Mr Lingard had arranged everything, so Miss Erasmus was in the fortunate position of enjoying the day along with the boys! We met Ian, Russell and Rhys from Campfire Wild Adventures by the river and everyone got to know each other during a fun game. Following this, the bell tents were erected by the boys, under careful supervision and guidance, of course. The Pilgrims’ staff were impressed with the boys’ adherence to instructions and willingness to be involved in their tent’s construction. 

Naturally, camouflage had to come into the experience and much hilarity and amusement ensued as many used earth to become really, really mucky and as inconspicuous as they could!  

After an early lunch and a game of mutated hide and seek, in which the instructors used a decreasing countdown for each round and had to be high-fived before the boys could hide, we all trooped happily down to Wolvesey. There, even more nature-inspired games took place, including a hunter and prey never-ending chase challenge, team dart throwing and a tongue-twister type tournament! 

We were all looking forward to lighting fires, so when Ian explained how fire changed the lives of early peoples, we were rapt and fascinated by the history and science of this essential phenomenon, created by nature and harnessed by humans. Each pupil lit a cotton wool ball using flint and steel, under strict supervision. It wasn’t easy, but each boy managed thanks to admirable concentration. Firewood was then collected and prepared, before the fire was lit and a pot put atop to heat the fajita filling thoroughly for supper.  

Following supper, it seemed a fitting time to build dens as though we really were bedding down for the night in the bush! Teams used a limited amount of sheeting, rope and improvised pegs to make a structure that would, hopefully, withstand the onslaught of a spontaneous and unexpected storm of rain (water thrown from a large receptacle!) Ian and Russell were very impressed with the boys’ den-making skills, noting that there worked well in teams and constructed their shelters with more speed and skill than many older children they’d worked with. Digby’s knot technique won particular praise. Thank you, Mrs Walker, for all those Forest School transferable skills. 

By this time, the boys were beginning to grow weary (or perhaps that was just the staff) and we all wended our way back up to the riverside. The boys enjoyed hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows; a scary (and hilarious) story, some riddles and more fun before it was time, as the new moon glowed in the clear night sky, to brush teeth and head into tents for the night. 

Eventually, some boys got some sleep. The same can’t be said of Mr Lingard and Mr Halliday, who stayed up and began their Friday at 5am! 

Breakfasted and changed, Year 3 helped take the tents down and waved a fond farewell to Ian and Russell. What an experience! 

Anne Erasmus
Year 3 Teacher