After changing into home clothes and bringing their gear to the riverside, the instructors – Alice and Russell – along with the ever energetic and patient trip organiser, Mr Lingard, showed the boys how to erect their bell tents. There were three tents and, in their groups, the boys managed to follow the guidance and get them to stay up securely. First job done. 

Next, we made our way down to the school paying fields, which was to be our base until the evening. It was time for a delicious al fresco lunch (thank you to Sam Birks and her Catering Team) before building shelters. Russell showed different methods of building shelters and the group discussed the merits of each, whether they would stand up to the wind and rain and keep the occupants warm. Each team made their own shelter, using a tarpaulin, a rope, fallen wood, leaves and grasses. Then came the big test – would the boys stay dry whilst inside their tent when Alice poured water over the top! I am pleased to report that both shelters were fully waterproof. Well made, boys! 

The group then played lots and lots of outdoor games with Alice, such as ‘Ultimate Tag’ before learning how to make and light camp fires using different techniques. This also served the purpose of, a little while later, lighting the fire pits, so they were ready, when glowing, to cook the burgers on. We cooked and ate a fabulous supper of burgers, cheese, potato and green salad all with lashings of ketchup! The boys had been vigilant with their hydration all day and managed fruit and a couple of treats along the way as well. The biggest treat was saved for when we got back to the tents later in the evening. Russell and Alice set up a fire, over which we all toasted marshmallows and enjoyed the gooey, sticky sweetness.  

After a packed day, in the fresh (thankfully dry) air, it was time to brush teeth, hop into pyjamas and settle down for a good night’s sleep. All was quiet – ish until just after dawn, when the first of the campers emerged. Russell and Alice provided an energy-charged breakfast of coco-pops and pancakes for the boys to enjoy after they’d dressed and, once more, brushed their teeth. There was one more job left, packing the tents away, which Y3 undertook cheerfully, after a demonstration. 

All the boys agreed that it had been an epic adventure, one they will never forget. We are so proud of their enthusiasm, willingness to take part and cheerfulness that is still evident as we write this on Friday morning. An enormous thank you must go to Alice and Russel, Mr Liingard and Mr Reid for their organisation and for providing such a character-building, interesting and exciting experience for some of the youngest members of the Pilgrims’ community. 

• Oliver said, “I LOVED the trip! It was SO much fun!” 
• Dev comments, “It was the MOST fun! Staying overnight in a tent, at your school!” 
•  “My favourite part was when we played the game, trying to get the lucky keys without being spotted!” Samuel reports. 
• Teddy remarked, “It was the BEST camping trip, EVER!” 
• Aarav says, “I liked sleeping, and the food was really yummy. I also really enjoyed all the bushcraft.” 

Anne Erasmus and Karen Blair 
Year 3 Teachers