The Silver Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award expedition was a three-day, two-night journey that took our group across the beautiful New Forest National Park. As a team of six, we set out with our aim: to prepare a presentation on morale during the expedition. Armed with our self-annotated maps and experience from the practice expedition, we were ready to take on the journey that would take us on a scenic round- trip. The small moments along the way made it memorable. Setting off with our fully-loaded rucksacks, we made our way out of Lyndhurst at fast pace, fuelled by anticipation and adrenaline. Our route led us towards Pondhead Farm. As we walked, we began to recall much of what we learned over the course of the practice expeditionnore than six months prior: navigating with the map, keeping morale high, and maintaining a steady pace. As we walked, it turned out that we had gone completely the wrong way. After what felt like half an hour in the rain, as we desperately tried to decipher what went so wrong, we turned the opposite direction, cutting through a plain. It was at this point the group’s morale plummeted. We managed to reach the campsite when the rain had ceased, and we then hurriedly pitched our tents so that we could have shelter from the imminent storm. Moments later, the inevitable downpour struck. ‘Waterproofs! You can’t go outside without waterproofs!’ our instructor yelled ‘Waterproofs! You can’t go outside without waterproofs!’ Our instructor yelled, a quote that still makes us laugh. One of the best parts of the experience was working together as a team. It’s an experience I’d definitely recommend. ◎
by Ollie Malizia, Year 11
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THE ALLEYNIAN 713
CCF & DOFE
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