The penultimate weekend of term saw twelve CCF cadets take to the valleys and fells of the Lake District in order to complete the expedition phase of their Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Eight cadets in O Block, fresh from the exam halls, undertook their three day Silver expedition. Their first night saw one group wild camping at Dock Tarn and the second, after a navigational moment, wild camping somewhere near Blea Tarn. Conditions were challenging with the cadets employing every tool in their navigation tool belt to make progress across the very wet fells.
On the second day both groups crossed Watendlath Fell in changeable weather conditions, descending into, and then crossing, the Thirlmere valley, before finally completing an already tough day summiting St Sunday Crag before arriving at camp in Glenridding. The final day of the expedition saw both groups travel to Howtown via Boredale Hause in ever warming weather.
Both groups arrived in Pooley Bridge on the Ullswater Steamer to meet their assessor for the final time. Needless to say both groups passed with flying colours. I am sure that they will look back on the experience with pleasure.
Meanwhile, the CCF Gold group on a four day expedition impressed their external assessor with their teamwork, navigational skills and all-round character, in investigating the wildlife of the Lakes as they journeyed 40 miles. CSM Matthews (U6A), SSgt Welch (L6S) and Sgt Rayfield (U6F) deserve credit for executing the entire DofE Gold award (the assessed expedition being the final link in the 5-phase Gold programme), on top of their committed service to the CCF. Well done indeed.
GL
Posted on
Thu, June 30, 2011
by GL