The intrepid Duke of Edinburgh Award students undertook their Qualifying Adventurous Journey over Sunday and Monday. Carrying all of their equipment for the two days, including tents, poles, pegs, first aid kits, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, all their food, stoves, pans, clothing, first aid kit and more the students were divided into 4 teams and then dropped off at a remote location (we could see the end of the Caminito del Rey not far away). There, they had to complete the route card and take the maps to navigate themselves across some rugged terrain to the campsite. It was a tough, hilly seven-hour hike, which they undertook as a team, finding their way along the route, through checkpoints to refill water and check in with a member of staff. Once at the campsite, they set up camp and cooked their meals in teams before settling down to a well-earned few hours of sleep. The next day began with breakfast, taking down tents, repacking their rucksacks and preparing the route cards, before each team set off for the second day’s hike, to another remote location somewhere in the region of Ardales, where they met the bus to return to school.
Was it an incredible and unforgettable experience? Definitely. Were the students pushed to their physical limits? 100%. Were the students pushed to their emotional limits? Yes. Did 1 group get lost? Maybe! Did we encounter some angry bees? Unfortunately! Did the students learn to work as a team, helping each other through the barriers? Undoubtably.
The journey is more than just a physical challenge, it is a life experience, and we were proud to see all the students rise to the challenge.
Our heartfelt thanks also go to Steve and Cliodhna who trained, encouraged and monitored the groups.
