Fourth Year Hamptonians headed to Bentley Copse for an action‑packed Duke of Edinburgh training weekend, designed to equip them with the skills and confidence needed for their upcoming expeditions.
Under the guidance of staff and experienced instructors, pupils immersed themselves in the essentials of outdoor adventure — pitching tents, packing rucksacks efficiently, navigating woodland routes, and safely operating Trangia stoves. A highlight of the weekend was the challenge of preparing and cooking their own three‑course evening meal, an exercise that encouraged teamwork, planning and resourcefulness. The campsite was soon filled with the aroma of dishes crafted from scratch, as groups worked together to demonstrate their culinary creativity.
The weekend concluded with a brisk 10‑kilometre hike through the surrounding countryside, giving Hamptonians the chance to put their new skills into practice in real expedition conditions. Spirits remained high throughout, with pupils showing determination, collaboration and plenty of good humour along the way. They even celebrated a birthday at the campsite! The training weekend provided an excellent foundation for the DofE journey ahead, leaving the Hamptonians well‑prepared — and excited — for their assessed expedition later in the year.
