The Shell year group set off for their World challenge Expedition to Buxton after lunch on Friday. We were slightly apprehensive due to the extreme weather warnings which were circulating in the news, but I had faith in the Expedition Leader who had led previous trips and who is extremely experienced in this field.

On arriving at Barnswood Scout Camp near Buxton in sunshine, we transported our kit and then the 3 groups set straight into their task of deciding what they would need to eat for the weekend. 3 from the group of 11 were tasked to go to the super market with the shopping list with a budget of £60 and buy all the food that the group would have for the expedition. That comprised of 2x evening meals, 2x breakfasts, 2x packed lunches.

Whilst the ‘shoppers’ were away, the rest of the group were instructed on how to put the tents up. A tented village soon appeared and then instruction was given on the use of the trangia stoves. With the food back in camp, the groups set about cooking their first meal. Various pasta meals were produced and the teams were really starting to work together. Washing up was the last team task of the night before, after a good exploration of the camp, everyone went into their tents and eventually settled down to sleep.

The morning was an early one with the first awake at around 4.30am shortly followed by everyone else! The stoves were soon out and the smell of bacon wafted around the camp. The activities of the day were explained which involved a short minibus trip to ‘The Roaches’ where adventure trekking, rescue scenarios and weaselling followed. The weather was kinder than expected although we had plenty of showers. Weaselling proved the highlight of the day which involved squeezing through small gaps between boulders and then clambering over them and sliding down them. The activity was, I suppose, like caving but above ground. Everyone got muddy and wet but did not want the session to end. The rescue scenario was alarmingly real as one of the group was told to drop behind on the trek and then hide in the bracken with a feigned injury. When the group realised that they had lost one of their members, a slight panic set in before a search was organised. When the ‘casualty’ was located, the group had to decide and then were instructed on what appropriate action should take place.
This was a very real scenario and I am sure that the children learned a huge amount.

During all of the activities there were constant ‘Review Sessions’ and these to me were the most interesting aspect of the expedition. It was amazing how quickly the group were able to analyse not only the conduct of others and the group as a whole, but also their own behaviour and how that impacted on others. I think the personal development of the children is most in evidence in situations such as these.
The final activity of the day was a quiz taking place during a shower under a ‘Kazou’ which is a parachute like improvised shelter.
The second night was far longer with tired bodies taking to their tents earlier and rising far later. After a hearty breakfast, the groups set about cleaning and clearing up the camp before a lot of the skills that had been learned on the previous day were put to the test with a longer scenario and detailed review.

The enthusiasm and maturity that was in evidence throughout the entire weekend was very impressive. Conditions were not ideal but in a way they only served to improve the whole experience. I am sure that all of those who took part will not only have hugely enjoyed the experience, but will also have benefited significantly in terms of their personal development.

Nigel Richardson