training Expedition took place on 16th to 17th July. We travelled early Sunday morning to East Grinstead. All students came prepared and ready to take on the challenge.

After a briefing and making sure their rucksacks were packed, they sat off to Blacklands Farm. The first students arrived at about 5:30pm with smiles and sore feet. They sat up camp and started preparing their dinner. They did this with care and teamwork, making sure everyone had a good dinner. Someone did make the comment: “This is the best meal and I am so happy."

At about 9:30pm, they enjoyed some down time and the last songs and chatter ended at about midnight when the campsite went silent.

The next morning, by 8:30am everybody had breakfast and rucksacks were packed and they set off. They last team arrived at about 15:00 at the end point in Balcombe Village.

Comments that I received from the instructors were how mature they were, fantastic communication with each other, great camaraderie. When challenging situations came up they worked through it and cheered each other. 

I know that after all the aches and pains have disappeared, they will realise how much they have accomplished. 

I would like to thank the parents of this group for their continued support. I am so proud of this group, and I look forward to supporting them in completing their Bronze Award. The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award assessment expedition takes place in September 2023

Ms H Baatjies, Duke of Edinburgh Award Co-ordinator