This year’s senior camp was held at the Bragger’s Wood Scout Campsite in the New Forest.  We’d previously visited this site in 2014, so it was new to all the children who visited.

As ever, the programme was hectic, but had some real highlights.  Five groups completed their practice Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, Mr Hulett’s mountain biking trips went down well (as did his legendary breakfasts), we had groups doing Canoe Trips from Hengistbury Head, Giant Stand Up Paddle Boarding (in which we all got to see Ms Sahakian’s surfing skills) and Coasteering on the Isle of Purbeck. Thursday saw groups hiking from Corfe Castle, Crabbing in Swanage Harbour and Mackerel Fishing (Mr Appleyard’s group exceeded 120 fish).  The Camp finished off on Friday with an early start followed by a 3 hour ‘Battlefield Live’ laser shooting experience where all the children got shot by Mr Fletcher and Mr Burden acting as very effective snipers, whilst trying to accomplish slightly strange missions such as storming each other’s bases.

The Heritage Senior Camp is designed to challenge the children in ways which are not possible in the classroom.  We aim to make memories which will last into adulthood and allow children to develop leadership skills, resilience and practical skills such as navigation and cooking.  

It would not be possible to deliver the camp without the tremendous team of adult helpers, both Teachers and Parents who give up a comfortable bed and much sleep to deliver the programme.  This year’s team comprised (in alphabetical order) Mr Appleyard, Mr Bell, Mr Buchanan, Mr Burden, Mr Duckworth, Mr Fletcher, Mr Hulett, Dr. Martin, Mrs Puckett, Ms Sahakian, Mrs Zaldua.

Thanks also to Mrs Taylor and Mrs Buchanan in the School Office, who help with the enormous admin associated with the camp.

Finally, we want to make every camp better than the last, so if you are willing to provide feedback please request a link to a ‘Survey Monkey’ survey by emailing JonathonJCBell@outlook.com.

Outdoor education is a priority at Heritage. Last week, Years 5 and 6 went away for four days and three nights to an outdoor centre in the Peak District National Park. We have been using this centre for six years now. Pupils, staff and parent helpers sleep in tents but make use of a excellent kitchen and dining hall facilities for meals. We arrived on Tuesday afternoon and set up tents in light rain! The pupils had time to explore the site and play in the woods before supper, after which we played wide games. On Wednesday pupils alternated between caving in Stoney Middleton and rock climbing on Stanage Edge. The evening included a session on survival skills, particularly fire lighting. Mr Catley also provided exciting wood craft opportunities for pupils, including whittling sticks and making whistles during free times. On Thursday the conditions were perfect for a day hike out of Edale along the Pennine Way up Jacob’s Ladder, then along the edge of Kinder Scout and down Grindsbrook Clough back to Edale. Having lunch among the Wool Packs and playing in Grindsbrook were highlights. Friday saw us pack up before a final game of capture the flag and the return drive to Cambridge. All in all, an outstanding week where pupils could embrace new challenges, while enjoying being outdoors and having fun with friends.